To G.B. Payne: just before an unplanned and rushed trip back to Paris. Mentioned is the poetry edition by Thomas Hood, illustrated by G. G. Doré, edited by G. B. Payne, published by E. Moxon, London 1870.

" I arrived in London about twelve days ago, where I hardly stopped at first because I left to visit the English provinces (Bristol, Clifton, etc., etc.), and I only returned here last Thursday. I first went to see you and I was taking my time to return because I had to stay here until the 20th of this month; I was called back to Paris for a telegram bill; I am forced to leave [---] in mid-June, given the pleasure of shaking your hand and to better express all the inconvenience that I feel. - I am leaving London so unexpectedly that I will hardly be able to avoid returning before the end of the month; as
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I am leaving many matters and obligations of friendship and politeness pending there, in any case, I will not be able to let the autumn pass without returning to London; I am almost forced to do so; please believe, dear Mr. Payne, that this time I will not let bad luck surprise me, and on the first day of my arrival, I will come to shake your hand.
I have just seen the announcement of the Thomas Hood with a specimen of very nice appearance [,] when will you sponsor it?
Could you be kind enough to convey to Mr. and Mrs. du Châtelain and Mr. Jeffrey how sorry I am to leave so abruptly because I was looking forward to meeting them and thanking each of them personally for their kindness.

Yours faithfully,
G. Doré"