You say, why won’t I go to Lady Mary’s?(1458) I say, why won’t you go to the Talbots?  Mary is busied about many things, is dancing the hays between three houses; but I will go with you for a day or two to the Talbots if you like it. and you shall come hither to fetch me.  I have been to see Mr. Hamilton’s, near Cobham, where he has really made a fine place out of a most cursed hill.  Esher(1459) I have seen again twice, and prefer it to all villas, even to Southcote’s—­Kent is Kentissing there.  I have been laughing too at Claremont house; the gardens are improved since I saw them:  do you know that the pineapples are literally sent to Hanover by couriers!  I am serious.  Since the Duke of Newcastle went, and upon the news of the Duke of Somerset’s illness, he has transmitted his commands through the King, and by him through the Bedford to the University of Cambridge to forbid their electing any body, but the most ridiculous person they could elect, his grace of Newcastle.  The Prince hearing this, has written to them, that having heard his Majesty’s commands, he should by no means oppose them.  This is sensible:  but how do the two secretaries answer such a violent act of authority?  Nolkojumskoi(1460) has let down his dignity and his discipline, and invites continually all officers that are members of parliament.  Doddington’s sentence of expulsion is sealed:  Lyttelton is to have his place (the second time he has tripped up his heels); Lord Barrington is to go to the treasury, and Dick Edgecumbe into the admiralty.

Rigby is gone from hence to Sir William Stanhope’s to the Aylesbury races, where the Grenvilles and Peggy Banks design to appear and avow their triumph.  Gray has been here a few days, and is transported with your story of Madame Bentley’s diving, and her white man, and in short with all your stories.  Room for cuckolds—­here comes my company—­

Aug. 15?.

I had not time to finish my letter last night, for we did not return from the dismal play, which was in a barn at Kingston, till twelve o’clock at night.  Our dinner passed off very well; the Clive was very good company; you know how much she admires Asheton’s preaching.  She says, she is always vastly good for two or three days after his sermons;’ but by the time that Thursday comes, all their effect is worn out.  I never saw more proper decent behaviour than Mrs. Pritchard’s, and I assure you even Mr. Treasurer Pritchard was far better than I expected.  Yours ever, Chaucerides.

(1454) The grandmother of the Hon. Horace Walpole was daughter of sir Erasmus Philips, of Picton Castle in Pembrokeshire.

(1455) Niece of Mrs. Leneve, and first wife of Admiral Hugh Pigot.-E.

(1456/1457) Two celebrated actresses.

(1458) lady Mary Churchill.

(1459) The favourite seat of the Right Honourable Henry Pelham, which he embellished under the direction of Kent.  It is pleasingly mentioned by Pope, in his Epilogue to the Imitations of the Satires of Horace:-