I am very unwilling to deny Charley the pleasure you so kindly offer
him. But as it is just the close of the half-year when they are getting
together all the half-year's work--and as that day's pleasure would
weaken the next day's duty, I think I must be "more like an ancient
Roman than a ----" Sparkler, and that it will be wisest in me to say
nothing about it.
Get a clean pocket-handkerchief ready for the close of "Copperfield" No.
3; "simple and quiet, but very natural and touching."--_Evening Bore._
Ever affectionately.