making a little snug party. Mr. Nott and my dear
sister I have secured, and make no doubt of gaining
a few others. Is not this a delightful scheme?
"I have played for one charity since I have been here (I am at Cork, I should tell you), and am to play for another to-morrow—your favourite Zara, in the Mourning Bride. I am extremely happy that you like your little companion so well [alluding to a miniature of herself she had sent him]. I have sat to a young man in this place, who has made a small full-length of me in Isabella, upon the first entrance of Biron. You will think this an arduous undertaking, but he has succeeded to admiration. I think it more like me than any I have ever yet seen. I am sure you would have been delighted with it. I never was so well in my life as I have been in Ireland; but, God be praised, I shall set out for dear England next Tuesday.
"This letter has been begun this month, and finished by a line or two at a time, so you'll find it a fine scrawl, and I am still so mere a matter-of-fact body as to despair of giving you the least entertainment. I can boast no other claim to the honour and happiness of your correspondence than a very sincere affection for you both, joined with the most perfect esteem for your most amiable qualities and great talent. Say all that's kind for me to my dear Mrs. W, and believe me, ever your most affectionate
"I hope you will give me the pleasure of hearing from you soon."
"For God's sake, my dear friends, pray for my
