been very busy, at the times he could not write, in
consulting Pritchard about those estates which he proposes to transfer to
you on the happy occasion, that he may answer your letter in the most
acceptable manner; and show, by effects, how kindly he takes your
invitation. I assure you he is mighty proud of it.

As for myself, I am not at all well, and have not been for some weeks
past, with my old stomach-disorder. I had certainly else before now have
done myself the honour you wonder I have not done myself. Lady Betty,
who would have accompanied me, (for we have laid it all out,) has been
exceedingly busy in her law-affair; her antagonist, who is actually on
the spot, having been making proposals for an accommodation. But you may
assure yourself, that when our dear relation-elect shall be entered upon
the new habitation you tell me of, we will do ourselves the honour of
visiting her; and if any delay arises from the dear lady's want of
courage, (which considering her man, let me tell you, may very well be,)
we will endeavour to inspire her with it, and be sponsors for you;--for,
cousin, I believe you have need to be christened over again before you
are entitled to so great a blessing. What think you?

Just now, my Lord tells me, he will dispatch a man on purpose with his
letter to-morrow: so I needed not to have written. But now I have, let
it go; and by Empson, who sets out directly on his return to town.

My best compliments, and sister's, to the most deserving lady in the
world [you will need no other direction to the person meant] conclude me

Your affectionate cousin and servant,
CHARL. MONTAGUE.

***

Thou seest how seasonably this letter comes. I hope my Lord will write
nothing but what I may show to my beloved. I have actually sent her up
this letter of Charlotte's, and hope for happy effects from it.

R.L.

***

[The Lady, in her next letter, gives Miss Howe an account of what passed
between Mr. Lovelace and herself. She resents his behaviour with her
usual dignity. But when she comes to mention Mr. Mennell's letter,
she re-urges Miss Howe to perfect her scheme for her deliverance;
being resolved to leave him. But, dating again, on his sending up to
her Miss Montague's letter, she alters her mind, and desires her to
suspend for the present her application to Mrs. Townsend.]

I had begun, says she, to suspect all he had said of Mrs. Fretchville and
her house;