I am so sorry to tell you that I won’t be able to attend the lecture on British history, which is to be given tomorrow afternoon. My best friend is returning home from France, and I have promised to meet him at the airport at 3:30 tomorrow afternoon.

I am very much interested in British society and history. I wonder if it is possible for you to record the lecture, and if so, could I borrow the tape? It would mean a great deal to me to listen to the tape and learn what is covered in the talk.

Yours sincerely

Zhang Ming