I break a long silence to write a little more than three lines.
Though I cannot call it a silence, since we were regularly informed
once a week, of the most essential points; each other's healths, and
amusements. Of my amusements indeed the Sheffield newspaper (like
most other newspapers) reported more than it could easily prove.
The intelligence you received of fair eyes, bleeding hearts, and
an approaching daughter-in-law, is all very agreeable Romance. A
pair of very tolerable eyes, I must confess, made their appearance
at Sheffield, and what is more extraordinary were accompanied by
good sense and good humour, without one grain of affectation. Yet,
still I am _indifferent_, and she is _poor_; remove those two little
obstacles: and Miss H.'s intelligence might have some foundation.
I came only four or five days ago from Sussex: the pleasing
consciousness of being of some use and comfort to my friend, who is
greatly mended, kept me there much longer than I intended. I am now
pursuing the conclusion of Lenborough; some entertaining delays of
the law have driven us a little beyond the appointed time, but I
flatter myself we shall finish either before or immediately after the
Holydays.
Mrs. Porten is young again. I mentioned Pitman to Sir Stanier, but
wished I could have been more particular as to his pretensions and
the _precise object_ of his present ambition. I should be glad to
be of service to him, especially as you interest yourself on his
account; but am not even acquainted with the Johnsons, Governor
Duprey, or any people of weight in that line. Besides, one ought to
have favours to grant to have a right to ask any.--Caplin packed up
your books. The old trunk, he says, was unequal to the weight and
journey. However, it is still in Covent Garden.
I am, Dear Madam,
Most truly yours,
E. GIBBON.
181.
_To J. B. Holroyd, Esq._
Bentinck Street, Dec. 16th, 1773.
Do not be in such a passion. I think I use you very tolerably, nor
did I ever set up for the Supplement to the Cambridge Mail.[204] By
the bye, you have had a full account from that region of the visit,
the picture and the conspiracy, which entirely failed through
my blundering management. The surprize was, notwithstanding that
disapointment, very fine indeed, and moved me exceedingly. Our day at
Twickenham passed off very easily, though two o'clock is a strange
hour for dinner; but it suits our Father and consequently must be
right. I am glad you was pleased with Sheffield. The designed visit
from thence will be I suppose after your excursion. As to my being
present at it, fate and circumstances must determine. I neither fly
to or from a Baron and Baronne; with regard to these it is probable I
shall like them the better for being inclined to like me.
*To the vulgar eye of an Idle man London is empty; but I find many
pleasant companions both dead and alive. Two or three days ago I
dined at Atwood's with a very select party. Lord G. Germaine[205]
was of it, and we communed for a long time.--You know L. Holland
is paying Charles's debts. They amount to £140,000. At a meeting
of the Creditors, his Agent declared that after deducting £6000
a year settled on Ste.,[206] and a decent provision for his old
age, the residue of his wealth amounted to no more than £90,000.
The creditors stared till Mr. Powell, a creature, declared that he
owed everything to the noble Lord, that _he happened_ to have £5000
in long annuities, and begged he might be permitted to supply the
deficiency. How generous! Yet there are people who say the money only
stood in his name.--"My brother Ste.'s son is a second Messiah," said
Charles the other day. How so? "Because born for the destruction of
the Jews."*
[Sidenote: TROUBLE WITH HIS TENANTS.]
My compliments to Mr. Walton, best wishes to Lascelles, duty to
My Lady, and love to the Maria and to Sappho[207] if she is with
you.--What! nothing for fear of tales being told out of school.
Adieu. As to business Lenborough moves slowly, either from temper
or design Matthews starts difficulties that will certainly carry us
beyond the Holydays--Winton grows pert again, and Hugonin mollifies.
I have just wrote him a stinging letter, and insist on a written
allowance of time. The House is clear by the Lease. I may carry it
away.