“Dear Prue,—
“If the man who has my shoemaker's bill calls, let him be answered that I shall call on him as I come home. I stay here in order to get Jonson to discount a bill for me, and shall dine with him for that end. He is expected at home every minute.
“Your most humble, obedient servant,” &c.
“Tennis Court Coffee-house,
“May 5, 1708.
“Dear Wife,—
“I hope I have done this day what will be pleasing to you; in the meantime shall lie this night at a baker's, one Leg, over against the ‘Devil’ Tavern, at Charing Cross. I shall be able to confront the fools who wish me uneasy, and shall have the satisfaction to see thee cheerful and at ease.
“If the printer's boy be at home, send him hither; and let Mrs. Todd send by the boy my night-gown, slippers, and clean linen. You shall hear from me early in the morning,” &c.
Dozens of similar letters follow, with occasional guineas, little parcels of tea, or walnuts, &c. In 1709 the Tatler made its appearance. The following curious note dates April 7, 1710:—
“I inclose to you [‘Dear Prue’] a receipt for the saucepan and spoon, and a note of 23l. of Lewis's, which will make up the 50l. I promised for your ensuing occasion.
“I know no happiness in this life in any degree comparable to the pleasure I have in your person and society. I only beg of you to add to your other charms a fearfulness to see a man that loves you in pain and uneasiness, to make me as happy as it is possible to be in this life. Rising a little in a morning, and being disposed to a cheerfulness ... would not be amiss.”