"I am rather surprised not to have had an answer to my letter and packets. Lady Noel is dead, and it is not impossible that I may have to go to England to settle the division of the Wentworth property, and what portion Lady B. is to have out of it; all which was left undecided by the articles of separation. But I hope not, if it can be done without,--and I have written to Sir Francis Burdett to be my referee, as he knows the property. "Continue to address here, as I shall not go if I can avoid it--at least, not on that account. But I may on another; for I wrote to Douglas Kinnaird to convey a message of invitation to Mr. Southey to meet me, either in England, or (as less liable to interruption) on the coast of France. This was about a fortnight ago, and I have not yet had time to have the answer. However, you shall have due notice; therefore continue to address to Pisa. "My agents and trustees have written to me to desire that I would take the name directly, so that I am yours very truly and affectionately, "NOEL BYRON. "P.S. I have had no news from England, except on business; and merely know, from some abuse in that faithful _ex_ and _de_-tractor Galignani, that the clergy are up against 'Cain.' There is (if I am not mistaken) some good church preferment on the Wentworth estates; and I will show them what a good Christian I am, by patronising and preferring the most pious of their order, should opportunity occur. "M. and I are but little in correspondence, and I know nothing of literary matters at present. I have been writing on business only lately. What are _you_ about? Be assured that there is no such coalition as you apprehend." * * * * * LETTER 479. TO MR. MOORE. "Pisa, February 20. 1822.[74] "Your letter arrived since I wrote the enclosed. It is not likely, as I have appointed agents and arbitrators for the Noel estates, that I should proceed to England on that account,--though I may upon another, within stated. At any rate, _continue_ you to address here till you hear further from me. I could wish _you_ still to arrange for me, either with a London or Paris publisher, for the things, &c. I shall not quarrel with any arrangement you may please to make. "I have appointed Sir Francis Burdett my arbitrator to decide on Lady Byron's allowance out of the Noel estates, which are estimated at seven thousand a year, and _rents_ very well paid,--a rare thing at this time. It is, however, owing to their _consisting_ chiefly in pasture lands, and therefore less affected by corn bills, &c. than properties in tillage. "Believe me yours ever most affectionately, "NOEL BYRON.