Dear Mähler!
I
most earnestly request you to return to my portrait to me as soon
as you have made full use of it - Should you still require it
for any purpose, please make haste at any rate - I have promised
it to a stranger, a lady who saw the portrait at my place, so
that she may have it in her room during her stay of a few weeks
in Vienna - and who can resist such charming advances? It is clearly
understood, of course, that if all kinds of favours are going
to be bestowed on me for this, your share will not be forgotten
-
Wholly
your
Bthvn