proper motive by a person of my generosity and penetration.

My brother had just before, with the approbation of my uncles,
employed a person related to a discharged bailiff or steward of Lord
M. who had had the management of some part of Mr. Lovelace's affairs
(from which he was also dismissed by him) to inquire into his debts,
after his companions, into his amours, and the like.

My aunt Hervey, in confidence, gave me the following particulars of
what the man had said of him.

'That he was a generous landlord: that he spared nothing for solid and
lasting improvements upon his estate; and that he looked into his own
affairs, and understood them: that he had been very expensive when
abroad; and contracted a large debt (for he made no secret of his
affairs); yet chose to limit himself to an annual sum, and to decline
equipage, in order to avoid being obliged to his uncle and aunts; from
whom he might have what money he pleased; but that he was very jealous
of their controul; had often quarrels with them; and treated them so
freely, that they were all afraid of him. However, that his estate
was never mortgaged, as my brother had heard it was; his credit was
always high; and the man believed, he was by this time near upon, if
not quite, clear of the world.

'He was a sad gentleman, he said, as to women:--If his tenants had
pretty daughters, they chose to keep them out of his sight. He
believed he kept no particular mistress; for he had heard newelty,
that was the man's word, was every thing with him. But for his
uncle's and aunt's teazings, the man fancied he would not think of
marriage: he was never known to be disguised with liquor; but was a