Again, later:—
Many thanks for your letter just received and for all the kind wishes therein contained, which I most warmly return for you all—a double portion to dear Taily in honour of her birthday.
I will come on the 8th if I possibly can, and bring some little sketches to show you.
I shall exhibit this year IF I get done in time, but I can't hurry—it is entirely immaterial whether I exhibit or not—I would rather, of course.
We have begun drilling, but it will be many weeks before we get to rifle-shooting—this is the sort of thing we are doing now. Our uniform is plainness itself, all grey, and the cheapest in London.
I weather the cold so-so—I have a gas-stove beside my fireplace, but am still tolerably cold when it comes very sharp.
My dinner with Millais was put off till Monday next—I think Millais charming and so handsome.
I am exceedingly sorry, dear Mamma, you have reckoned on me for cotillon figures—with the exception of the one I led at Bath once, I have not seen one for years, and have not the faintest notion what is done—I will, however, back anybody else with great zeal.
I was indeed truly sorry to hear of Lord Holland's death—I had expected it for some time; nothing could exceed their kindness to me, and the House is an irreparable loss to me.
I hope to have a very merry Christmas Day. I am running down to Westbury (the Sartoris); there is to be a tree; I come up again of course Monday morning.