_Mrs. Johnson to Lady Susan._
Edward Street.
My dear Creature,—I am in agonies, and know not what to do. Mr. De
Courcy arrived just when he should not. Mrs. Mainwaring had that
instant entered the house, and forced herself into her guardian’s
presence, though I did not know a syllable of it till afterwards, for I
was out when both she and Reginald came, or I should have sent him away
at all events; but she was shut up with Mr. Johnson, while he waited in
the drawing-room for me. She arrived yesterday in pursuit of her
husband, but perhaps you know this already from himself. She came to
this house to entreat my husband’s interference, and before I could be
aware of it, everything that you could wish to be concealed was known
to him, and unluckily she had wormed out of Mainwaring’s servant that
he had visited you every day since your being in town, and had just
watched him to your door herself! What could I do! Facts are such
horrid things! All is by this time known to De Courcy, who is now alone
with Mr. Johnson. Do not accuse me; indeed, it was impossible to
prevent it. Mr. Johnson has for some time suspected De Courcy of
intending to marry you, and would speak with him alone as soon as he
knew him to be in the house. That detestable Mrs. Mainwaring, who, for
your comfort, has fretted herself thinner and uglier than ever, is
still here, and they have been all closeted together. What can be done?
At any rate, I hope he will plague his wife more than ever. With
anxious wishes,
Yours faithfully,
ALICIA.