I HAVE received the favour of your letter, and, however unable to make you a return for the amusement it afforded me, I cannot help thanking you for it in the best manner I am able. Since my settling here, I have been in hopes of receiving my letters with less interruption, since they travel directly, which they never did at Beaucaire.

We have had very severe winds, which have kept me much at home, as it is only by dint of care that I keep well. However, I am so well and cheerfully lodged, that my confinement does not affect my spirits; for I have the finest view imaginable from my windows, over a very cultivated plain, terminated by the sea, on which I can often discern the ships that are passing to and fro. Indeed, I have only to pass across the garden to be on the finest walk imaginable. I also like my society extremely, and especially the Intendant's house, which is open on the most agreeable footing three times a-week. I am sure you would be charmed with Madame l'Intendante; she is so sensible and well-bred, and lives on such terms of harmony with her numerous family. She has four daughters, three of whom are well, and richly established in this town. The eldest, la Comtesse d'Entregue, is a widow, who, with her

son, usually lives at Paris. He is about eighteen, and has a very great genius, with an uncommon turn to learning and application; so much so, as to render him the wonder of this place. He is an officer of Carabiniers, and is so good as to lend me all the new books that come from Paris. I never see him but I think of Lord Carlisle. The only danger of so singular a character is, that it is apt to inspire too high an opinion of what is much more common chez nous, and therefore not attended with vanity.

Monsieur and Madame la Comtesse de Perigord, having been detained by business longer than they intended, are now about to depart. He is a very amiable man, and they have both been very civil to me. I fancy you must have seen her often at Paris; though now, from devotion and ill-health, she lives but little in the world. I supped there one night, and being obliged to play after supper, was laid up; but I have profited by that lesson, to get excused from supping out any more; so that the Intendant lets me play till that time, and I then depart. There are many fine houses here, though from the narrowness of the streets they make no appearance; and I believe there are more rich people here than in any town in France, Lyons excepted. There is also a great deal of beauty, which is neither spoilt by over-much ornament nor rouge, which is worn very moderately.

Our play here would ruin no one, as no games of

hazard are allowed. We play chiefly at berlan and whist, and I last night won two pieces of douze sous. The most expensive article here, I think, is firing, and I own I am extravagant in that. I have had the good luck to meet with a society who like both music and drawing, so that my evenings are divided and varied a little, which is not always apt to be the case in France, where play is often the sole occupation. Remember me kindly, if you please, in St. James's Place. I wrote last post to Lord Carlisle. I am, sir, Your very sincere and humble Servant,

I. CARLISLE.

MR. VINCENT MATHIAS TO GEORGE SELWYN.

Wednesday night, 19 January, 1780.

MR. MATHIAS presents his respects to Mr. Selwyn; has seen Mr. Reeve, the coal-merchant, since the death of poor Alice. Mr. Reeve will take care to order everything proper for the burying of her. He tells Mr. Mathias, whatever little things she has left, Mr. Selwyn's servant, Michelet,* will have taken care to lock up.

* George Selwyn's valet, to whom he subsequently bequeathed his wardrobe, and an annuity of 30%.

THE COUNTESS OF UPPER OSSORY TO GEORGE SELWYN.

Ampthill Park, Sunday.

I HAVE been silent, my dear sir, because I had nothing to say that could in any degree amuse or interest you; but I cannot continue so any longer, when I hear you have been very ill, and are still confined. Pray let us know how you do, and what has been the matter. I congratulate you upon the arrival of the beautiful and amiable Lady Caroline,* and hope you are well enough at least to enjoy the pleasure of her company in Cleveland Court as a convalescent; and that you will very soon be at liberty, if you are not at present, to visit and enliven your other friends.

I have no doubt that Mademoiselle Fagniani was as much a garde malade as you permitted her to be, and that her attention made you some amends for your own sufferings. We all join in our best compliments to her, and beg you will accept them. I can write to you about nothing but the first notes of the blackbirds, and the first opening of the buds, which are very interesting to me, but not very amusing at second hand. Any news you send will be welcome, but much more so if ac

*Probably Lady Caroline Howard, Lord Carlisle's eldest daughter, who may have been on a visit to Mademoiselle Fagniani.

companied by an account of your own health and spirits. I am always, dear Mr. Selwyn,

Much yours, &c.

ANNE UPPER OSSORY.

THE HON. HORACE WALPOLE TO GEORGE SELWYN.

I SEND you the key of the square, * which you will keep as long as you please. What do I owe you for the basket of provisions?

Last night I saw a proof-piece of seven-shilling pieces struck in 1776. I know they were not uttered, but could you get me one from the Mint? I had much rather be obliged to you than to my dear nephew the master.

To Mr. Selwyn.

Yours, &c.

THE DUKE OF QUEENSBERRY TO GEORGE SELWYN.

MY DEAR GEORGE,

[Tunbridge.]

I AM much obliged to you for being so very exact in writing. I continue to gain ground. I am, however, in some doubt whether the waters

* Berkeley Square, in which Walpole was now residing when in London, and where he died.