DEAR MADAM,
IT would be affronting your good-nature to offer an excuse for the trouble I am going to give you—my tale is short.—Mrs. O—— is with us—she was, this day, observing poor Lydia with a good deal of compassion—and said, she knew a child cured by roses boiled in new milk;—observed, that you had, at this very time, perhaps bushels of rose-leaves wasting on the ground.—Now my petition is—that you would cause a few of them to be brought you—(they will blush to find their sweetness excelled by your kindness)—they are good dryed, but better fresh—so when you come to town think of honest Lydia.—Mrs. O—— this morning saw your picture in Bond Street.—She approves much—and I fancy means to sit—she thinks that you enriched me with the strongest likeness—but the whole length the best.—I have the honor to transmit the compliments of Mesdames A—— and Sancho—to which permit me to add mine, with the most grateful sensibility for the recent favor of favors.—I am, dear madam,
Your most obliged,
humble servant,
IGN. SANCHO.
LETTER XX.
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 delivered my 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 hear you are well—and intrusts me to send you her best wishes.—I hope you continue your riding—and should like to see your etiquette of 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.