Chapter 4

Lord DARCEY to the Honourable GEORGE MOLESWORTH.

_Barford Abbey_.

Prepare your ten pieces, George!--Upon my honour, I was at Barford Abbey a quarter before three, notwithstanding a detention on the road by Lord Michell and Flecher, driving on Jehu for Bath, in his Lordship's phaeton and fix.--You have seen them before this,--and, I suppose, know their errand.--The girl is an egregious fool, that is certain.--I warrant there are a hundred bets depending.--I ask'd what he intended doing with her if he succeeded?--_Do_ with her! said his Lordship; why, she is not more than eighteen; let her go to school: faith, Flecher, that's my advice.--_Let her go_ to the devil after I am once sure of her, return'd the lover; and, whipping up the horses; drove away like lightning.

Be serious--Answer me one serious question,--Is it not possible,--_very_ possible, to have a regard, a _friendship_, for an amiable girl, without endangering her peace or my own?--If I am further involv'd than _friendship_,--the blame is not mine; it will lie at the door of Sir James and Lady Powis.--Talk no more of Lady Elizabeth's smile, or Miss Grevel's hair--Stuff!--meer stuff! nor keep me up after a late evening, to hear your nonsense of Miss Compton's fine neck and shoulders, or Fanny Middleton's eyes.--Come here next week, I will insure you a sight of all those graces in one form. Come, I say, you will be welcome to Sir James and his Lady as myself.--Miss Warley will smile on you.--What other inducement can you want?--Don't be too vain of Miss Warley's smiles; _for know_, she cannot look without them.

Who is Miss Warley?--What is Miss Warley?--you ask.--To your first question I can only answer, A visitor at Jenkings's.--To the second,--She is what has been so much sought after in every age, perfect harmony of mind and person.--Such a hand, George--

Already have I been here eight days:--was I to measure time, I should call them hours.--My affairs with Sir James will take up longer in settling than I apprehended.--Come therefore this week or the next, I charge you.--Come as you hope to see Miss Warley. What do you think Sir James said to me the other day?--Was Miss Warley a girl of fortune, I should think her born for you, Darcey.--As that is not the case,--take care of your heart, my Lord.--She will never attempt to drag you into scrapes:--your little favourite robin, that us'd to peck from your hand, has not less guile.

No! he will never consent;--I must only think of _friendship_.

Lady Powis doats on this paragon of beauty: scarce within their walls,--when she was mention'd with such a just profusion of praises, as fill'd me with impatience.--Lady Powis is a heavenly woman.--You do not laugh;--many would, for supposing any of that sex _heavenly_ after fifty.--The coach is this moment going for Miss Warley;--it waits only for me;--I am often her conductor.--Was _you_ first minister of state,--I the humble suitor whose bread depended on your favour,--not one line more, even to express my wants.

Twelve o'clock, at night.

Our fair visitor just gone;--just gone home with Edmund.--What an officious fool, to take him in the carriage, and prevent myself from a pleasure I envy him for.--I am not in spirits;--I can write no more;--perhaps the next post:--but I will promise nothing.

I am, _&c. &c._

DARCEY.