SATURDAY, SEPT. 9.


DEAR COUSIN,

I cannot find words to express what we all suffer on the most mournful
news that ever was communicated to us.

My sister Arabella (but, alas! I have now no other sister) was preparing
to follow Mrs. Norton up, and I had resolved to escort her, and to have
looked in upon the dear creature.

God be merciful to us all! To what purpose did the doctor write, if she
was so near her end?--Why, as every body says, did he not send sooner?--
Or, Why at all?

The most admirable young creature that ever swerved! Not one friend to
be with her!--Alas! Sir, I fear my mother will never get over this shock.
--She has been in hourly fits ever since she received the fatal news. My
poor father has the gout thrown into his stomach; and Heaven knows--O
Cousin!--O Sir!--I meant nothing but the honour of the family; yet have I
all the weight thrown upon me--[O this cursed Lovelace!--may I perish if
he escape the deserved vengeance!]*


* The words thus enclosed [] were omitted in the transcript to Mr.
Lovelace.


We had begun to please ourselves that we should soon see her here--Good