Графични страници
PDF файл
ePub

letter, not so prudent with the B

or M

; for Lady B

talked

to-day of a rambling idea of seeing you before I could see you, &c. &c. &c. Your character is not that of a rambler, nor a risker, &c. &c. &c. We all pant for your return; yet I say, Sacrifice to health and pleasure, and do not return before the end of August, nor exceed the first week in September, giving every fair allowance for bad winds, &c. &c. &c. This is a letter of &c. &c. &c. and it will only add, that the happiness of my dear daughter is the object I shall always have nearest my heart.

Adieu-Eleven at night.

LETTER XIII.

Kensington Gore,

Sunday, June 27, 1784.

THE pleasing idea of my dearest daughter follows me wherever I am, and gives me the highest rapture. I congratulate myself at having suggested the scheme of your present visit, and I partake in all the enjoyments which have followed. I now sit down at more leisure than I can get at Prince's Court, to talk over with you the various particulars preparatory to your return, which I desire may not be till after the fête of your incomparable Dutchess.

My unanimous re-election this year, as Chamberlain, after all the efforts to shake me, will give me unbounded credit; and the funding of the Navy bills,

which I believe will soon be done, will make that credit, I should hope, quite unnecessary. On your return you will soon be out of mourning; I wish you therefore to think about what clothes, linen, &c. &c. you would like. I would not scruple any expense; and you might, on finishing your accounts with your mercer a little before your departure, give him, or any other tradesman, drafts on me, as Tresorier de la Ville de Londres, à Prince's Court, Great George Street, Westminster, at two usances, and I shall be able to contrive it for you. I would not miss the opportunity of laying in a stock of linen, &c. by which you will save 50 per cent. at least, and bet comfortable in all those articles till your next trip to Paris. As to that, I foresee you will return, probably in a couple of years, but I would not bind myself by any absolute promise. If you find

any difficulties with the tradesmen, I will send you Sir Robert Herries's notes, but the other way would be more convenient to me, as the money must be directly advanced at Sir Robert's; and besides you would wait ten days, without you asked a favour of the house at Paris, which I should be sorry you did. Your clothes, linen, &c. should be made up, to avoid all difficulties at Dover. Should you go to Spa, you may return by Holland, but in all cases I would advise you to cross to Calais, rather than embark any where else, to avoid a tedious passage by sea.

My holydays begin August 5, at two in the afternoon, and I mean to meet you at Dover, as the time of your return will be in that month I suppose. The Chamberlain's office opens September 7. I could contrive for you to stay abroad all August, but it would not be the absolute

certainty we both wish for October the third. If you are at Dover towards the 20th of August, every thing would have time for a complete arrangement. Have you heard any thing from the parties, or do you know who they are, and where they could be sent to? I think you may do every thing completely without Mr. Paice, who is indefatigable in settling your affairs, and will consult me more than his own intelligence stands in need of; but on every occasion I remark entire fairness and strict honour.

The Sorrows of Werter will come in to-morrow's packet.

Dr. Wilson's legacy to us both is, I understand, to be paid in six months. Send me your order; I will endeavour to receive it for you; but whether I do, or not, you may draw for what you will, and when you will.

« ПредишнаНапред »