I should not have left you in suspense, if the Gout had not treated
me exactly in the same manner. My journal (had I sent one every post)
could only have specified its irregular motions from one place and
from one foot to another; swelling, inflammation, weakness, pain
increasing, diminishing, shifting, &c.: and the alternative of good
and bad nights; sometimes forcing myself out of doors and sometimes
nursing myself at home. However the real violence of the fit such as
it was during the first week or ten days has never returned, there
has not at any time been the slightest symptom or most distant hint
in any part except the feet, and I now hope that it is seriously
and finally going away. The short interval of the holidays (short
indeed, for Parliament meets again to-morrow Sennight) may give me
strength and spirits to support a scene which I am heartily tired
of. We must again submit to our common disappointment, and if the
decline and fall make you any amends you will be glad to hear that
the continuation (two quarto volumes) goes to the press in May and
will certainly appear next winter.
I am, dear Madam,
Ever yours,
E. G.
391.
_To his Stepmother._
May the 15th, 1780.