Volume V Part 33 (1/2)
”They all rob me,” said she, ”but I have to put up with it What I want is a sharp man to help me and watch over my interests; if I had such an one I should make an immense fortune in a comparatively short tilish do not care what they spend”
I told her I hoped she would find suchher enterprise
When I left Soho Square I went to St Jaton for whom I bore a letter, as I have mentioned This lady lived in the precincts of the Court, and received company every Sunday It was allowable to play in her house, as the park is under the jurisdiction of the Crown In any other place there is no playing cards or singing on Sundays The town abounds in spies, and if they have reason to suppose that there is any ga on, they watch for their opportunity, slip into the house, and arrest all the bad Christians, who are diverting theh in any other country But to o in perfect liberty to the tavern or the brothel, and sanctify the Sabbath as he pleases
I called on Lady Harrington, and having sent up my letter she summoned me into her presence I found her in the midst of about thirty persons, but the hostess was easily distinguished by the air of welcome she had for me
After I had made , and that without knoho I was she had been desirous ofmy acquaintance Our conversation lasted three-quarters of an hour, and was composed of those frivolous observations and idle questions which are commonly addressed to a traveller
The lady was forty, but she was still handsoallantries and her influence at Court She introduced irls of a e
She asked me why I had co out of town I told her that as I always obeyed the impulse of the moment, I should find it difficult to answer her question; besides, I intended staying for a year, so that the pleasure would be deferred but not lost
My reply seelish independence, and she offered with exquisite grace to do all in her power for in by letting you see all the nobility at Madaive you a ticket to adave her theon it, ”Paid--Harrington”
”Is this formality necessary, my lady?”
”Yes; or else they would ask you for the money at the doors”
I did not think it necessary to say anything about my connection with the lady of Soho Square
While Lady Harrington wasup a rubber at whist, she asked me if I had any other letters for ladies
”Yes,” said I, ”I have one which I intend to present to- ot it about you?”
”Yes, my lady”
”May I see it?”
”Certainly Here it is”
”It is the duchess of Northuive it her”
”With pleasure!”
”Just wait till they have iven me this portrait as a letter of introduction to his ton, ”here is a letter of introduction which this gentlealt My son has written to hted to see you, Chevalier, and I hope you will come and see me I receive thrice a week”
”Will your ladyshi+p allow me to present ht”
I played a rubber of whist for very suineas, which I paid on the spot Directly afterwards Lady Harrington took ave me a lesson which I deeold,” said she; ”I suppose you had no bank notes about you?”