'Mrs. Shorne comes here to-morrow. She is at present with--guess, my
dear!--with Lady Racial. Do not be alarmed. I have met Lady Racial.
She heard Evan's name, and by that and the likeness I saw she knew at
once, and I saw a truce in her eyes. She gave me a tacit assurance of
it--she was engaged to dine here yesterday, and put it off--probably to
grant us time for composure. If she comes I do not fear her. Besides,
has she not reasons? Providence may have designed her for a staunch
ally--I will not say, confederate.

'Would that Providence had fixed this beautiful mansion five hundred
miles from L-----, though it were in a desolate region! And that reminds
me of the Madre. She is in health. She always will be overbearingly
robust till the day we are bereft of her. There was some secret in the
house when I was there, which I did not trouble to penetrate. That
little Jane F---- was there--not improved.

'Pray, be firm about Torquay. Estates mortgaged, but hopes of saving a
remnant of the property. Third son! Don't commit yourself there. We
dare not baronetize him. You need not speak it--imply. More can be done
that way.

'And remember, dear Harriet, that you must manage Andrew so that we may
positively promise his vote to the Ministry on all questions when
Parliament next assembles. I understood from Lord Livelyston, that
Andrew's vote would be thought much of. A most amusing nobleman! He
pledged himself to nothing! But we are above such a thing as a
commercial transaction. He must countenance Silva. Women, my dear, have
sent out armies--why not fleets? Do not spare me your utmost aid in my
extremity, my dearest sister.