that you are present, for there is no doubt that a _Court Secretary_ will
be held in higher estimation by them than a man _without an official
character, whatever his moral character may be!_

Now, jesting apart, independent of my real affection for you, your coming
will be of great service to me. I shall therefore expect you without fail.
I beg you will not take my _badinage_ amiss. I am, with sincere esteem,

Your friend,

BEETHOVEN


232.

TO G. DEL RIO.

Your friend has no doubt told you of my intention to send for Carl early
to-morrow. I wish to place his mother in a more creditable position with
the neighborhood; so I have agreed to pay her the compliment of taking her
son to see her in the company of a third person. This is to be done once a
month.

As to all that is past, I beg you will never allude to it again, either in
speaking or writing, but forget it all--as I do.


233.

TO FRAU VON STREICHER.