University of Virginia Library

September 28.—

I have had a letter from Patty: she tells me her master is returned home; and adds, 'To be sure, that vile wicked wretch let him know you were gone.' She says, he called for the two dear babes, and kissed them both. Patty carried the youngest to him in her arms, the other in her hand, and she says, he looked troubled. How came you not to follow your lady, Mrs. Martha? said he. She replied, My lady was willing, Sir, that I should stay to look after the children —And to be a spy upon my actions, I suppose: Is not that to be part of your employment too? Ah! Patty, Patty; Mrs. Arnold had better have looked to her own

conduct. Patty made no answer, but retired in tears. Every one in the house, she writes, is broken-hearted; but that Mr. Arnold is never at home, spending his whole time with Mrs. Gerrarde, whom the girl, in the overflowings of her zeal for me, heartily execrates. She informed him, that I was gone to London, and purposed living with my mother, who was now there.