Old Mrs. French(724) is dead at last, and I am on the point of losing, or have lost, my oldest acquaintance and friend, George Selwyn, who was yesterday at the extremity.  These misfortunes, though they can be so but for a short time, are very sensible to the old; but him I really loved, not only for his infinite wit, but for a thousand good qualities.  Lady Cecilia Johnstone was here yesterday.  I said much for you, and she as much to you.  The Gunnings are still playing the fool, and perhaps somebody with them; but I cannot tell you the particulars now.  Adieu!

(723) His surgeon.

(724) An Irish lady, who, during the latter part of her life, had a country house at Hampton Court.

Letter 365 To The Miss Berrys.  Saturday, Jan. 29, 1791. (page 468)

Voici de ma propre `ecriture! the best proof that I am recovering, though not rapidly, which is not the march of my time of life.  For n these last six days I have mended more than I expected.  My left hand, the first seized, is the most dilatory, and of which I have least hopes.  The rheumatism, that I thought so clear and predominant, is so entirely gone, that I now rather think it was hussar-gout attacking in flying squadrons the outposts.  No matter which, very ill I was ; and you might see what I thought of myself:  nor can I stand many such victories.  My countenance was so totally altered, that I could not trace it myself.  Its outlines have returned to their posts, though with deep gaps.  This is a true picture, and too long an one of self; and too hideous for a bracelet.  Apropos, your sweet Miss Foldson, I believe, is painting portraits of all our Princesses, to be sent to all the Princes upon earth ; for, though I have sent her several written duns, she has not deigned even to answer one in writing.  I don’t know whether Mrs. Buller is not appointed Royal Academician too; for, though I desired the “Charming-man,” who was to dine with her that day, to tell her, above a week ago, that I should be glad to see her, she has not taken the least notice of it.  Mr. Batt, ditto; who was at Cambridge’s when I was at the worst, and knew so, has not once inquired after me, in town or country.  So you see you have carried off your friends from me as well as yourselves:  and it is not them I regret; or rather, in fact, I outlive all my friends!  Poor Selwyn is gone, to my sorrow; and no wonder Ucalegon feels it!(725) He has left about thirty thousand pounds to Mademoiselle Fagniani;(726) twenty of which, if she has no children, to go to those of Lord Carlisle ; the Duke of Queensberry residuary legatee.  Old French has died as foolishly as she lived, and left six thousand pounds to you don’t know whom ; but to be raised out of her judicious collection of trumpery pictures, etc.