"Pisa, February 19. 1822.
"I am rather surprised not to have had an answer to my letter and
packets. Lady Noel is dead, and it is not impossible that I may
have to go to England to settle the division of the Wentworth
property, and what portion Lady B. is to have out of it; all which
was left undecided by the articles of separation. But I hope not,
if it can be done without,--and I have written to Sir Francis
Burdett to be my referee, as he knows the property.
"Continue to address here, as I shall not go if I can avoid it--at
least, not on that account. But I may on another; for I wrote to
Douglas Kinnaird to convey a message of invitation to Mr. Southey
to meet me, either in England, or (as less liable to interruption)
on the coast of France. This was about a fortnight ago, and I have
not yet had time to have the answer. However, you shall have due
notice; therefore continue to address to Pisa.
"My agents and trustees have written to me to desire that I would
take the name directly, so that I am yours very truly and
affectionately,
"NOEL BYRON.
"P.S. I have had no news from England, except on business; and
merely know, from some abuse in that faithful _ex_ and _de_-tractor
Galignani, that the clergy are up against 'Cain.' There is (if I am
not mistaken) some good church preferment on the Wentworth estates;
and I will show them what a good Christian I am, by patronising and
preferring the most pious of their order, should opportunity occur.
"M. and I are but little in correspondence, and I know nothing of
literary matters at present. I have been writing on business only
lately. What are _you_ about? Be assured that there is no such
coalition as you apprehend."
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