Lady Mary H(oward) is very angry with me, as Lady Townshend assures me, for not having been near her.  The truth is, that when I carried George to wait on her the day that he was in town, before his going to school, her room was quite insupportable, and for that reason I could not allow him safely to stay there.

Mr. Walpole, more defait, more perdus de ses membres, than I ever yet saw any poor wretch, is gone to-night to the play-house, to see the Tragedy of Narbonne.  The gout may put what shackles it pleases on some people; on les rompt, et la vanite l’emporte.  He seems as able to act a part in the drama as to assist at the performance of it.

Poor Barker has lost all the hopes which he ever had of resource.  His uncle, from whom he had great and reasonable expectations formerly, is dead at Constantinople, and without a groat.  He has now, poor man, pour tout potage, Lady Harrington’s dinner and compassion, and the one is as late and uncertain as the other.  If his own relation, with his enormous wealth, and after such unexpected and unmerited good fortune, does not assist him, he will for ever pass with me for a man destitue de sentimens comme de principes.  But, perhaps, not knowing more than I do of the connection and of the persons, my judgment may be severe and unjust.

My dear Lord, to what an unreasonable length have I spun out this letter.  But from my disposition of mind to-day, and being alone, or en famille only, I did not think that I should be very concise.  To my own tristes you have added more, and the account(s) which I have of your health, and of what it may be, and of the Castle air, &c., do by no means aid me on this occasion.  I will fairly own to you, that, a quelque prise que ce soit, I wish this administration of yours in Ireland was at an end; and if no other ever began, I should be as well contented, unless, what is impossible, it could be exempt from those solicitudes which do not seem in any degree to be suitable to your constitution.  However, it will be not what I think or feel which must determine that question.  I am only sorry that whatever be the burthen, I can take no part of it, for you, on my own shoulders.  You have given me one occupation,(176) and for that I am much obliged, because, while no adverse accident happens, it will be one of the pleasures of my life, and not an inconsiderable one neither, and will, I hope, be one of those indisputable marks of affection with which I am, ever have been, and shall remain your(s).  My best and most cordial respects to Lady C(arlisle) and my love to the children, and my compliments besides to whom you please.

(176) Probably to look after Lord Morpeth during his father’s absence in Ireland.