could contrive to pay you a visit _en passant_, it would be
delightful, and give me the greatest pleasure. But I fear you would be
obliged to make up your mind to receive my _Brats_ too. As for my
husband, he prefers the _outside of the Mail_ to _the inside of a
Post-Chaise_, particularly when partly occupied by Nurse and Children,
so that we always travel _independent_ of each other.

"So much for this, my dear B. I can only say I should _much_ like to
see you at Newstead. The former I hope I shall at all events, as you
must not be shabby, but come to Cambridge as you promised. Are you
staying at Newstead now for any time? I saw George Byron in Town for
one day, and he promised to call or write again, but has not done
either, so I begin to think he has gone back to Lisbon. I think it is
impossible not to like him; he is so good-natured and natural. We
talked much of you; he told me you were grown very thin; as you don't
complain, I hope you are not the worse for being so, and I remember
you used to wish it. Don't you think _it a great shame_ that George B.
is not promoted? I wish there was any possibility of assisting him
about it; but all I know who _could_ do any good with you _present_
Ministers, I don't for many reasons like to ask. Perhaps there may be
a change bye and bye.

"Fred Howard is married to Miss _Lambton_. I saw them in town in their
way to Castle Howard. I hope he will be happy with all my heart; his
kindness and friendship to us last year, when Col. _Leigh_ was placed
in one of the most perplexing situations that I think anybody could be
in, is never to be forgotten. I think he used to be a greater
favourite with you than some others of his family. _Mrs. F.H._ is very
pretty, _very_ young (not quite 17), and appears gentle and pleasing,
which is all one can expect [to discover from] a very slight