University of Virginia Library

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69

LETTER XLVI.

I have just returned from Mecklenburg court, whither
I went on Tuesday, leaving Echo confined here, as she
was too much fatigued to travel so far. I have just learned
that she went off yesterday morning with the chain upon
her, and I fear that the poor thing may have got entangled
with it so as to prevent her getting along; and, in that condition,
may be exposed to perish. I cannot express how much
I am distressed at this thought. I shall, therefore, despatch
Phil. in the morning with this letter in quest of her.

I fear that Johnny is very ill, from his not having come
up. I need not say how much pleasure it would give me to
see you here. But, you appear to have (if not a disinclination
to come) so decided a preference for Bizarre, that I did
not choose to put any restraint upon your inclinations. It
is not strange that you should prefer the society of your sister
and cousins to that of a morose old man like myself.
Phil. will return with Hyperion. My love to your cousin,
Sally, and St. George.