and the women, I had planted myself at
the farthest end of the apartment we were in, over against the door,
which was open; and opposite to the lady's chamber-door, which was shut.
I spoke so low that it was impossible for her, at that distance, to hear
what we said; and in this situation I could see if her door was opened.

I told the women, that what I had mentioned to my spouse of Lady Betty's
coming to town with her niece Montague, and of their intention to visit
my beloved, whom they had never seen, nor she them, was real; and that I
expected news of their arrival every hour. I then showed them copies of
the other two letters, which I had left with her; the one from Lady
Betty, the other from my cousin Montague.--And here thou mayest read them
if thou wilt.

Eternally reproaching, eternally upbraiding me, are my impertinent
relations. But they are fond of occasions to find fault with me. Their
love, their love, Jack, and their dependence on my known good humour, are
their inducements.

TO ROBERT LOVELACE, ESQ.
WED. MORN. JUNE 7.

DEAR NEPHEW,

I understand that at length all our wishes are answered in your happy
marriage. But I think we might as well have heard of it directly from
you, as from the round-about way by which we have been made acquainted
with it. Methinks, Sir, the power and the will we have to oblige you,
should not expose us the more to your slights and negligence. My brother
had set his heart upon giving to you the wife we have all so long wished
you to have. But if you were actually married at the time you made him
that request (supposing, perhaps, that his gout would not let him attend
you) it is but like you.*--If your lady had her reasons to wish it to be
private while the differences between her family and self continue, you
might nevertheless have communicated it to us with that restriction; and
we should have forborne the public manifestations of our joy upon an
event we have so long desired.

* I gave Mrs. Moore and Miss Rawlins room to think this reproach just,
Jack.

The distant way we have come to know it is by my steward; who is
acquainted with a friend of Captain Tomlinson, to whom that gentleman
revealed it: and he, it seems, had it from yourself and lady, with such
circumstances as leave it not to be doubted.

I am, indeed, very much disobliged with you: so is Lady Sarah. But I
have a very speedy opportunity to tell you so in person; being obliged to
go to to