she has still to say her officium. We came home very late from
the grand opera rehearsal. I must go to-morrow after high mass to
the illustrious Electress; she is resolved absolument to teach me
to knit filee. I am very eager about this, as she and the Elector
wish that I should knit in public next Thursday at the great gala
concert. The young Princess here, who is a child compared with
the Electress, knits very prettily. The Zweenbruck and his
Zwobrucken (Deux Ponts) arrived here at eight o'clock. A propos,
mamma and I earnestly beg you, dear papa, to send our charming
cousin a souvenir; we both regretted so much having nothing with
us, but we promised to write to you to send her something. We
wish two things to be sent--a double neckerchief in mamma's name,
like the one she wears, and in mine some ornament; a box, or
etui, or anything you like, only it must be pretty, for she
deserves it. [FOOTNOTE: The father was still in possession of
many of the ornaments and jewels presented to these children
during their artistic tours.] She and her father took a great
deal of trouble on our account, and wasted much time on us. My
cousin took the receipts for me at my concert. Addio!



72.

Mannheim, Nov. 5, 1777.

My dear Coz--Buzz,--

I have safely received your precious epistle--thistle, and from
it I perceive--achieve, that my aunt--gaunt, and you--shoe, are