LETTER XXXVII.
Miss Powis to Lady Powis.
London.
Think me not ungrateful, my ever-honour'd Lady, that I have been silent under the ten thousand obligations which I receiv'd at Barford Abbey.—But indeed, my dear Lady, I have been very ill.—I have had the small-pox:—I was seiz'd delirious the evening after my arrival in Town.—My God! what a wretch did I set out with!—Vile man!—Man did I say?—No; he is a disgrace to manhood.—How shall I tell your Ladyship all I have suffer'd?—I am weak,—very weak;—I find myself unequal to the task.—
This moment I have hit on an expedient that will unravel all;—I'll recall a [[A]] letter which I have just sent down to be put into the post-office;—a letter I wrote Lady Mary Sutton immediately on my arrival here;—but was seiz'd so violently, that I could not add the superscription, for which reason it has lain by ever since.—I am easy on Lady Mary's account:—Mr. Delves has acquainted her of my illness:—like wise the prospect of my recovery.
This was the same Lord Darcey's servant saw on the counter.
Consider then, dear Lady Powis, the inclos'd as if it was address'd to yourself.
I cannot do justice to the affection,—the compassion,—the tender assiduity I have experienc'd from Mr. Delves's family:—I shall always love them; I hope too I shall always be grateful.
God grant, my dear Lady;—God grant, dear Sir James, that long ere this you may have embrac'd Mr. and Mrs. Powis.—My heart is with you:—it delights to dwell at Barford Abbey.
In a few days I hope to do myself the honour of writing to your Ladyship again.—One line from your dear hand would be most gratefully receiv'd by your oblig'd and affectionate
F. WARLEY.
P.S. My good friends Mr. and Mrs. Jenkings shall hear from me next post.