offend me, and I like him too well ever to exert my authority over
him. If ever you should meet, and chance to know him, take notice of
him on my account.

You say that you shall write to the Dowager Soon; her address is at
Southwell, _that_ I need hardly inform you. Now, Augusta, I am going
to tell you a secret, perhaps I shall appear undutiful to you, but,
believe me, my affection for you is founded on a more firm basis. My
mother has lately behaved to me in such an eccentric manner, that so
far from feeling the affection of a Son, it is with difficulty I can
restrain my dislike. Not that I can complain of want of liberality;
no, She always supplies me with as much money as I can spend, and more
than most boys hope for or desire. But with all this she is so hasty,
so impatient, that I dread the approach of the holidays, more than
most boys do their return from them. In former days she spoilt me; now
she is altered to the contrary; for the most trifling thing, she
upbraids me in a most outrageous manner, and all our disputes have
been lately heightened by my one with that object of my cordial,
deliberate detestation, Lord Grey de Ruthyn. She wishes me to explain
my reasons for disliking him, which I will never do; would I do it to
any one, be assured you, my dear Augusta, would be the first who would
know them. She also insists on my being reconciled to him, and once
she let drop such an odd expression that I was half inclined to
believe the dowager was in love with him. But I hope not, for he is
the most disagreeable person (in my opinion) that exists. He called
once during my last vacation; she threatened, stormed, begged me to
make it up, "he himself loved me, and wished it;" but my reason was so
excellent--that neither had effect, nor would I speak or stay in the
same room, till he took his departure. No doubt this appears odd; but
was my reason known, which it never will be if I can help it, I should