I am much obliged to you for the Certificate, but it came too late
to be of any service to my poor Chaise. Whilst I was in the country,
a regular process in the Exchequer (a matter of form) was commenced,
and the date of the payment in the Country was too late. Mr. G. Scott
whom I consulted read me a lecture on the heinous sin of cheating
Government, and the business ended in my paying the tax with all its
arrears, sixteen pounds.
Mrs. Denton's invitation gives me great pleasure, as I am persuaded
that Bath, if you can settle there in a manner agreeable to yourself,
will be a very proper and a very convenient place. I must add, though
I hope there is no occasion to say it, that nothing in my power shall
be wanting to make it so.
[Sidenote: MASQUERADE AT SOHO.]
Are all the poor sheep at Havant dead of the rot? We are frightened
in town with the apprehensions of famine, and it is said there is
no probability of a tolerable harvest. Wheat in that melancholy
prospect must be rising, and I should think--but I have no sort of
business to think--and am sure you will give your order with a much
more enlightened zeal for our Interest than I could possibly do
myself.
Mrs. Eliot is in town, I dined with them last Sunday. They say, as
usual, every thing that _is proper_ on every occasion. The next day
(Monday) I dined with Sir Matthew [Featherstonhaugh], and last night
I passed in a gay varied scene called a Masquerade at Soho.[139]
There will be another next week, at the Haymarket, and yet _we_ have
had no Earthquake.
I am, dear Madam,
Most truly yours,
E. G.
[139] The Soho masquerades were given at Carlisle House by Mrs.
Theresa Cornelys, whom Walpole calls "the Heidegger of the
age." It was here that, the year before, the Duke of Gloucester
appeared as Edward IV. with Lady Waldegrave as Elizabeth
Woodville.
104.
_To his Stepmother._
Pall Mall, April 27th, 1771.