Chapter 37

Miss Powis to Lady Powis.

_London_.

Think me not ungrateful, my ever-honour'd Lady, that I have been silent under the ten thousand obligations which I receiv'd at Barford Abbey.--But indeed, my dear Lady, I have been _very_ ill.--I have had the small-pox:--I was seiz'd delirious the evening after my arrival in Town.--My God! what a wretch did I set out with!--Vile man!--Man did I say?--_No_; he is a disgrace to _manhood_.--How shall I tell your Ladyship all I have suffer'd?--I am weak,--_very_ weak;--I find myself unequal to the task.--

This moment I have hit on an expedient that will unravel all;--I'll recall a letter [Footnote: This was the same Lord Darcey's servant saw on the counter.] which I have just sent down to be put into the post-office;--a letter I wrote Lady Mary Sutton immediately on my arrival here;--but was seiz'd so violently, that I could not add the superscription, for which reason it has lain by ever since.--I am easy on Lady Mary's account:--Mr. Delves has acquainted her of my illness:--like wise the prospect of my recovery.

Consider then, dear Lady Powis, the inclos'd as if it was address'd to yourself.

I cannot do justice to the affection,--the compassion,--the tender assiduity I have experienc'd from Mr. Delves's family:--I shall always love them; I hope too I shall always be grateful.

God grant, my dear Lady;--God grant, dear Sir James, that long ere this you may have embrac'd Mr. and Mrs. Powis.--My heart is with _you_:--it delights to dwell at Barford Abbey.

In a few days I hope to do myself the honour of writing to your Ladyship again.--One line from your dear hand would be most gratefully receiv'd by your oblig'd and affectionate

F. WARLEY.

_P.S._ My good friends Mr. and Mrs. Jenkings shall hear from me next post.