TALBOT5179

Lacock Abbey –
Feb. 3^d

My dear Henry

Your kisses three to little Charles ¹ went round by Calne, & were therefore not received till this morning – but he thinks them equally acceptable today – not discerning much difference between the two days – Next year he will understand his birthday ² much better. –

You told me you had received a small sum from M^r Claudet ³ & that you destined it for me. However small it may be I love you for the kind thought – & accept it – on condition that you will allow me to use it as far as it will go in spreading your fame, by announcing the publication of your second number ⁴. Don’t please put on a cold forbidding look – & say there would be no use in spending it this way. You know the work ought to be advertised and that the expense only hinders you – We don’t want you to let Longman ⁵ do it – but to send the advertisement itself to the Newspapers – The Times, Globe Morning Post ⁶ – we would suggest – But to repeat it often enough I suppose it will be necessary to add something from your own purse – Do be persuaded dear Henry! – you know the increased sale of the work will meet some part of the expense. – besides the object is to spread your fame. –

We have a drizzling fog today – it must be very disagreeable in London –

Your affectionate
Constance.

Poor M^r Howard is laid up with the rheumatism at Charlton – A bad preparation for the wedding! ⁷ –