LETTERXX.TO MISS L——.
July 26, 1775.
DEAR MADAM,
I HAVE just now had the pleasure of seeing a Gentleman who is honoured in calling you sister.—He suspended the pain in my foot for full five minutes, by the pleasing account he gave of your health.—I deliveredmy charge[2]safe into his hands—he viewed it with an eye of complacency—from which I conclude he is not unworthy your sister’s hand;—we commonly behold those with a sort of partiality who bring good tidings from our friends—in that view I could not forbear thinking him a very good kind of man. I have to thank you for a very obliging and friendly letter—which I should have done much sooner, could I have complied with your kind wishes in giving a better account of myself;—my better self has been but poorly for some time—she groans with the rheumatism—and I grunt with the gout—a pretty concert!—Life is thick-sown with troubles—and we have no right to exemption.—The children, thank God! are well—your name-sake gets strength every day—and trots about amazingly.—I am reading Bossuet’s Universal History, which I admire beyond any thing I have long met with: if it lays in your way, I would wish you to read it, if you have not already—and if you have, it is worth a second perusal. Mrs. Sancho rejoices to hearyou are well—and intrusts me to send you her best wishes.—I hope you continue your riding—and should like to see youretiquetteof hat, feather, and habit. Adieu.—May you enjoy every wish of your benevolent heart—is the hope and prayer of your much obliged humble servant,
IGN. SANCHO.
If the Universal History of Bossuet, Bishop of Meaux, and Preceptor to Louis XV. should be difficult to find at Tunbridge—when you return to town, and give us the pleasure of seeing you—he will be exceeding proud of the happiness (and what Frenchman would not,—although a bishop?) of riding to Bond Street in your pockets.
[2]Miss L——’s picture.
[2]Miss L——’s picture.