I hope I shall not claim in vain the assistance of an old friend, at the moment I most require one I can depend upon, to settle the business of my debts, &c., now made public. Money has been left me, which has been concealed from me. I could hardly, at first, believe it, until I was assured of it by a young lawyer, who had the fact from one of my Irish relations. I should wish you to come as soon as you can possibly make it convenient to yourself, and return when the business is over.
[I omit a passage, of no general interest, in which Lady Hester arranges the mode of transit by which I was to visit her, assures me that she will “think of my family before anything else,” and refers to the losses she had sustained by the non-payment of certain bills.]
An English traveller, who has written, as I am informed, a very learned work, told a person that, when M. Lamartine’s book first came out in England, the impression was so strong that many people, who did not personally know me, talked of coming here to investigate my affairs, and to offer their services, but that they were prevented. A woman, of high rank and good fortune,[54] who has built herself a palais in a remote part of America, has announced her intention of passing the rest of her life with me, so much has she been struck with my situation and conduct. She is nearly of my age; and, thirty-seven or thirty-eight years ago—I being personally unknown to her—was so taken with my general appearance, that she never could divest herself of the thoughts of me, which have ever since pursued her. At last, informed by M. Lamartine’s book where I was to be found, she took this extraordinary determination, and in the spring I expect her. She is now selling her large landed estate, preparatory to her coming. She, as well as Lëila, the mare, is in the prophecy. (See page 179.) The beautiful boy has also written, and is wandering over the face of the globe, till destiny marks the period of our meeting.
Such wonders, doctor! Copy these signs upon another paper, and remain silent upon the subject. Bring with you your notes upon Palmyra, &c.—do not forget. Perhaps I may receive from you an answer to my former letter by the next steamboat; but, as it only remains an hour at Beyrout, this must be sent off to be in waiting there. God bless you!
[Not signed.]
(Lady Hester seems to have been interrupted in her writing, and breaks off; but she thus resumes:)
The little black is not twelve years old, yet she does my bed-room, and answers the bell: she is the only good-tempered black I have seen; so I try to please her, poor thing! If you come, I should, therefore, wish (if not too expensive) that you should bring, as an encouragement, a pair of ear-rings, a string of beads, a pair of bracelets, and a thimble. Her ears, having been spoilt with boring and heavy ear-rings, were obliged to be bored again, very high, nearer the face—it is a beautiful ear.
Now, what I want for myself is six cups and saucers; the top, I think, four inches in diameter; height, four inches; foot, two inches. I had a cup I was so fond of; for tea and coffee tasted so good out of it! It was strong and good china, but it is gone: and one cup held enough for my breakfast—a moderate cup and a half. I want also a teapot, black or red, or what you like; two cream-jugs; four milk-jugs, in case two are broken,—being always in use—one for hot and one for cold milk; six plates; four glass things, for butter and honey; a toast-rack, not plated—a plated one for strangers; a dozen basins; some little phials and corks; a few common candlesticks, brass, or something strong; a few common entangling combs; a few scrubbing-brushes for the kitchen—that is all.
I do not want any books, having no one to read to me: it even puts my eyes out to write this.
I have heard of your situation, and it pains me beyond expression. Here you might, I believe, have been happy, and I also comfortable, as I have confidence in your integrity; and, whilst you were regulating all as I should have wished, you would have pursued those avocations most pleasing to your taste. What advice can I give you that I have not already given fifty times?