e some figs. I sometimes venture to eat one, but always repent
it. You say nothing of the box sent half a year ago. I wish you would
pay me for Mrs. Walls's tea. Your mother is in the country, I suppose.
Pray send me the account of MD, Madam Dingley, as it stands since
November,(19) that is to say, for this year (excluding the twenty pounds
lent Stella for Wexford), for I cannot look in your letters. I think I
ordered that Hawkshaw's interest should be paid to you. When you think
proper, I will let Parvisol know you have paid that twenty pounds, or
part of it; and so go play with the Dean, and I will answer your letter
to-morrow. Good-night, sirrahs, and love Presto, and be good girls.

24. I dined to-day with Lord Treasurer, who chid me for not dining with
him yesterday, for it seems I did not understand his invitation;
and their Club of the Ministry dined together, and expected me. Lord
Radnor(20) and I were walking the Mall this evening; and Mr. Secretary
met us, and took a turn or two, and then stole away, and we both
believed it was to pick up some wench; and to-morrow he will be at the
Cabinet with the Queen: so goes the world! Prior has been out of town
these two months, nobody knows where, and is lately returned. People
confidently affirm he has been in France, and I half believe it. It
is said he was sent by the Ministry, and for some overtures towards a
peace. The Secretary pretends he knows nothing of it. I believe your
Parliament will be dissolved. I have been talking about the quarrel
between your Lords and Commons with Lord Treasurer, and did, at the
request of some people, desire that the Queen's answer to the Commons'
address might express a dislike of some principles, etc.; but was
answered dubiously.--And so now to your letter, fair ladies. I know
drinking is bad; I mean writing is bad in drinking the waters; and was
angry to see so much in Stella's hand. But why Dingley drinks them, I
cannot imagine; but truly she'll drink waters as well as Stella: why
not? I hope you now find the benefit of them since you are returned;
pray let me know particularly. I am glad you are forced upon exercise,
which, I believe, is as good as the waters for the heart of them. 'Tis
now past the middle of August; so by your reckoning you are in Dublin.
It would vex me to the dogs that letters should miscarry between Dublin
and Wexford, after 'scaping the salt seas. I will write no more to
that nasty town in haste again, I war