; and she foresees, that on such an
occasion the woman will expect some gratification for her past services. As for
Clinker, exclusive of other considerations, he is so trusty, brave,
affectionate, and alert, and I owe him such personal obligations, that he merits
more than all the indulgence that can possibly be shewn him, by
yours,
                                                                   MATT. BRAMBLE
    Oct. 26.
 

                     To Sir Watkin Phillips, Bart. at Oxon.

Dear Knight,
    The fatal knots are now tied. The comedy is near a close; and the curtain is
ready to drop: but, the latter scenes of this act I shall recapitulate in order.
- About a fortnight ago, my uncle made an excursion across the country, and
brought hither a particular friend, one Mr. Baynard, who has just lost his wife,
and was for some time disconsolate, though by all accounts he had much more
cause for joy than for sorrow at this event. - His countenance, however, clears
up apace; and he appears to be a person of rare accomplishments. - But we have
received another still more agreeable reinforcement to our company, by the
arrival of Miss Willis from Gloucester. She was Liddy's bosom friend at
boarding-school, and being earnestly sollicited to assist at the nuptials, her
mother was so obliging as to grant my sister's request, and even to come with
her in person. Liddy, accompanied by George Dennison and me, gave them the
meeting half-way, and next day conducted them hither in safety. Miss Willis is a
charming girl, and, in point of disposition, an agreeable contrast to my sister,
who is rather too grave and sentimental for my turn of mind. - The other is gay,
frank, a little giddy, and always good-humoured. She has, moreover, a genteel
fortune, is well born, and remarkably handsome. - Ah Phillips! if these
qualities were permanent - if her humour would never change, nor her beauties
decay, what efforts would I not make - But these are idle reflections - my
destiny must one day be fulfilled.
    At present we pass the time as agreeably as we can. - We have got up several
farces, which afforded unspeakable entertainment by the effects they produced
among the country people, who are admitted to all our exhibitions. - Two nights
ago, Jack Wilson acquired great applause in Harlequin Skeleton, and Lismahago
surprized us all in the character of Pierot. - His long lank sides, and strong
marked features, were all peculiarly adapted to his part. He appeared with a
