lives in every thing we cat or drink: the very air we breathe, is
loaded with contagion. We cannot even sleep, without risque of
infection. I say, infection -- This place is the rendezvous of the
diseased -- You won't deny, that many diseases are infectious; even
the consumption itself, is highly infectious. When a person dies
of it in Italy, the bed and bedding are destroyed; the other
furniture is exposed to the weather and the apartment white-washed,
before it is occupied by any other living soul. You'll
allow, that nothing receives infection sooner, or retains it
longer, than blankets, feather-beds, and matrasses -- 'Sdeath! how
do I know what miserable objects have been stewing in the bed
where I now lie! -- I wonder, Dick, you did not put me in mind of
sending for my own matrasses -- But, if I had not been an ass, I
should not have needed a remembrancer -- There is always some
plaguy reflection that rises up in judgment against me, and
ruffles my spirits -- Therefore, let us change the subject.

I have other reasons for abridging my stay at Bath -- You know
sister Tabby's complexion -- If Mrs Tabitha Bramble had been of any
other race, I should certainly have considered her as the most --.
But, the truth is, she has found means to interest my affection;
or, rather, she is beholden to the force of prejudice, commonly
called the ties of blood. Well, this amiable maiden has actually
commenced a flirting correspondence with an Irish baronet of
sixty-five. His name is Sir Ulic Mackilligut. He is said to be
much out at elbows; and, I believe, has received false
intelligence with respect to her fortune. Be that as it may, the
connexion is exceedingly ridiculous, and begins already to excite
whispers. For my part, I have no intention to dispute her free-agency;
though I shall fall upon some expedient to undeceive her