Next week I go for a fortnight to Sheffield Place, not from any
weariness of an empty town, for in its most deserted state I still
prefer it to the most agreeable rural scene, but the little man is
so pressing, that I was obliged to sacrifice to his commands an
invitation to Ampthill Park, accompanied with all that could render
the visit desirable. Your silence gives me reason to hope that you
have now dismissed your indisposition which had made me a little
uneasy. I hear the most favourable accounts of Beauclerc's recovery.
Adieu, Dear Madam. Messieurs Gosling and Clive are instructed to obey
your commands whenever you please to send them.
I am,
Most truly yours,
E. GIBBON.
301.
_To Mrs. Holroyd._
Downing Street, January 16th, 1777.
Inconstant pusillanimous Woman!
Is it possible that you should so soon have forgot your solemn vows
and engagements, and that you should _pretend_ to prefer the dirt
and darkness of the Weald of Sussex to the splendid and social life
of London? Before the reception of your Lord's epistle, Downing
Street[349] and Bentinck Street were ready to engage in a Civil War.
They have now suspended their hostilities and united their interests,
and they both, jointly and separately, insist on your appearance with
or without your mate on the appointed Saturday the 25th instant, to
remain a hostage in our hands till we think proper to dismiss you.
Donna Catherina[350] will undertake to dress you, as human and female
creatures are usually dressed. A proper application of rouge will
conceal the variety of colours, and the deficiency of hair may be
supplied by a fashionable periwig. Adieu.