that
you may tell me how it was with you that last Evening. I was aware of no
'stupidity' on your side: I only saw that you were what you called 'a
little tired, and unwell.' Had I known how much, I should of course have
left you with a farewell shake of hands at once. And in so far I must
blame you. But I blame myself for rattling on, not only then, but
always, I fear, in a manner that you tell me (and I thank you for telling
me) runs into occasional impertinence--which no length of acquaintance
can excuse, especially to a Lady. You will think that here is more than
enough of this. But pray do you also say no more about it. I know that
you regard me very kindly, as I am sure that I do you, all the while.

And now I have something to say upon something of a like account; about
that Mr. Schutz Wilson, who solicited an Introduction to you for his
Mercutio, and then proposed to you to avail _himself_ of it. That I
thought he had better have waited for, rather than himself proposed; and
I warned you that I had been told of his being somewhat of a 'prosateur'
at his Club. You, however, would not decline his visit, and would
encourage him, or not, as you saw fit.

And now the man has heaped coals of fire on my head. Not content with
having formerly appraised that Omar in a way that, I dare say, advanced
him to another Edition: he (S.W.) now writes me that he feels moved to
write in favour of another Persian who now accompanies Omar in his last
Avatar! I have told him plainly that he had better not employ time and
talent on what I do not think he will ever persuade the Public to care
about--but he thinks he will. {236} He may very likely cool upon it:
but, in the meanwhile, such are his good Intentions, not only to the
little Poem, but, I believe, to myself also--personally unknown as we are
to one another. Therefore, my dear Lady, though I cannot retract what I
told you on such authority as I had,--nevertheless, as you were so far
prejudiced in his favour because of such service as he formerly was to
me, I feel bound to tell you of this fresh offer on his part: so that, as
you were not unwilling to receive him on trial before, you may not be
less favourably disposed toward him now; in case he should call--which I
doubt not he will do; though be pleased to understand that I have no more
encouraged him to do so now than at first I did.

What a long Story!--I still chirp a little in my throat; but go my ways
abroa