Barford Abbey | Page 7

cook
and butler.--We were congratulating each other on the difference of our
present and late situation, declaring there was nothing to regret, when
Mr. Morgan enter'd.--Regret! cry'd he,--what do you regret?--Not, I
hope, that I have made a good dinner on a cold sirloin and pickled
oysters?--Indeed I do, said Lady Powis:--Had I thought you so poor a
caterer, I should have taken the office on myself.--Faith then, reply'd he,
you might have eat it yourself:--Forty years, my good Lady, I have
made this house my home, and did I ever suffer you to direct what, or
when, I should eat?--
Sir James laugh'd aloud; so did her Ladyship:--I was inclin'd to do the
same,--but afraid what next he would say;--However, this caution did
not screen me from particular notice.
What the duce have I here! said he, taking one of my hands,--a
snow-ball by the colour, and feeling? and down he dropp'd it by the
side of Lord Darcey's, which rested on the table.
I was never more confounded.
You are not angry, my pretty Lady, continued he:--we shall know one
another better;--but if you displease me,--I shall thunder.--I keep all in
subjection, except the muleish kind, making a low bow to Sir James.
Saying this, he went in pursuit of Mr. Watson.--They soon re-enter'd
together; a card-table was produc'd; and we sat down at it, whilst they
solac'd themselves by a good fire.
My attention was frequently taken from the cards, to observe how it
was possible such opposites as Mr. Watson and Mr. Morgan cou'd be

entertain'd by one another's conversation.--Never saw I any two
seemingly more happy!--The chearfulness of the former
augmented;--the voice of the latter at least three notes lower.--This has
been since explain'd to me by Lady Powis.--Mr. Morgan, she says,
notwithstanding his rough appearance, is of a nature so compassionate,
that, to people defective in person or fortune, he is the gentlest creature
breathing.
Our party broke up at nine.--I sat half an hour after supper, then
propos'd returning to Mr. Jenkings's.--Lady Powis would not hear me
on this subject--I must stay that night at the Abbey:--venturing out such
weather would hazard my health.--So said Sir James; so said Lord
Darcey.--As for Mr. Morgan, he swore, Was he the former, his horses
should not stir out for fifty pieces, unless, said he, Sir James chooses to
be a fellow-sufferer with Lord Allen, who I have led such a chace this
day, that he was forced to leave poor Snip on the forest.--Saying which,
he threw himself back in the chair, and fell into a sound sleep.--About
eleven I retir'd to my chamber;--a message first being sent to Mr.
Jenkings.--Instead of going immediately to bed, I sat down and indulg'd
myself with the satisfaction of writing to my beloved Lady Mary.--This
morning I got up early to finish my packet; and though I have spent
half an hour with Mr. Jenkings, shall close it before her Ladyship is
stirring.
Your commands, my dear Lady, are executed.--I have wrote Mrs.
Smith; and as soon as I receive her answer, shall, with a joyful heart,
with impatient fondness, prepare to throw at your Ladyship's feet,
Your much honour'd,
and affectionate,
F. WARLEY.

LETTER IV.
Lord DARCEY to the Honourable GEORGE MOLESWORTH.

Barford Abbey.
Prepare your ten pieces, George!--Upon my honour, I was at Barford
Abbey a quarter before three, notwithstanding a detention on the road
by Lord Michell and Flecher, driving on Jehu for Bath, in his
Lordship's phaeton and fix.--You have seen them before this,--and, I
suppose, know their errand.--The girl is an egregious fool, that is
certain.--I warrant there are a hundred bets depending.--I ask'd what he
intended doing with her if he succeeded?--Do with her! said his
Lordship; why, she is not more than eighteen; let her go to school: faith,
Flecher, that's my advice.--Let her go to the devil after I am once sure
of her, return'd the lover; and, whipping up the horses; drove away like
lightning.
Be serious--Answer me one serious question,--Is it not possible,--very
possible, to have a regard, a friendship, for an amiable girl, without
endangering her peace or my own?--If I am further involv'd than
friendship,--the blame is not mine; it will lie at the door of Sir James
and Lady Powis.--Talk no more of Lady Elizabeth's smile, or Miss
Grevel's hair--Stuff!--meer stuff! nor keep me up after a late evening, to
hear your nonsense of Miss Compton's fine neck and shoulders, or
Fanny Middleton's eyes.--Come here next week, I will insure you a
sight of all those graces in one form. Come, I say, you will be welcome
to Sir James and his Lady as myself.--Miss Warley will smile on
you.--What other inducement can you want?--Don't be too vain of Miss
Warley's smiles; for know, she cannot