But write on, however: and send me copies, if thou canst, of all that
passes between our Charlotte and Miss Harlowe. I'll take no notice of
what thou communicatest of that sort. I like not the people here the
worse for their generous offer to the lady. But you see she is as proud
as implacable. There's no obliging her. She'd rather sell her clothes
than be beholden to any body, although she would oblige by permitting the
obligation.

O Lord! O Lord!--Mortal ill!--Adieu, Jack!


***


I was forced to leave off, I was so ill, at this place. And what dost
think! why Lord M. brought the parson of the parish to pray by me; for
his chaplain is at Oxford. I was lain down in my night-gown over my
waistcoat, and in a doze: and, when I opened my eyes, who should I see,
but the parson kneeling on one side the bed; Lord M. on the other; Mrs.
Greme, who had been sent for to tend me, as they call it, at the feet!
God be thanked, my Lord, said I in an ecstasy!--Where's Miss?--for I
supposed they were going to marry me.

They thought me delirious at first; and prayed louder and louder.

This roused me: off the bed I started; slid my feet into my slippers;
put my hand in my waistcoat pocket, and pulled out thy letter with my
beloved's meditation in it! My Lord, Dr. Wright, Mrs. Greme, you have
thought me a very wicked fellow: but, see! I can read you as good as you