[Sidenote: "JOHN THE PAINTER."]
303.
_To Mrs. Holroyd._
January 21st, 1777.
The Bristol fire is universally imputed to design and patriotic
virtue.[352]
What creatures women are! They talk of the art and management of the
Highlander in every point which he has a mind to carry. But Donna
Catherina, with all her seeming naivetè, exceeds him many a degree.
By suggesting the Ab of Ab,[353] for whom I cannot squeeze out a
bed without obliging her to pig with Caplin, she has compelled me
to consent to your emigration into Downing Street. _Bien entendu_,
however, that, when you are less _fine_ and can appear in town
accompanied only by your own charms, Bentinck Street shall be
restored to its ancient rights. You puzzle us all by the mention
of the 26th, which is Sunday. Had you forgot the engagement _to
dinner_ in B. S. for Saturday the 25th, which still holds if you can
move that day? Otherwise it stands for the 27th, as I am engaged
Sunday. An answer to this by the return. I kiss your fair hands and
party-coloured face.