_Wednesday, May 29th._
MY DEAR MRS. HOWE,—I should only be too delighted to be “stared
at” this evening at your little party, if I were not expressly
forbidden by my doctor to go into any excitement; I have been so
very feeble the past few days; so for once, dear friend,
pleasure must yield to duty. We will go over, “the Great B” and
myself, this week to see you. Please dance a “Redowa” for me and
believe me your disappointed little friend,