Chapter XX: Letter XIX

Do not call me stupid, for leaving on the table the little bit of paper I was to inclose.—This comes of being in love at the fag end of a letter of business.—You know, you say, they will not chime together.—I had got you by the fire-side, with _gigot_ smoking on the board, to lard your poor bare ribs—and behold, I closed my letter without taking the paper up, that was directly under my eyes!—What had I got in them to render me so blind?—I give you leave to answer the question, if you will not scold; for I am

Yours most affectionately
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