LETTER LXIII.
_From Miss Cowley to Miss Hardcastle._
_Friday morning._
My letter[1] of Monday last contained the intelligence of the good
baronet’s safety, and the comfortable hopes that are entertained at
Putney, that Mr. Serge will not need executors to his will, for some
time at least; for the sight of the travellers has been a cordial to
him. This morning we had another letter; it was from Malcolm; all the
business which occasioned the journey had been finished to poor Mr.
Serge’s contentment; but he had exerted himself too much; and the gout
had overtaken him. Malcolm adds, that the doctor regards this
indisposition as favourable to his friend’s general health, and that he
is chief nurse; Mrs. Fairly attends her mother with assiduity, though
unwell herself; she is, he says, the shadow of the Leonora we know, and
he thinks her in a consumption. Her husband, from time to time, attends
her; but his reception is cold and ceremonious in Mr. Serge’s room, and
he is not less restrained on his part with the guests. Sir Murdoch is in
perfect health, and the counsellor shares, in his leisure hours, and
contributes to his amusement.
Footnote 1:
This letter does not appear.
Lady Maclairn summons me to perform my part of the task we have before
us; she has finished her part of it, and I have to fill the second sheet
of paper to Putney. You will soon find me with you again; but my good
father must have this hour, and the satisfaction of knowing that his
wife is easy and reasonable, as is your