acquaintance than they do for mine. But you, Sir, must be the mediator
between them and me; for I shall insist upon a literal performance in
every article.

The Colonel was so kind as to declare that he would support me in my
resolution.



LETTER XXI

MR. BELFORD, TO ROBERT LOVELACE, ESQ.
SUNDAY MORN. EIGHT O'CLOCK, SEPT. 10.


I staid at Smith's till I saw the last of all that is mortal of the
divine lady.

As she has directed rings by her will to several persons, with her hair
to be set in crystal, the afflicted Mrs. Norton cut off, before the
coffin was closed four charming ringlets; one of which the Colonel took
for a locket, which, he says, he will cause to be made, and wear next his
heart in memory of his beloved cousin.

Between four and five in the morning, the corpse was put into the hearse;
the coffin before being filled, as intended, with flowers and aromatic
herbs, and proper care taken to prevent the corpse suffering (to the eye)
from the jolting of the hearse.

Poor Mrs. Norton is extremely ill. I gave particular directions to Mrs.