Milan, Oct. 27, 1770.

MY VERY DEAREST SISTER,--

You know that I am a great talker, and was so when I left you. At
present I replace this very much by signs, for the son of this
family is deaf and dumb. I must now set to work at my opera. I
regret very much that I cannot send you the minuet you wish to
have, but, God willing, perhaps about Easter you may see both it
and me. I can write no more.--Farewell! and pray for me.



27.

Milan, Nov. 3, 1770.

MY VERY DEARLY LOVED SISTER,--

I thank you and mamma for your sincere good wishes; my most
ardent desire is to see you both soon in Salzburg. In reference
to your congratulations, I may say that I believe Herr Martinelli
suggested your Italian project. My dear sister, you are always so
very clever, and contrived it all so charmingly that, just
underneath your congratulations in Italian, followed M. Martini's
compliments in the same style of penmanship, so that I could not
possibly find you out; nor did I do so, and I immediately said to
papa, "Oh! how I do wish I were as clever and witty as she is!"
Then papa answered, "Indeed, that is true enough." On which I
rejoined, "Oh! I am so sleepy;" so he merely replied, "Then stop