The curtain of night was dropping by slow degrees, when a distant sound of wheels interrupted our conversation.--We stood listening a moment, as it approach'd nearer. Edmund cry'd out,--They are come; I hear, Caesar's voice; and, taking a hearty leave, ran home to receive them.--I directed my course towards the Abbey, in hopes the chaise had proceeded thither, and found I had steer'd right, seeing it stand at the entrance. Mr. Jenkings did not get out; Lady Powis refused to part with Miss Warley this night. Whilst I write, I hope she is enjoying a sweet refreshing sleep. O! Molesworth! could I flatter myself she dreams of me!-- To-morrow Lord and Lady Allen, Mr. and Mrs. Winter, dine here; consequently Miss Winter, and her _fond_ admirer, Lord Baily.--How often have I laugh'd to see that cooing, billing, pair? It is come home, you'll say, with a vengeance.--Not so neither.--I never intend making such a very fool of myself as Lord Baily.--Pray, Madam, don't sit against that door;--and pray, Madam, don't sit against this window.--I hear you have encreased your cold;--you speak hoarse:--indeed, Madam, you speak hoarse, though you won't confess it.--In this strain has the monkey ran on for two hours.--No body must help him at table but Miss Winter.--He is always sure to eat whatever is next her.--She, equally complaisant, sends her plate to him;--desires he will have a bit of the same.--Excessively high, my Lord;--you never eat any thing so well done.--The appearance of fruit is generally the occasion of great altercation:--What! venture on peaches again, Miss Winter?--Indeed, my Lord, I shall only eat this small one;--that was not half ripe which made me sick yesterday.--No more nuts; I absolutely lay an embargo on nuts,--No more, nonsense: I absolutely lay an embargo on nonsense, says Molesworth to DARCEY. LETTER XVI. Miss WARLEY to Lady MARY SUTTON. _Barford Abbey_. Once more, my dear Lady, I dispatch a packet from this place,--after bidding adieu to the agreeable Dean,--Brandon Lodge,--and my friends in that neighbourhood. How long I shall continue here, God only knows.--If my wishes could avail, the time would be short; very short, indeed.--I am quite out of patience with Mr. and Mrs. Smith; some delay every time I hear from them.--First, we were to embark the middle of this month;--then the latter end;--now it is put off till the beginning of the next:--perhaps, when I hear next, it will be, they do not go at all.--Such weak resolutions are never to be depended on;--a straw, like a magnet, will draw them from side to side. I think I am as much an inhabitant of this house as of Mr. Jenkings's:--I lay here last night after my journey, and shall dine here this day; but as a great deal of company is expected, must go to my _other_ home to dress.--To-morrow your Ladyship shall command me. From Mr. _Jenkings's_.