Not one opportunity could I meet with, while Sir Clement was here,
to enquire
after his friend Lord Orville: but I think it was strange he should
never mention him unasked. Indeed, I rather wonder that Mrs. Mirvan
herself did not introduce the subject, for she always seemed
particularly attentive to him.
And now, once more, all my thoughts involuntarily turn upon the
letter I so
soon expect from Paris. This visit of Sir Clement has, however,
somewhat diverted my fears; and, therefore, I am very glad he made
it at this time. Adieu, my dear Sir.
LETTER XXXV - SIR JOHN BELMONT TO LADY HOWARD Paris, May 11.
Madam,
I HAVE this moment the honour of your Ladyship’s Letter, and I will not wait another, before I return an answer.
It seldom happens that a man, though extolled as a saint, is really
without
blemish; or that another, though reviled as a devil, is really
without humanity. Perhaps the time is not very distant, when I may
have the honour to convince your Ladyship of this truth, in regard
to Mr. Villars and myself.
As to the young lady, whom Mr. Villars so obligingly proposes
presenting to
me, I wish her all the happiness to which, by your ladyship’s account,
she seems entitled; and, if she has a third part of the merit of her
to whom you compare her, I doubt not but Mr. Villars will be more
successful in every other application he may make for her advantage,
that he can ever be in any with which he may be pleased to favour me.
I have the honour to be Madam, Your Ladyship’s most humble, and most
obedient servant, JOHN BELMONT.