by myself.

Kiss dear Horatia, for me: and tell her, to be a dutiful and good
child; and, if she is, that we shall always love her.

You may, if you like, tell Mrs. G. that I shall certainly settle
a small pension on her. It shall not be large, as we may have the
pleasure of making her little presents; and, my dearest Emma, I
shall not be wanting to every body who has been kind to you, be they
servants or gentlefolks.

Admiral Lutwidge is a good man; and, I like Mrs. Lutwidge--and shall,
always more, because she is fond of you.

Never mind the great Bashaw at the Priory. He be damned! If he
was single, and had a mind to marry you, he could only make you a
Marchioness: but, as he is situated, and I situated, I can make you a
Duchess; and, if it pleases God, that time may arrive! Amen. Amen.

As for your friend Lady H----, she is, in her way, as great a pimp as
any of them.

What a set! But, if they manage their own intrigues, is not that
enough! I am sure, neither you or I care what they do; much less, envy
them their _chere amies_.

As for Lord S----, and the other, I care nothing about them; for I
have every reason, by my own feelings towards you, to think you care
only for your Nelson.

I have not heard of your receiving the little box from Naples;
bracelets, I fancy, but I did not open them.

I wish the _amorins_ may come in time for the conveyance of Captain
Layman; who has, most unfortunately, lost his sloop: he is strongly
recommended, by the governor and garrison of Gibraltar. But, perhaps,
he may not be able to obtain it.

We have such reports about the King's health, that the present
ministry may be out; and, for what I know or care, another set may be
no better, for you or me.

As for the Admiralty, let who will be in, they can neither do me any
great good or harm: they may vex me, a little; but, that will recoil
upon themselves.

I hope, however, they will confirm Captain Layman; for he is attached
not only to me, but is a very active officer. But, it was his
venturing to know more about India than Troubridge, that made them
look shy upon him; and, his tongue runs too fast. I often tell him,
not to let his tongue run so fast, or his pen write so much.

LETTER XLIII.

Victory, off Toulon,
April 10th, 1804.

MY DEAREST EMMA,

I have received all your truly kind and affectionate letters, to
January 25th, by the Thisbe; and, last night, your letter of January
13th, by Naples.