I hope that these lines will affect you as sympathetically as yours have made me happy.
Farewell, and be always assured of my responsive love.
Your
RICHARD W.
It would be a good omen if this letter were to reach you on your birthday.
272.
VENICE, October 23rd, 1858.
After I had settled with R. on the 21st that we were to congratulate you jointly on your birthday, he came to me on the 22nd and told me that he had just sent you a telegram. By way of revenge I ordered a dinner with oysters and champagne in the Square of St. Mark, to which a military band played the overture of "Rienzi" most excellently. We drank your health and clinked our glasses, and had a most pleasant evening.
Of this I send you documentary evidence by this letter.
Your