Dear sir, I had extreme satisfaction in receiving your letter, having been in great pain about you, and not knowing where to direct a letter.  Favre(926) told me, you had had an accident, did not say what it was, but that you was not come to town.(927) He received all the letters and parcels safe; for which I give you many thanks, and a thousand more for your kindness in thinking of them, when you was suffering so much.  It was a dreadful conclusion of your travels; but I trust will leave no consequences behind it.  The weather is by no means favourable for a recovery, if it is as severe in England as at Paris.  We have had two or three days of fog, rather than thaw; but the frost is set in again as sharp as ever.  I persisted in going about to churches and convents, till I thought I should have lost my nose and fingers.  I have submitted at last to the season, and lie a-bed all the morning; but I hope in February and March to recover the time I have lost.  I shall not return to England before the end of March, being determined not to hazard any thing.  I continue perfectly well, and few things could tempt me to risk five months more of gout.

I will certainly bring you some pastils, and have them better packed, if it is possible.  You know how happy I should be if you would send me any other commission.  As you say nothing of the Eton living, I fear that prospect has failed you; which gives me great regret, as it would give me very sensible pleasure to have you fixed somewhere (and not far from me) for your ease and satisfaction.

I am glad the cathedral of Amiens answered your expectation; so has the Sainte Chapelle mine; you did not tell me what charming enamels I should find in the ante-chapel.  I have seen another vast piece, and very fine, of the Constable Montmorenci, at the Mar`echale Duchesse de Luxembourg’s.  Rousseau is gone to England with Mr. Hume.  You will very probably see a letter to Rousseau, in the name of the King of Prussia, writ to laugh at his affectations.  It has made excessive noise here, and I believe quite ruined the author with many philosophers.  When I tell you I was the author, it is telling you how cheap I hold their anger.  If it does not reach you, you shall see it at Strawberry, where I flatter myself I shall see you this summer, and quite well.  Adieu!

(926) A servant of Mr. Walpole’s left in London.

(927) In disembarking at Dover, Mr. Cole met with an accident, that had confined him there three weeks to his bed.

Letter 292 To Mr. Gray.  Paris, Jan. 25, 1766. (461)