LETTER XXX.

South Parade, Bath,

Wednesday, May 25, 1785.

I HAVE just received my dear

Polly's letter of yesterday, and, as soon as I have finished this dispatch, I shall proceed to execute your commission about the coach carpet, with which I am much pleased and honoured. Mr. Coward, in New Bond Street, had my orders some days ago to search every where for the best things of the kind, and now I have the measure, there can be no delay.

You may very well contrive to dine at Cranford Bridge next Monday. The house is very neat, not far from our former dwelling, and the situation rural. We must quit the cottage Monday morn

ing, as it is to be got ready for Lord Craven, &c. &c. in the evening. My time must be uncertain, for should it be the third reading of the Tax on Retail Shops, I must be at the House to vote against it, from the warm opposition made to it by the city. In that case, I should go on in a post-chaise, and you would return to Prince's Court in the

cool of the evening.

Poor Mrs. M

for her.

fine tokay.

! My heart bleeds

I have given her a little of my

I beg you to say mille choses for me to your Dutchess.

I wish you much entertainment at Bellamy's benefit.

Adieu!

LETTER XXXI.

Friday, July 30, 1785.

I WRITE to you, my dearest Polly, as you desire, although I have very little to mention. One particular will give you pleasure. I have this morning got the caisse, which you sent so long ago as the 26th of June. This afternoon all the letters were forwarded, Every thing came perfectly safe. I went myself to the Custom-house, was detained three hours, and obliged to pay 21. 3s. 6d. I am however exceedingly pleased with all the cups and saucers, as well as with the shepherdess. The charming Bergere will always please me; and I am sure that she will not make any complaint of fifty-six, nor look graver than before, when she finds she is not placed on a bergere.

I hope this will kiss your hands in good time after your arrival, to make you easy about the caisse. I wish you to contrive to have every thing sent to Leguillon put on board the packet, as well as what you bring, and it would be right to take a note of how many parcels there It will be much easier to arrange this from the Dover custom-house, than from that at London.

are.

Susan now talks very courageously, but I doubt her prowess, if the least gale of wind should arise. By to-morrow's post I shall write to Mrs. Belcher, that a female attendant may in all cases sail with the first packet after next Monday, when Susan will arrive at Dover. I still continue in the resolution of being this day sevennight, August 6, at Dover. I have arranged every thing for October 3.

I have this day a letter from Mrs.

Hayley of her safe arrival at Boston. She seems highly pleased with her reception.

Mrs. Smith at last agrees to the pregnancy of Lady B -, who, against all remonstrances, now determines to go to Dover in her way to Lisle next Friday. Their things being packed up, this house accommodates the foolish young couple with tea-urns, waiters, &c. &c. Mrs. M is gone to Mr. H's, at

Charlton in Kent.

My dearest Polly, adieu-bon voyage.