October 16.—
Another letter from lady
V—. She tells me, that Mr. Faulkland
is returned from his visit to my brother.
He was soon informed of my parting
with Mr. Arnold: 'tis the talk of the
neighbourhood; every body lays it on
Mrs. Gerrarde. Mr. Faulkland was very
inquisitive to learn particulars from my
lady, which, he said, he was sure I had
told her; but she took care not to give
him the least hint which could lead him
to suppose that He had any share in my
fate. She says, he raves like a madman;
and that she finds it absolutely necessary
to keep him in ignorance of the truth.
She was obliged to tell him, that my having
discovered Mr. Arnold's amour with
Mrs. Gerrarde, she believed, was the sole
cause of our separation. He asked her,
Was she sure there was no other? adding,
That he thought my temper had been too
gentle to fly, on a sudden, to such extremes.
My lady took occasion to ask
him, Whether he did not visit Mrs. Gerrarde?
He replied, He did sometimes,
having formerly known her at Bath. She
concludes with telling me, That Mr. Arnold
is become quite invisible to every
friend he has, Mrs. Gerrarde engrossing
him wholly.
I hope Mr. Faulkland may not suspect
how much he is concerned in my misfortune;
my absenting myself, for some time
before I left home, from V—hall, and my
departure from my husband, immediately
after my interview with Mr. Faulkland
at Mrs. Gerrarde's, may raise some distrust
in his mind; but, while it continues
merely surmise, he can have no pretence
for requiring an explanation from Mr.
Arnold; so that if my husband keeps
his own council, which he seems inclined
to do, and my lord and lady V— preserve
the secret, I shall rest satisfied.
