Two reasons (assisted, as you will, by a laziness of nature) have
kept me silent for several posts. The one of a pleasant, the other of
a disagreeable kind.
1. Deyverdun is at length arrived, and has explained fully to my
satisfaction the reasons of his whole conduct, tho' they are such
as it is not permitted me to reveal. Lord Chesterfield was not in
the least offended at having been obliged to wait, and my friend
with young Stanhope sets out for the University of Leipsic about the
middle of next week. As I have so short a period to enjoy his Company
between two such intervals of separation, I am obliged to give up
every other engagement, and to sacrifice every other business in
order to snatch the hours which he is able to give me. He begs his
most gratefull compliments to you, and laments that his time will not
allow him to present them himself.
2. The other reason was an inflammation in my Eyes, which is now
perfectly removed, but which I had most richly deserved by going from
a melting Garrick's to cool myself at Vauxhall.
[Sidenote: ENQUIRIES AS TO THE CROPS.]
The Oracle is astonished at the general neglect of the World about
Lenborough. He commands me, if they do not come in sooner, to raise
the rents myself at Michaelmas. In the meanwhile he is not in a
hurry about the farm, thinks that both transactions should move
together, and is sure that I do not lose by it. I am not disinclined
to follow his advice, and my only objection is on your account. I am
exceedingly glad to hear the Goulds are preparing to visit us. I say
us, for I hope to meet them on or before the last day of this month.
I shall likewise write to Holt. Pray how does the Corn--and the Hops
look?--I called on Sir John Miller this morning and found him laid up
with the small-pox. Sir Matthew is breaking up very fast.
I am, Dear Madam,
Ever yours,
E. G.
139.
_To James Scott, Esq._
Pall Mall, Cocoa Tree, June the 16th, 1772.