LETTER LXX.

MRS ADEY, of Aylsham, Norfolk.'

Buxton, June 14, 1793.

I AM invoking the Naiads of these warm soft springs, to wash away the dregs of that obscure and long disease, which, assuming various forms, has oppressed me since the birth-day of this year. There was reason to hope, that bathing and drinking the waters would have been of great use; but, lo! a violent cold now shivers through my veins. The weather is perverse. After a long drought, and cloudless horizon, no sooner came luckless I, than loud and keen blew the north, and rainy clouds drew their dark trains over the mountains. If this hoarse soreness on my lungs should settle into one of my fierce hereditary coughs, the prospect of the north-coast will vanish from my purposes, and I shall shrink back home to quiet and domestic nursing.

Though, as yet, the young gay crowds do not swarm through our golden Crescent, hitherto have my hours passed pleasantly in musical parties, and in little conversations of intelligence and in

terest. I am under the same roof with amiable and lovely Mrs Sedley, and dear Mrs Greaves, of our little city. Except the latter, I did not, on

my first arrival, personally know a single being of those various groups that inhabit the Crescent, or resort to it in preference to the less splendid dwellings of olden Time. My next favourite after sweet Mrs Sedley, among these stranger tribes, is Lady Clarke, from the environs of Edinburgh. She is here with her laughter-loving husband, who very shrewdly knows life and manners, and the rudiments of many sciences; who plays slow Scotch airs on the violin with the skill of a professor, and the pathos of a lover. Sir John Clarke seems to idolize his lady, who is still very handsome, though no longer a girl. Her figure verges to en bon point; but her step, her air, her address, are spirited and graceful; and her conversation is frank, interesting, and gay. Her apartments attract the ingenious and polite of both sexes; and if her parties are not large, they are select.

And Miss Delabere, the engaging sister of my beloved Mrs Granville, I was delighted to find here. Though personally strangers, we knew much of each other. Fast-fading health was the motive of her journey. The paleness of her cheek, the languor or her step, are rendered

pleasing by that pensive sweetness of smile, that touching softness of voice, which are often more conciliating than even the warm glow of independent health, and render even defect lovely.

Sir John E's daughters were, on my first arrival, the belles of the scene. The eldest is strikingly handsome, with an air of dignity and fashion, and, as she passes, irresistibly attracts the eye. I had no acquaintance with these nymphs, nor desired it. They have an assured and repulsive haughtiness of look and step, which, though not incompatible with grace, destroys all its in

terest.

"The toss of quality, and high-bred fleer."

They soon left us; and to their claim of handsomest, amid a dearth of beauty, succeeded the two Miss Cs, accompanying their portly, handsome, though gouty, father; a very shy country gentleman, who says little, and has but one theme, viz. the hereditary powers and beauties of horn-cattle. His second daughter is most admired; tall and well-shaped; a brunette complexion, of high bloom; dark large round eyes; the full lips and aquiline nose of the Cæsarian medals. Her sister has the same features, upon a less scale; but has neither the height nor bloom

of the younger, who possesses a most uncommon talent for mechanics. She builds little coaches, chaises, and phaetons, which are said to be perfect models; and has no assistance in making the wheels, the windows, or any other part. These young ladies are unaffected; but neither in their: persons, their countenance, or manner, is there an atom of grace or expression; and they extremely want that obliging vivacity, which is at once so natural and so lovely in youth.

When I left home, Mrs Cobb was in somewhat better health, and her intellects clearer than they had been some time. Miss Adey is in robust. vigour of frame, and has every prospect of longevity; but there is no rational dependence upon these vital perspectives.

This is my native country, and I gaze, with thrills of filial tenderness, even on these wild and barren hills. Tell your beloved Mr Adey, that I purpose going next week to Eyam, the village of my birth, the home of my early infancy; and whither I often used to accompany my father on his summer residences there. I cannot resist the desire of indulging this mournful luxury, in a scene which bears such striking traces of the dear and for ever lost. There is more scenic beauty and cultivated umbrage round Eyam than amidst those naked and monotonous mountains.

Mr Adey's affectionate heart feels the force of local impressions on every seldom visit to his native Lichfield, and will sympathize with me in the sensations that induce this little excursion.

I congratulate you on the public virtue of your favourite friend, Mr Windham. His talents have been long distinguished; and he has now proved his patriotism sincere, by preferring the welfare of his country to private friendship, and party influence. Adieu !

LETTER LXXI.

MR SAVILLE.

Buxton, June 15, 1793.

AH! dear friend, it was indeed, in double sense, a malignant fever that, in the prime of youthful manhood, of athletic strength, and florid health, tore young Fern from his family. I am sorry for them all; but I grieve and regret, twenty times a-day, this heavy affliction to his affectionate

sister.

The plan of soon living quietly and cheerfully with him, emancipated from the despotism of an