I have now been about ten days in town. The scene of Beriton was
too melancholy to support, and with respect to health as well as to
spirits I found a change of scene and air absolutely requisite. Mrs.
Gibbon went for a few days to Bayley's, who, both husband and wife,
have behaved in the most friendly manner on the occasion. To-morrow
I propose returning to Beriton, and shall carry with me Mrs.
Williams, a daughter of Poet Mallet, whose lively company will I hope
contribute to divert poor Mrs. Gibbon during the gloom of the Winter.
With regard to business, you are sensible, Dear Sir, that it is not
yet in my power to say much about it. The most pressing part I have
attended to, and the interest to Goslings will be entirely paid by
next Saturday. The next month which I shall spend at Beriton will
afford me time and opportunity for looking into the state of it, the
profits and expences of the farm, the value of the Estate, and the
probable encrease of it in respect to timber; I hope to return to
town with such materials as may enable me rationally to decide which
of the Estates it will be most prudent to part with. At present I
incline (and it seems to be very much Mr. Porten's sentiment) towards
keeping and letting Beriton. As soon as a resolution is taken, not
a moment should be lost in the execution. I shall always hope, Dear
Sir, for the continuance of your advice and friendship, and beg that
you would believe me,
Most sincerely yours,
E. GIBBON.
90.
_To his Stepmother._
Pall Mall, December the 4th, 1770.