 here now wears a chearful aspect; and I fancy as I look upon the lawn, that it has acquired a brighter verdure than it used to wear, even in the spring.—But though this idea may be imaginary, I am certain that my beloved Sir James has cast away the gloom that hung upon his brow, and the soft smiles of sweet content now reign triumphant there. I think he was even more oppressed with gratitude than me, when I delivered your generous gift into his hands.—He is gone to London to fulfil the purpose for which it was designed.
We shall now have no more creditors, for sure I am that he will never more involve himself by play.—Tho' at this time I could not bring myself

to hint even the most distant desire he should relinquish it; but well he knows how ardently I wish he should, and as he loves me with the utmost tenderness, I cannot doubt his giving me this proof of his affection.
Mr. Sewell is gone with Sir James to London, and I am to follow in a fortnight.—Sir James thinks our house cannot be sufficiently aired in less time, and would not have me, or our dear little Fanny, run the hazard of catching cold.—I have a thousand apprehensions about his health, and earnestly wish that he could have been content to pass the winter here as we had intended.
Mr. Sewell has informed me that you had paid a visit to Lady Juliana Harley; he could not tell me what

was the result, though I guess it but too well, from his saying that you appeared dejected at your return.—Why will you court unhappiness by pursuing perhaps the only woman within your sphere of life that would fly from you? Blest as you are with virtue, health, and fortune, why must you add to the too numerous proofs, that happiness is not attainable on earth?
Forgive me, Charles, this little opposition to your only irrational pursuit.—Few are the persons, even amongst the best, within whose reach felicity seems placed; all must deserve before they can obtain it, but even then we sometimes cast it from us, and like Ixion, grasp a cloud.—May you reverse the fable, and long enjoy what you so well deserve! My little Fanny's playful fondness will

not suffer me longer to indulge in expressing the ardent wishes of my heart, for my loved friend and brother, but from that source they shall for ever flow to the Great Fountain of all good, to bless, protect, and guide you!
Your grateful, E.
