LETTER LXXXV

From Mrs. B. to Lady Davers.

MY DEAR LADY DAVERS,

I understand from Miss Darnford, that before she went down from us, her papa had encouraged a proposal made by Sir W.G. whom you saw, when your ladyship was a kind visitor in Bedfordshire.  We all agreed, if you remember, that he was a polite and sensible gentleman, and I find it is countenanced on all hands.  Poor Mrs. Jewkes, Madam, as Miss informs me, has paid her last debt.  I hope, through mercy, she is happy!—­Poor, poor woman!  But why say I so!—­Since, in that case, she will be richer than an earthly monarch!

Your ladyship was once mentioning a sister of Mrs. Worden’s whom you wished to recommend to some worthy family.  Shall I beg of you.  Madam, to oblige Mr. B.’s in this particular?  I am sure she must have merit if your ladyship thinks well of her; and your commands in this, as well as in every other particular in my power, shall have their due weight with your ladyship’s obliged sister and humble servant, P.B.

Just now, dear Madam, Mr. B. tells me I shall have Miss Goodwill brought me hither to-morrow.

LETTER LXXXVI

From Lady Davers to Mrs. B. in answer to the preceding.

MY DEAR PAMELA,

I am glad Miss Darnford is likely to be so happy in a husband, as Sir W.G. will certainly make her.  I was afraid that my proposal would not do with her, had she not had so good a tender.  I want too, to have the foolish fellow married—­for several reasons; one of which is, he is continually teasing us to permit him to go up to town, and reside there for some months, in order that he may see the world, as he calls it.  But we are convinced he would feel it, as well as see it, if we give way to his request:  for in understanding, dress, and inconsiderate vanity, he is so exactly cut out and sized for a town fop, coxcomb, or pretty fellow, that he will undoubtedly fall into all the vices of those people; and, perhaps, having such expectations as he has, will be made the property of rakes and sharpers.  He complains that we use him like a child in a go-cart, or a baby with leading-strings, and that he must not be trusted out of our sight.  ’Tis a sad thing, that these bodies will grow up to the stature of men, when the minds improve not at all with them, but are still those of boys and children.  Yet, he would certainly make a fond husband:  for he has no very bad qualities.  But is such a Narcissus!—­But this between ourselves, for his uncle is wrapt up in the fellow—­And why?  Because he is good-humoured, that’s all.  He has vexed me lately, which makes me write so angrily about him—­But ’tis not worth troubling you with the particulars.  I hope Mrs. Jewkes is happy, as you say!—­Poor woman! she seemed to promise for a longer life!  But what shall we say?