Though you may censure my silence for two or three posts, you must
allow that my taking up my pen while your daughter-in-law is sitting
close to me is an instance of no vulgar complaisance. I am a good
deal taken up with the Neckers.[324] We are vastly glad to see one
another, but she is no longer a Beauty. How is Colonel Gould? I am
well.
I am, Dear Madam,
Ever yours,
E. GIBBON.
[324] Madame Necker, formerly Suzanne Curchod (see note to Letter
26), and her husband were at this time in London. "M. et Madame
Necker se préparent à un voyage en Angleterre; ils partiront le
semaine de Pâques, et ils m'assurent qu'ils seront ici de retour
à la fin de mai" (Madame du Deffand to Walpole, March 17, 1776).
279.
_To J. B. Holroyd, Esq._
27th April, 1776.
Lest you should growl, I write, though I have nothing to say, for
the Dutchess alias _Countess_[325] is not an object worthy of our
attention. I rejoyce to hear of your approaching arrival, and _hope_
that by that time Newton may have something to say. Your letter to
Foster is not forgot: nor was the visit to his namesake of Orchard
Street. When will you send me up the lease for Mrs. Gibbon, who
will soon complain of my delay by a thundering Epistle? At Bath
all were well, _Pater_ not worse, I think, than last year, and
Soror in much better looks and spirits. You probably know that poor
Lady Russel[326] is brought to bed of a dead child. Great is the
desolation of all branches of the family. I write with three or four
very fine Ladies round me. Therefore--Adieu.