To the Same.

Tunbridge Wells, Wednesday, Sept. 2d, 1752.

To say I regret the loss of your company at this place, and in my present situation, would very ill express the value I set on your conversation, and I should be cautious of even appearing to fall short in my estimation of it, as it is by that only I can be at all worthy of the pleasures and advantages that arise from it. The weather has been very bad ever since you left us, and many people are gone away, which I less wonder at than to see their places supplied by a new set: as to the change of company on the walks, I regard it no more than the succession of vegetables in the garden: they vary the prospect indeed, but make little difference in the pleasure of the walk, and one scarce observes whether the early primrose, or Michaelmas daisy enamel the pastures. Sir W. Brown has left us; I hear he retreated with discontent; he thought himself ill rewarded

for the pains he took to canvass all subjects, and inform all hearers. He has not found out that the wisest man in the company is not always the most welcome, and that people are not at all times disposed to be informed. I hope Miss Speed likes her hat; I am sorry she had it not earlier in the summer, such a bergere would bring pastoral life into fashion. Your admirer, Mr. Coventry, enquired after you this morning. I was not at the ball last night, but the misses say it was a very agreeable one; perhaps they liked it the better as Miss Bladen was not there to outshine them, for so strong in woman is the laudable desire of pleasing, each would have that happy power confined entirely to her own person. I have observed for some days, that Lady Abercorn and Lady Townshend, each determining to have the most wit of any person in the company, always choose different parties and different ends of the room. Dr. Stewart has been here two or three days, but I am not acquainted with him, so I cannot tell you whether he comes

here as a physician or an invalid. Pray tell me if my* Lydia has not a fine little family, and whether you do not think she makes an amiable figure amongst them, though indeed she is now in too weak a state to shine out in her full lustre. Mr. Montagu desires I would say a great deal for him, and tell you how much he regrets the loss of your company; but indeed I know not how to express either our obligations to you for the time you bestowed on us, nor the reluctance with which one parts with such a friend and companion; in return I can only wish you every felicity this life affords. I desire my best respects to Mrs. West, and compliments to Lady Cobham and Miss Speed: I wish the fair shepherdess a happy meeting with her pastor fido,† at the next masquerade, for I think it is more probable she will meet him there, than under the shady oak or spreading beech. When

* Mrs. Botham, by birth a Miss Lumley, of the Scarborough family.

+ Miss Speed married the Comte de Viri, Minister from the King of Sardinia.

you go to Bullstrode, make my compliments to the Dutchess, and tell her I propose to write to her as soon as I leave the stupifying springs of Tunbridge, which might petrify a genius to a dunce : think what must be their effect on an ordinary brain! However, I am not so stupified as not to know ten thousand reasons why I should be ever Mr. West's admirer, friend, &c. &c.

ELIZA MONTAGU.

To her Sister, now Mrs. Scott.*

Tunbridge, the 14th September, 1752.

DEAR SISTER,

To my great comfort we leave Tunbridge on Monday. I propose to go to Hinch

*Mrs. Montagu's sister married George Lewis Scott, Esq. She formed a very intimate friendship with Lady Barbara Montagu, sister of the Earl of Halifax. They lived together many years until Lady Barbara's death. Mrs. Scott published the life of Theodore Agrippa

ingbroke in a few days. I long to see poor Sandleford: I shall not find it in beauty; it will have lost its vernal honours, but quiet and leisure will be there. Sir Dudley and Lady Ryder came hither about ten days ago; she enquired after your health, and desired I would tell you she would have wrote to you, if she could have wrote as well as you do; I told her you had so great a regard for her, I was sure her letters would give you great pleasure. I am charmed with the attorney-general; so much cheerfulness and ease in a man so engaged in business. surprises me; it must be a strong mind that does not find itself incumbered and embarrassed in such employments, and an amiable one that is not hardened by them. The attorney was sent for to London yesterday in haste, I presume to the privy. council; they are to return on Saturday, and dine with us on Sunday, which will leave a better impression of the pleasures

D'Aubigné. The life of Gustavas Vasa. Also Sir George Ellison, and Millennium Hall, two novels.