I am grieved, though I cannot be astonished at your rupture with Mr. De
Courcy; he has just informed Mr. Johnson of it by letter. He leaves
London, he says, to-day. Be assured that I partake in all your
feelings, and do not be angry if I say that our intercourse, even by
letter, must soon be given up. It makes me miserable; but Mr. Johnson
vows that if I persist in the connection, he will settle in the country
for the rest of his life, and you know it is impossible to submit to
such an extremity while any other alternative remains. You have heard
of course that the Mainwarings are to part, and I am afraid Mrs. M.
will come home to us again; but she is still so fond of her husband,
and frets so much about him, that perhaps she may not live long. Miss
Mainwaring is just come to town to be with her aunt, and they say that
she declares she will have Sir James Martin before she leaves London
again. If I were you, I would certainly get him myself. I had almost
forgot to give you my opinion of Mr. De Courcy; I am really delighted
with him; he is full as handsome, I think, as Mainwaring, and with such
an open, good-humoured countenance, that one cannot help loving him at
first sight. Mr. Johnson and he are the greatest friends in the world.
Adieu, my dearest Susan, I wish matters did not go so perversely. That
unlucky visit to Langford! but I dare say you did all for the best, and
there is no defying destiny.
Your sincerely attached,
ALICIA.