Dr. Bartlett has just now taken leave of me, in my own dressing-room.
The parting scene between us was tender.
I have not given you my opinion of Miss Williams. Had I seen her at my
first coming to town, I should have taken as much notice of her, in my
letters to you, as I did of the two Miss Brambers, Miss Darlington, Miss
Cantillon, Miss Allestree, and others of my own sex; and of Mr. Somner,
Mr. Barnet, Mr. Walden, of the other; who took my first notice, as they
fell early in my way, and with whom it is possible, as well as with the
town-diversions, I had been more intimate, had not Sir Hargrave's vile
attempt carried me out of their acquaintance into a much higher; which of
necessity, as well as choice, entirely engrossed my attention. But now
how insipid would any new characters appear to you, if they were but of a
like cast with those I have mentioned, were I to make such the subjects
of my pen, and had I time before me; which I cannot have, to write again,
before I embrace you all, my dear, my ever dear and indulgent friends!
I will only say, that Miss Williams is a genteel girl; but will hardly be
more than one of the better sort of modern women of condition; and that
she is to be classed so high, will be owing more to Miss Clements's
lessons, than, I am afraid, to her mother's example.
Is it, Lucy, that I have more experience and discernment now, or less
charity and good-nature, than when I first came to town? for then I
thought well, in the main, of Lady Betty Williams. But though she is a
good-natured, obliging woman; she is so immersed in the love of public
diversions! so fond of routs, drums, hurricanes,--Bless me, my dear! how
learned should I have been in all the gaieties of the modern life; what a
fine lady, possibly; had I not been carried into more rational (however
to me they have been more painful) scenes; and had I followed the lead of
this lady, as she (kindly, as to her intention) had designed I should!
In the afternoon Mr. Beauchamp is to introduce Sir Harry and Lady
Beauchamp, on their first visit to the two sisters.
I had almost forgot to tell you, that my cousins and I are to attend the
good Countess of D---- for one half hour, after we have taken leave of
Lady Olivia and her aunt.
And now, my Lucy, do I shut up my correspondence with you from London.
My heart beats high with the hope of being as indulgently received by all
you, my dearest friends, as I used to be after a shorter absence: for I
am, and ever will be,
The grateful, dutiful, and affectionate
HARRIET BYRON.