31. July. 1877

My dear Lady Waldegrave,
I shall trouble you with this gnoat because the chances are that I shall not see you again before I go out of England, – if, (as I hope you may,) you will make a northerly tour to Whitby, Filey, Bridlington, & Scarborough. And for myself, I have to remain with my nose at the grindstone to finish one of the two large Northbrook pictures, so as to take it down to Stratten with as little delay as possible. After witch, & another visit to my sister, I shall go south, like the swollers [picture] So I wish you goodbye, with many good wishes for a pleasant Autumn, & many thanks for much kindness. Both you & Chichester have always been very kind to me.
But, unless you both come to Italy, I fear it will be a long time before I see you again, if at all.
Velieve me
Your’s sincerely,
Edward Lear.