ectionate
--------
Kind love, and regards, to Mrs. Cadogan, and all friends. God bless
you, again and again!
LETTER LII.
Victory, August 20th, 1804.
MY DEAREST EMMA,
The Kent left us three days ago; and, as the wind has been perfectly
fair since her departure, I think she will have a very quick passage,
and arrive long before this letter. But, as a ship is going to Rosas,
I will not omit the opportunity of writing through Spain; as, you say,
the letters all arrive safe.
We have nothing but gales of wind; and I have had, for two days, fires
in the cabin, to keep out the very damp air.
I still hope that, by the time of my arrival in England, we shall have
peace. God send it!
I have not yet received your muff; I think, probably, I shall bring it
with me.
I hope, Davison has done the needful, in paying for the alterations at
Merton. If not, it is now too late; and we will fix a complete plan,
and execute it next summer. I shall be clear of debt, and what I have
will be my own.
God bless you! Amen. Amen.
George Elliot goes to Malta, for a convoy to England, this day. If you
ever see Lord Minto, say so.
--------
LETTER LIII.
Victory, August 31st, 1804--Say 30th, at Evening. Therefore, I
wrote, in fact, this Day, through Spain.
MY EVER DEAREST EMMA,
Yesterday, I wrote to you, through Spain; this goes by Naples. Mr.
Falconet, I think, will send it; although, I am sure, he feels great
fear from the French minister, for having any thing to do with us.
Mr. Greville is a shabby fellow! It never could have been the
intention of Sir William, but that you should have had seven hundred
pounds a year neat money; for, when he made the will, the Income Tax
was double to what it is at present; and the estate which it is paid
from is increasing every year in value.
It may be law, but it is not just; nor in equity would, I believe, be
considered as the will and intention of Sir William. Never mind!
Thank God, you do not want any of his kindness; nor will he give you
justice.
I may fairly say all this; because my actions are different, even to a
person who has treated me so ill.
As to ----, I know the full extent of the obligation I owe him, and
he may be useful to me again; but I can never forget his unkindness to
you.
But, I guess, many reasons influenced his conduct, in bragging of his
riches, and my honourable poverty; but, as I have often said, and with
|