and offered him more, which he refused, till he has been at the Abbey, to do some little matter more to the hair (as I understand) and feet. The inscription on the urn is not done yet, though they (promised) it two months ago, and had the draught: but yesterday they sent to me again for it, which I can't conceive the meaning of, for I saw it scored on in the Abbey. I have sent it over again to Mr. Bird this day, how

ever.

I shall think it a favour to hear of you both, when your leisure permits. Believe me a sincere wellwisher to you both, and (if you will allow me a higher title), dear Sir,

a faithful friend and affectionate servant.

My mother is well, and very much your's and Mrs. Knight's.

LETTER XI.

TO THE SAME.

Thursday, 7 in the Morning. THERE has arisen such a tempest to-night, and in the morning is so blustering, that I think it unreasonable to tax Mrs. Knight's good-nature at such a rate, as to expect her here to-day. If she were one of those fine ladies who goes no where but for her own sake, and for her own dear amusements, and visits those whom she would hang in her passion, or beggar in her play; why then I should not be sorry to see her soused and mortified one wet day in the country for it. But as she intends to please me, and as I gratefully wish her to be pleased, I will not expect her if the weather does not perfectly change, so as you may be here before one o'clock: and pray name any day whatever else (after to-morrow, on which I am indis.

pensably engaged). Nevertheless, as for you, Sir, if you fear neither wind, nor thunder, nor storm, according to your wonted alacrity, come on horseback forthwith, and appoint your other day yourself in person. I am very truly Mrs. Knight's, and, dear Sir, Your, etc.

LETTER XII.

TO MRS. KNIGHT.

MADAM,

I WAS unlucky not to be able to find you the only day I have been in town: and the season now keeps me to the country, where all the business I have in the world is to be. I was, if I could have seen you, tø have informed you of some curiosities (as I know you to like things of that nature) in shells, corals, and mineral ores, and congelations, which, I'm told, are very beautiful, and to be had at a very reasonable rate. I heard of them by chance: they belong to one Mrs. Dering, who brought them from the Indies, and lives at Mrs. Le Grand's. If you care to see them, Mrs. Patty Blount will wait upon you thither, and be glad of the opportunity of becoming better acquainted with you. I said something from you to her, which I have forgot, and was to say something from her to you since, which I have also forgot; but you may take my word it was very civil, very reasonable, and very well intended. I hope you will meet some way or other upon better terms than silly civilities (as you desired, I know, to do): if you don't meet at your own houses, let it be at mine. Pray acquaint me how soon you can do me the favour you promised of a day! Assure Mr. Knight of my hearty services, and believe me sincerely, Madam,

Your, etc.

MADAM,

LETTER XIII.

k TO THE SAME.

Southampton, Aug.5,1734. IF I did not know you must take it for granted that I am always mindful of you, I should have been earlier in telling you such a piece of news. But the truth is, that all I ever think letters good for, is to convey to those who love one another the news of their welfare, and the knowledge that they continue in each other's memory. The first of these I heard by inquiries in London, which have been transmitted to me; and the last, I think so well both of you and myself, as to think unnecessary. I was very certain Mrs. Elliot's company would be an equivalent to you for all you could leave in town, and yours would be so to her. Indeed, I had a wish to make you a short visit by surprize, and see this with my own eyes; but the account given me at Stowe (where I had but one week to stay, and given me after I had been halfjumbled to death, and just before I was to be jumbled again in the abominable stoney roads thereabouts) gave me a terror I could not overcome; especially when, chancing to see a clergyman who lives by you, and whose name I have forgot, he told me the way was farther and worse than ever my fears had imagined. I have been but in a poor state of health, ever since I set out from home; and can scarce say I have found rest till (where you would least expect it) under my Lord Peterborow. This place is beautiful beyond imagination, and as easy as it is beautiful. I wish you and Mrs. Elliot saw it. Here is a very good Catholic lady in the house, and she and I might pray together

* Mrs. Knight was now a second time a widow.

for you. One motive, which perhaps may one time or other draw you, is, that the Duchess of Montague is within ten miles of us, at Bewley, which, I'm told, is a fine situation on the sea, and I shall see it tomorrow: Lord Peterborow carries me thither. I had the satisfaction to hear this week from Mrs. Patty Blount, that you were well. She is got into Surrey to another Papist lady, and stays some time with her. I design to steer towards London before the end of this month. We expect here Mr. and Mrs. Poyntz. What can I say to you? I wish you very happy. I wish Mr. Newsham all that you wish him to have, and to be. Where is he, and Mr. Mallet? When shall you return to town? I desire you to be very kind to me, and very just to me; that is, to let me know you continue well, now, when I can no other way be sure of it, than by a line hither; and to believe me sincerely ever, with all esteem, Madam,

Your, etc.

I think I need not send Mrs. E. my services, for they will do her no good; but desire her prayers, which may do me some.

LETTER XIV.

TO THE SAME.

DEAR MADAM,

Sept. 1, 1734. IDLE as I am, no opportunity can offer that puts me in mind of you, but I comply with that mind, which is always yours. It therefore must tell you, by this gentleman, how much I think of you; and that, if the body belonging to this mind were worth one farthing, it would follow it, and go to see you. But those wretched infirmities, which set it forward toward the blessings of another life, keep it back from

doing what it likes in this. I am next week going from Southampton to London, where I shall impatiently expect you. I fancy you'll be as impatient to be in London, especially if Mrs. Elliot be not with you. I had the most entertaining letter imaginable from Mr. Mallet, from Wales. I sent it to our friend Patty; and she (if she is not stupid) will keep it, to shew to you when we all meet. God send it, and the sooner the better. Believe me, without more words, yours. First, the post told you so, when I had no other messenger, than Harte had a line to tell you so, and now Mr. Newsham.

LETTER XV.

TO THE SAME.

MADAM, Southampton, Aug. 29, 1735. I MUST keep my old custom of giving my friends now and then, once or twice a year, my testimony in writing that I love and esteem them, and that they have a place in my memory when I have been longest absent from them. I have never any thing else to say, and it is all that friendship and good-will can, or ought to say the rest is only matter of curiosity, which a newspaper can better gratify. I desire no more, Madam, from you, than to tell me just the thing that most concerns me, and therefore is not impertinent to ask, that you are well, and in a peaceful or happy state of mind or body. I hope Mrs. Elliot is with you, to contribute to yours, and increase her own happiness. It will not displease you to hear, that you are remembered at this distance, and in a place where you are not much acquainted: but when you know that I am here, and that Mr. Poyntz is here, you will easily expect it should be so; and not

1 Rev. Walter Harte. He had the living of Gosfield.