“Don’t mind this being a queer letter. I am in haste, and taken up by visitors, condolers, &c. God bless you.
“Mary is a little cut at the ill success of ‘Mr. H.,’ which came out last night and failed. I know you’ll be sorry, but never mind. We are determined not to be cast down. I am going to leave off tobacco, and then we must thrive. A smoking man must write smoky farces.
“Mary is pretty well, but I persuaded her to let me write. We did not apprize you of the coming out of ‘Mr. H.,’ for fear of ill luck. You were much better out of the house. If it had taken, your partaking of our good luck would have been one of our greatest joys. As it is, we shall expect you at the time you mentioned. But whenever you come you shall be most welcome.
“Mary is by no means unwell, but I made her let me write.”
