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My dear Anster,
I am told that you would like my opinion as to whether I considered the dinner at the Min here on the 14th instant in the light of a public or private party. Our little mess here is quite on the footing of a family party, and the occasion referred to there were strangers present with the exception of four private friends of mine, and I must say I was much astonished in hearing that any remarks which had been made there had been the subject of future conversation.