To George Mordaunt, Esq;
Tuesday, September 14.
AS I was sitting alone this morning at
the inn looking out at a window, I
saw ride into the yard Mr. Herbert, the
gentleman to whom I took so strong an inclination
at Lord T — 's, and for whose
character I have the highest esteem. He
saw me, and springing eagerly from his
horse, sent to know if I would admit him.
He came, and, after expressing some surprize
at seeing me there, on my telling him I
had left Lord T — 's, and waited there a
few days for letters, he insisted on my
spending that time at his house, in a manner
which it was impossible for me to refuse.
As we rode, he apologized for the entertainment
I should meet with; wished for a
larger share of the gifts of fortune, that he
might receive his friends in a manner more
suited to his desires; but said, if he knew
me, the heart of the host was all I should
care for; and that I should relish the homely
meat of chearful friendship, as well as the
splendid profusion of luxury and pride.
We arrived at a neat house, with a little
romantic garden behind it, where we were
received by Mrs. Herbert with that hospitable
air which is inseparable from real benevolence
of heart. Her person was extremely
pleasing, and her dress elegantly
plain. She had a little boy sitting by her,
lovely and playful as a Cupid.
Neatness and propriety presided at our
frugal meat; and, after a little desert of excellent
fruit from their garden, Mr. Herbert
took me the tour of his estate, which
consists of about seventy acres, which he
cultivates himself, and has embellished with
every thing that can make it lovely: all has
the appearance of content and peace: I observed
this to him, and added, that I infinitely
envied his happiness. He stopped,
and looked earnestly at me; I am indeed,
said he, happy in many things; and, though
my fortune is greatly below my birth and
hopes, I am not in want: things may be
better; till then, I bear them as I can: my
wife, whose worth outweighs all praise,
combats our ill fate with a spirit I cannot
always imitate; for her, Mr. Mandeville,
for her, I feel with double keenness the
stings of adversity.
I observed him too much affected to pursue
the subject farther; I therefore changed
it, and returned to the house: but I will
not leave him till I am instructed how to
draw the worm of discontent from one of
the worthiest of human bosoms.
Write to me here. I shall stay till I
know when my father will be in the country.
Adieu!
