m
you how the beadle thrashed the thief, the constable the beadle, and
the lady the constable, and how the thief was the only person concerned
who suffered nothing.

* * * * *

March 29th, 1784.

It being his Majesty's pleasure, that I should yet have another
opportunity to write before he dissolves the Parliament, I avail myself
of it with all possible alacrity. I thank you for your last, which was
not the less welcome for coming, like an extraordinary gazette, at a
time when it was not expected.

As when the sea is uncommonly agitated, the water finds its way into
creeks and holes of rocks, which in its calmer state it never reaches,
in like manner the effect of these turbulent times is felt even at
Orchard Side, where in general we live as undisturbed by the political
element as shrimps or cockles that have been accidentally deposited in
some hollow beyond the water-mark, by the usual dashing of the waves.
We were sitting yesterday after dinner, the two ladies and myself, very
composedly, and without the least apprehension of any such intrusion in
our snug parlor, one lady knitting, the other netting, and the gentleman
winding worsted, when to our unspeakable surprise a mob appeared before
the window; a smart rap was heard at the door, the boys bellowed, and
the maid announced Mr. Grenville. Puss was unfortunately let out of her
box, so that the candidate, with all his good friends at his heels, was
refused admittance at the grand entry, and referred to the back door, as
the only possible way of approach.

Candidates are creatures not very susceptible of affronts, and would
rather, I suppose, climb in at the window, than be absolutely excluded.
In a minute, the yard, the kitchen, and the parlor were filled. Mr.
Grenville, advancing toward me, shook me by the hand with a degree of
cordiality that was extremely seducing. As soon as he, and as many more
as could find chairs, were seated, he began to open the intent of his
visit. I told him I had no vote, for which he readily gave me credit. I
assured him I had no influence, which he was not equally inclined to
believe, and the less, no doubt, because Mr. Ashburner, the draper,
addressing himself to me at this moment, informed me that I had a great
deal. Supposing that I could not be possessed of such a treasure without
knowing it, I ventured to affirm my first assertion, by saying, that if
I had any I was utterly at a loss to imagine