I thank you and mamma for your sincere good wishes; my most ardent
desire is to see you both soon in Salzburg. In reference to your
congratulations, I may say that I believe Herr Martinelli suggested
your Italian project. My dear sister, you are always so very clever,
and contrived it all so charmingly that, just underneath your
congratulations in Italian, followed M. Martini's compliments in the
same style of penmanship, so that I could not possibly find you out; nor
did I do so, and I immediately said to papa, "Oh! how I do wish I were
as clever and witty as she is!" Then papa answered, "Indeed, that is
true enough." On which I rejoined, "Oh! I am so sleepy;" so he merely
replied, "Then stop writing." Addio! Pray to God that my opera may be
successful. I am your brother,