LETTER VII

MR. LOVELACE, TO JOHN BELFORD, ESQ.
SUNDAY, AUG. 13.


I don't know what a devil ails me; but I never was so much indisposed in
my life. At first, I thought some of my blessed relations here had got a
dose administered to me, in order to get the whole house to themselves.
But, as I am the hopes of the family, I believe they would not be so
wicked.

I must lay down my pen. I cannot write with any spirit at all. What a
plague can be the matter with me!


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Lord M. paid me just now a cursed gloomy visit, to ask how I do after
bleeding. His sisters both drove away yesterday, God be thanked. But
they asked not my leave; and hardly bid me good-bye. My Lord was more
tender, and more dutiful, than I expected. Men are less unforgiving than
women. I have reason to say so, I am sure. For, besides implacable Miss
Harlowe, and the old Ladies, the two Montague apes han't been near me
yet.


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