_[Menton], March 20, 1874._
I. _My Cloak._--An exception occurs to me to the frugality described a
letter (or may be two) ago; my cloak: it would certainly have been
possible to have got something less expensive; still it is a fine
thought for absent parents that their son possesses simply THE GREATEST
vestment in Mentone. It is great in size, and unspeakably great in
design; _qua_ raiment, it has not its equal.
III. _About Spain._--Well, I don't know about _me_ and Spain. I am
certainly in no humour and in no state of health for voyages and
travels. Towards the end of May (see end), up to which time I seem to
see my plans, I might be up to it, or I might not; I think _not_ myself.
I have given up all idea of going on to Italy, though it seems a pity
when one is so near; and Spain seems to me in the same category. But for
all that, it need not interfere with your voyage thither: I would not
lose the chance, if I wanted.
IV. _Money._--I am much obliged. That makes L180 now. This money irks
me, one feels it more than when living at home. However, if I have
health, I am in a fair way to make a bit of a livelihood for myself. Now
please don't take this up wrong; don't suppose I am thinking of the
transaction between you and me; I think of the transaction between me
and mankind. I think of all this money wasted in keeping up a structure
that may never be worth it--all this good money sent after bad. I shall
be seriously angry if you take me up wrong.
V. _Roads._--The familiar false concord is not certainly a form of
colloquialism that I should feel inclined to encourage. It is very odd;
I wrote it very carefully, and you seem to have read it very carefully,
and yet none of us found it out. The Deuce is in it.
VI. _Russian Prince._--A cousin of these ladies is come to stay with
them--Prince Leon Galitzin. He is the image of--whom?--guess now--do you
give it up?--Hillhouse.
VII. _Miscellaneous._--I send you a pikler of me in the cloak. I think
it is like a hunchback. The moustache is clearly visible to the naked
eye--O diable! what do I hear in my lug? A mosquito--the first of the
season. Bad luck to him!
Good nicht and joy be wi' you a'. I am going to bed.--Ever your
affectionate son,