Part 2 (2/2)

Will you, or will you not, meet your old friend Finch here next Wednesday?--Be determined in your answer.--I have suspence enough on my hands to be excused from any on your account.--Sir James thinks it unkind you have not called on him since I left England;--hasten therefore to make up matters with the baronet,--Need I say the pleasure I shall have in shaking you by the hand?

DARCEY.

LETTER VII.

The Hon. GEORGE MOLESWORTH to Lord DARCEY.

_Bath_.

Wednesday next you shall see me,--positively you shall.--Bridgman will be of the party.

I propose an immensity of satisfaction from this visit.--Forbid it, heaven! Miss Warley's opposite should again give me a meeting at the Abbey.--After the conversation I am made to expect, how should I be mortified to have my ears eternally dinn'd with catgut work,--painting gauze,--weaving fringes,--and finding out enigmas?--Setting a fine face, Miss Winter is out-done by Fletcher's Nancy.--A-propos, I yesterday saw that very wise girl step into a chaise and wheel off for Scotland, begging and praying we would make the best of it to her mamma.--Not the least hand had I in this affair; but, willing to help out people in distress, at the entreaties of Lord Mich.e.l.l, I waited on the old Lady at her lodging.

I found her in a furious plight,--raving at her servants,--packing up her cloaths, and reflecting on her relations who had persuaded her to come to Bath.--When I entered she was kneeling by a huge travelling trunk, stuffing in a green purse at one corner, which I supposed to be full of gold.

Where is Nancy?--riling from the ground, and accosting me with looks of fury;--Where is Nancy, Mr. Molesworth?

Really, _Madam_, that is a question I cannot positively answer;--but, to be sincere, I believe she is on the road to Scotland.

_Believe!_--So you would have me think you are not one of Fletcher's clan.--But, tell him from me, running to the trunk after her purse, and shaking it just at my ear,--_tell him_, he shall never be a penny the better for this.

I took my hat, and looked towards the door, as if going.

Stop, Mr. Molesworth, (her voice somewhat lowered) why in so great a hurry?--I once thought you my friend. Pray inform me if Nancy was forced away;--or, if me went willingly.

You have no right, Madam, after the treatment I have received, to expect an answer; but justice bids me declare her going off seemed a matter of choice.

Poor child!--You was certainly trapann'd (and she put a handkerchief to her eyes).

I solemnly protest, Madam, I have seen your daughter but twice since she came to Bath.--Last night, when coming from the Rooms, I saw her step into a chaise, followed by Mr. Fletcher.--They beckoned me towards them, whispered the expedition they were going upon, and requested me to break the matter to you, and intercede for their pardon.--My visit has not answered its salutary purpose--I perceive it _has not_. So saying I turned from her,--knowing, by old acquaintance, how I was to play my cards, me being one of those kind of spirits which are never quell'd but by opposition.

After fetching me from the door, she promised to hear calmly what I had to say;--and, tho' no orator, I succeeded so well as to gain an a.s.surance, she would see them at their return from Scotland.

I left the old Lady in tolerable good humour, and was smiling to myself, recollecting the bout I had pa.s.sed, when, who should come towards me but Lord Mich.e.l.l,--his countenance full-fraught with curiosity.

Well, George!--dear George!--what success in your emba.s.sy?--I long to know the fate of honest Fletcher.--Is he to loll in a coach and six?--or, is the coroner's inquest to bring in their verdict Lunacy?

A sweet alternative!--_As_ your Lords.h.i.+p's a.s.siduity has shewn the former is the highest pinnacle to which you would wish to lift a friend, I believe your most sanguine hopes are here answered.

Is it _so!_--Well, if ever Fletcher offers up a prayer, it ought to be for you, Molesworth.

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