most
dreadful fears that what I have done has disturbed him in the other
world. Can it be so? It is not money or estates we took at all, dearest!
And these excellent young curates--I almost wish it was Protestant to
speak a word behind a board to them and imbibe comfort. For after all it
is nothing: and a word even from this poor thin mopy Mr. Parsley might
be relief to a poor soul in trouble. Catholics tell you that what you
do in a good cause is redeemable if not exactly right. And you know the
Catholic is the oldest Religion of the two. I would listen to the Pope,
staunch Protestant as I am, in preference to King Henry the Eighth.
Though, as a woman, I bear him no rancour, for his wives were--fools,
point blank. No man was ever so manageable. My diplomatist is getting
liker and liker to him every day. Leaner, of course, and does not
habitually straddle. Whiskers and morals, I mean. We must be silent
before our prudish sister. Not a prude? We talk diplomacy, dearest. He
complains of the exclusiveness of the port of Oporto, and would have
strict alliance between Portugal and England, with mutual privileges.
I wish the alliance, and think it better to maintain the exclusiveness.
Very trifling; but what is life!

'Adieu. One word to leave you laughing. Imagine her situation! This
stupid Miss Carrington has offended me. She has tried to pump Conning,
who, I do not doubt, gave her as much truth as I chose she should
have in her well. But the quandary of the wretched creature! She takes
Conning into her confidence--a horrible malady just covered by
high-neck dress! Skin! and impossible that she can tell her engaged--who
is--guess--Mr. George Up------! Her name is Louisa Carrington. There was
a Louisa Harrington once. Similarity of names perhaps. Of course I could
not let her come to the house; and of course Miss C. is in a state of
wonderment and bad passions, I fear. I went straight to Lady Racial, my
dear. There was nothing else for it but to go and speak. She is truly
a noble woman--serves us in every way. As she should!--much affected
by sight of Evan, and keeps aloof from Beckley Court. The finger of
Providence is in all. Adieu! but do pray think of Miss Carrington! It
was foolish of her to offend me. Drives and walks-the Duke attentive.
Description of him when I embrace you. I give amiable Sir Franks
Portuguese dishes. Ah, my dear, if we had none but men to contend
against, and only women for our tools! But this is a