—I want to speak to you on a matter of personal interest to yourself, but am likely to be kept in the City to-day (being in attendance by the death-bed of the New Zealand Company), and therefore propose that you come to dine and sleep here, leaving Town by the half-past-four train, as I shall.

As the matter requires serious consideration, it is also desirable that we should be able to discuss it in peace, which would not be possible at Adelphi or Cockspur Street.

I am glad you have got such good numbers. Your first is as good as No. 1.