While I was there a letter was brought by a particular hand. They seemed
very solicitous to hide it from me; which made me suspect it was for her.
I desired to be suffered to cast an eye upon the seal, and the
superscription; promising to give it back to them unopened.

Looking upon it, I told them I knew the hand and seal. It was from her
sister.* And I hoped it would bring her news that she would be pleased
with.


* See Letter XXVI. of this volume.


They joined most heartily in the same hope: and, giving the letter to
them again, I civilly took leave, and went away.

But I will be there again presently; for I fancy my courteous behaviour
to these women will, on their report of it, procure me the favour I so
earnestly covet. And so I will leave my letter unsealed, to tell thee
the event of my next visit at Smith's.


***


Thy servant just calling, I sent thee this: and will soon follow it by
another. Mean time, I long to hear how poor Belton is: to whom my best
wishes.