Chapter 23

Miss WARLEY to Lady MARY SUTTON.

_from Mr. Jenkings's_.

Oh what a designing man is Lord Darcey!--He loves me not, yet fain would persuade me that he does.--When I went yesterday morning to the Abbey, I met him in my way to Lady Powis's dressing-room.--Starting as if he had seen an apparition, and with a look which express'd great importance, he said, taking my hand, Oh! Miss Warley, I have had the most dreadful night!--but I hope _you_ have rested well.

I have rested very well, my Lord; what has disturb'd your Lordship's rest?

_What_, had it been _real_ as it was _visionary_, would have drove me to madness.--I dreamt, Miss Warley,--I dreamt every thing I was possess'd of was torn from me;--but now--_and here stopt_.

Well, my Lord, and did not the pleasure of being undeceiv'd overpay all the pain which you had been deceiv'd into?

No, my angel!--_Why does he call me his angel?_

Why, no: I have such a sinking, such a load on my mind, to reflect it is possible,--only possible it might happen, that, upon my word, it has been almost too much for me.

Ah! my Lord, you are certainly wrong to anticipate evils; they come fast enough, one need not run to meet them:--besides, if your Lordship had been in reality that very unfortunate creature, you dreamt you were, for no rank or degree is proof against the caprice of Fortune,--was nothing to be preserv'd entire?--Fortune can require only what she gave: fortitude, peace, and resignation, are not her gifts.

Oh! Miss Warley, you mistake: it was not riches I fancied myself dispossess'd of;--it was, oh my God!--what my peace, my _very_ soul is center'd in!--and his eyes turn'd round with so wild a stare, that really I began to suspect his head.

I trembled so I could scarce reach the dressing-room, though just at the door.--The moment I turn'd from him, he flew like lightning over the stairs; and soon after, I saw him walking with Sir James on the terrace. By their gestures I could discover their conversation was not a common one.

Mr. Morgan comes this instant in sight;--a servant after him, leading my little horse.--I am sorry to break off, but I must attend him;--he is so good, I know your Ladyship would be displeas'd, was I to prolong my letter at the expence of his favour.--Yours, my much honour'd,--my much lov'd Lady,--with all gratitude, with all affection,

F. WARLEY.