two last years ruined, in finance as well as reputation, by an artful jade of this place. He is now at a distance well watched at a relation's house. My wines, &c. were all however untouched.

I am sorry to send you so bad an account of our legacies from. Mr, P-t-n, the executor, has put the will into Chancery, and pays nobody. The Doctor left in legacies many thousands more than he was worth. Mrs. C's 107. for mourning unpaid, the servants' year's wages unpaid, nothing paid but the rings. No prospect of any near arrangement. The Parson C1 has been many months removed into Berkshire. A legacy there of 1500l. unpaid even in part. I believe that you and I shall scarcely seek a remedy by throwing our own guineas after the Doctor's.

Mr. Hancock has not yet been able to please himself in fish, delicate enough

for you or the Lord Mayor, but hopes that to-morrow's market will answer to his mind.

It is truly barbarous of you to remind me of my former sufferings, now my ears are recovering, but I hope before next Saturday to be enough recovered less to dread the combat.

I am just stepping into the post-chaise to proceed to Bowwood, and therefore my dear Polly

bid

Good morrow.

LETTER XXIX.

South Parade, Bath,

Tuesday, May 24, 1785.

I was too late yesterday for the post, my dearest Polly, or I should have told you of my Sunday's excursion to Bowwood, where I had a most flattering reception from the Marquis and Marchioness. I was however walked off my legs from two to five, when we dined, and I returned to Bath at eight, sleeping half the way in the post-chaise from mere lassitude. The chateau is truly magnificent, and well furnished, but no three rooms lie together, which must render it extremely inconvenient. The environs are gay, in the style of Brown. I was much pressed to stay, but I could not contrive it. The warm

est invitations to return for a long abode. Lord Wycombe, who is an amiable young man of Christ Church, Oxford, I became acquainted with at Colonel Barré's here.

I wish you to write a line to Mrs. March, at the Windmill, Salt Hill, Bucks, to acquaint her of our intention to dine at the cottage on Saturday, lest my letter should have miscarried.

I do not desire any letters, or papers, should be sent here after Wednesday afternoon, five, because the letters are not distributed till eleven in the morning, and I leave Bath on Friday at six.

I return you the Bulletin; the three first lines of which made me laugh à gorge deployée, and I likewise received this morning a packet of books, papers, &c. by the coach.

I beg the favour of you to write to me by Thursday's post, by five in the

afternoon, at the Castle, Speen Hill, Berks, and I shall have your letter on my arrival in the evening.

I have not given any dinner for reasons you guess, but have dined always alone, or from home.

I wish

you to keep the parcel rolled

till my return.

The Molineux's are well, and send their compliments.

Bon jour, ma très chère et très aimable

fille.