The Cotman Letters 1838-1864

109

Bows and Wows; not so bad neither. A young Quakeress
complains to her Father that her lips are chapped. he
replies. Let not the chaps come so near thy lips daughter.-
Not amiss. Paid a long standing account to Miss Cruso
took no receipt; silly that {crossed out – not} very not like business.- had a
few minutes chat with G. Geldart who is a very nice
young man. I hope he may come soon and live in Norwich.
Good account from Joseph at Florence. I am almost
afraid to say that I count of his return I have since his
time gone back far far _
Chess and Chat with woman kind
Though pleasant is not to my mind
I really fear too they may think
I know not what. I'll break the link
I will not must not let them say
I ever led a lady fair astray
I cannot really dear be ever thine
And so to prove it now do determine.

Sat. Feby. 28. First lesson but no pupils present commence
with a deaf and dumb child next week at . to 12. If I go
to Fakenham must put it off cant be back in time.
Mamma and papa took lunch with me this day. dissipation
a bad bad thing in all ways determine to grow steady
skaiting all last week making but little progress however
in the art.