some accident must have happened to that unlucky animal, which is
the great source of all her troubles. Dear Letty! what a pity it
is, that a woman of her years and discretion, should place her
affection upon such an ugly, ill-conditioned cur, that snarls and
snaps at every body. I asked John Thomas, the footman who
attended her, what was the matter? and he did nothing but grin. A
famous dog-doctor was sent for, and undertook to cure the
patient, provided he might carry him home to his own house; but
his mistress would not part with him out of her own sight -- She
ordered the cook to warm cloths, which she applied to his bowels,
with her own hand. She gave up all thoughts of going to the ball
in the evening; and when Sir Ulic came to drink tea, refused to
be seen; so that he went away to look for another partner. My
brother Jery whistles and dances. My uncle sometimes shrugs up
his shoulders, and sometimes bursts out a-laughing. My aunt sobs
and scolds by turns; and her woman, Win. Jenkins, stares and
wonders with a foolish face of curiosity; and, for my part, I am
as curious as she, but ashamed to ask questions.

Perhaps time will discover the mystery; for if it was any thing
that happened in the Rooms, it cannot be long concealed -- All I
know is, that last night at supper, miss Bramble spoke very
disdainfully of Sir Ulic Mackilligut, and asked her brother if he
intended to keep us sweltering all the summer at Bath? 'No,
sister Tabitha (said he, with an arch smile) we shall retreat
before the Dog-days begin; though I make no doubt, that with a
little temperance and discretion, our constitutions might be kept
cool enough all the year, even at Bath.' As I don't know the
meaning of this insinuation, I won't pretend to make any remarks
upon it at present: hereafter, perhaps, I may be able to explain