Mary said that I looked very well last night. I
wore my aunt's gown and handkerchief, and my hair
was at least tidy, which was all my ambition. I
will now have done with the ball, and I will
moreover go and dress for dinner.

* * * * *

The young lady whom it is expected that Sir
Thomas[116] is to marry is Miss Emma Wabshaw; she
lives somewhere between Southampton and
Winchester, is handsome, accomplished, amiable,
and everything but rich. He is certainly finishing
his house in a great hurry. Perhaps the report of
his being to marry a Miss Fanshawe might originate
in his attentions to this very lady--the names are
not unlike.

* * * * *

The three Digweeds all came on Tuesday, and we
played a pool at commerce. James Digweed left
Hampshire to-day. I think he must be in love with
you, from his anxiety to have you go to the
Faversham balls, and likewise from his supposition
that the two elms fell from their grief at your
absence. Was not it a gallant idea? It never
occurred to me before, but I dare say it was so.

* * * * *

I rejoice to say that we have just had another
letter from our dear Frank. It is to you, very
short, written from Larnica in Cyprus, and so
lately as October 2nd. He came from Alexandria,
and was to return there in three or four days,
knew nothing of his promotion, and does not write
above twenty lines, from a doubt of the letter's
ever reaching you, and an idea of all letters
being opened at Vienna. He wrote a few days before
to you from Alexandria by the _Mercury_ sent with
despatches to Lord Keith. Another letter must be
owing to us besides this, _one_ if not _two_;
because none of these are to me. Henry comes
to-morrow, for one night only.

The visit to Ibthorp came off, as is shown by the following letter:--

Ibthorp: Sunday [November 30, 1800].[117]

MY DEAR CASSANDRA,--Shall you expect to hear from
me on Wednesday or not? I think you will, or I
should not write, as the three days and h