I have had compliments sent me by many of my neighbours, who had hoped I
was come to reside among them. They professed themselves disappointed on
my acquainting them, that I must go up early on Monday morning. I have
invited myself to their Saturday assembly at the Bowling-green-house.
Our reverend friend Mr. Dobson has been so good as to leave with me the
sermon he is to preach to-morrow on the opening of the church: it is a
very good discourse: I have only exceptions to three or four compliments
he makes to the patron in as many different places of it: I doubt not but
he will have the goodness to omit them.
I have already looked into all that has been done in the church; and all
that is doing in the house and gardens. When both have had the direction
and inspection of my dear Dr. Bartlett, need I say, that nothing could
have been better?
***
Halden is just arrived from my lord, with a letter, which has enabled me
to write to Lady Mansfield his lordship's high approbation of all our
proceedings; and that he intends some one early day in next week to pay
to her, and Miss Mansfield, his personal compliments.
He has left to me the article of settlements; declaring, that his regard
for my future interest is all that he wishes may be attended to.
I have therefore written, as from himself, that he proposes a jointure of
1200£. a year, penny-rents, and 300 guineas a year for her private purse;
and that his lordship desires, that Miss Mansfield will make a present to
her sister of whatever she may be entitled to in her own right.
Something was mentioned to me at Mansfield-house of a thousand pounds
left to her by a godmother.
Halden being very desirous to see his future lady, I shall, at his
request, send the letter I have written to Lady Mansfield by him early in
the morning; with a line recommending him to the notice of that lady as
Lord W----'s principal steward.
Adieu, my dear Dr. Bartlett: I have joy in the joy of all these good
people. If Providence graciously makes me instrumental to it, I look
upon myself but as its instrument. I hope ostentation has no share in
what draws on me more thanks and praises than I love to hear.
Lord W---- has a right to be made happy by his next relation, if his next
relation can make him so. Is he not my mother's brother? Would not her
enlarged soul have rejoiced on the occasion, and blessed her son for an
instance of duty to her, paid by his disinterested regard for her
brother? Who, my dear Dr. Bartlett, is so happy, yet who, in some cases,
so unhappy, as your