To Miss Montague.
Monday.
The inclosed, my dear, is as much to you as to me, perhaps more; I
pardon the lady for thinking you the handsomest. Is not this the
strongest proof I could give of my friendship? perhaps I should have
been piqued, however, had the preference been given by a man; but I
can with great tranquillity allow you to be the women's beauty.
Dictate an answer to your little Bell, who waits your commands at
her bureau.
Adieu!
"To Miss Fermor, at Silleri.
Monday.
"You and your lovely friend obliged me beyond words, my dear Bell,
by your visit of yesterday: Madame Des Roches is charmed with you
both: you will not be displeased when I tell you she gives Emily the
preference; she says she is beautiful as an angel; that she should
think the man insensible, who could see her without love; that she is
_touchant_, to use her own word, beyond any thing she ever beheld.
"She however does justice to your charms, though Emily's seem to
affect her most. She even allows you to be perhaps more the taste of
men in general.
"She intends paying her respects to you and Emily this afternoon;
and has sent to desire me to conduct her. As it is so far, I would wish
to find you at home.
"Yours,
Ed. Rivers."