I have her Majesty's commands to inquire--whether you have any of a
certain breed of poultry?
N.B.--_What_ breed I do not remember.
And to say she has just received a small group of the same herself.
N.B.--The quantity I have forgotten.
And to add, she is assured they are something very rare and scarce,
and extraordinary and curious.
N.B.--By _whom_ she was assured I have not heard.
And to subjoin, that you must send word if you have any of the same
sort.
N.B.--How you are to find that out, I cannot tell.
And to mention, as a corollary, that, if you have none of them, and
should like to have some, she has a cock and a hen she can spare, and
will appropriate them to Mr. Lock and my dearest Fredy.
This conclusive stroke so pleased and exhilarated me, that forthwith
I said you would both be enchanted, and so forgot all the preceding
particulars.
And I said, moreover, that I knew you would rear them, and cheer them,
and fondle them like your children.
So now--pray write a very _fair answer_ fairly, in fair hand, and to
fair purpose.
My Susanna is just now come--so all is fair with my dearest Mr. and
Mrs. Lock's F.B.