LETTER XXXVI

LORD FILMAR

TO

SIR WALTER BOYER

Faith, Walter, I have secured a rich prize, indeed. Hear but its estimate.

In the first place, a very lovely and adorable woman.

In the second, a fine estate.

In the third,----an heir (in embrio) to inherit it.

True, by the Gods!--Nevertheless, stop your rash conclusions, for I have heard her whole story, therefore I tell you that Miss Ashburn is an angel, Mr. Murden a fine fellow, Mr. Valmont an idiot, Sibella a saint, and Montgomery--a scoundrel: though on my soul she talked so movingly of his _never fading faith_ I could not for my life persuade myself to tell her my true opinion of him.

From the little she knows of Murden, (her hermit and deliverer) I long to know more. I burn to tell you of her wonderful escape, of the marvellous Ruin on the rock, but I have resolved to wave explanations till I come.--I charge you, by your friendship, breathe not a whisper of the adventure till you see me. I am going to restore her to her friends; her eloquence did part, but truly her condition did more.--I never bargained to pay off such a mortgage. I could love her dearly; but then you know my name is Filmar, and as a Lord I am bound in duty to love and cherish no son but a son of my own begetting.

I have dispatched two messengers, one for carriages and another to that inn at Hipsley (_which I don't love at all now_) to make enquiries after Mr. Murden. I wonder how he and I shall adjust our accounts.--I fear there is a long balance in his favour.

You perceive, Walter, all my secret plottings and contrivings have brought me to a fine heritage at last! Murden cannot call me any thing less than a _thief_, and will say I deserve a thief's punishment. Valmont too will want a peck at me, neither for the credit of love nor integrity but only because Sibella is the great great great granddaughter of some one or other of his _great_ grandfather's. Montgomery may pretend the honour of _his wife_ (her own phrase) impeached by her residence with me, and if he won't believe that until two hours since I never forced myself into her presence, why I shall be obliged by all the laws of honour and gentlemanship to prove it by the length of a sword.

Heigh ho! and this pretty wisdom-speaking mortal has actually prevailed on me to endure the brunt and carry her back to Miss Ashburn! She has offered high bribes,--solid comforts,--made up of duty and justice;--but I have a sickly palate--spoiled by other viands,--I want a modern seasoned fricassee.

Alas! I have no alternative--unless I shoot her and bury her under a tree. I don't know what of that sort I may be tempted to for myself! for when I have no longer her and her concerns to think of I must turn to my own--a pretty prospect!

Do you know, Walter, any way that a Lord turned plain man can get a living? for unless I _get it_ heaven knows I must go without it.

You are admiring my forbearance in keeping such a distance, Walter; but the fact is, I was a coward. Daily almost hourly Miss Valmont intreated she might speak with me, and I as constantly with a great many civil excuses declined the conversation. What could I have said but what had amounted to this: 'Miss Valmont, I ran away with you, because I wanted your estate, for want of a better.--As to yourself, I know nothing about you, therefore how can I care for you?' Methought, Walter, when I had your cash in hand I should be bold. Your cash came; I pocketed it; and I proudly strutted up to Miss Valmont.----The former pages will tell you the result.

* * * * *

The plot thickens, and I am more of Montgomery's sort than I believed I was.--Mr. Murden is dying.--Good God, Walter! who would have thought on this?--They told my messenger that he has been raving mad! and that a lady took him away for London yesterday morning.--I dare not relate to Miss Valmont these cursed tidings.--I am impatient to yield her up.--We shall travel as fast as I think her condition may allow without danger.

FILMAR