_What_, had it been _real_ as it was _visionary_, would have drove me to madness.--I dreamt, Miss Warley,--I dreamt every thing I was possess'd of was torn from me;--but now--_and here stopt_. Well, my Lord, and did not the pleasure of being undeceiv'd overpay all the pain which you had been deceiv'd into? No, my angel!--_Why does he call me his angel?_ Why, no: I have such a sinking, such a load on my mind, to reflect it is possible,--only possible it might happen, that, upon my word, it has been almost too much for me. Ah! my Lord, you are certainly wrong to anticipate evils; they come fast enough, one need not run to meet them:--besides, if your Lordship had been in reality that very unfortunate creature, you dreamt you were, for no rank or degree is proof against the caprice of Fortune,--was nothing to be preserv'd entire?--Fortune can require only what she gave: fortitude, peace, and resignation, are not her gifts. Oh! Miss Warley, you mistake: it was not riches I fancied myself dispossess'd of;--it was, oh my God!--what my peace, my _very_ soul is center'd in!--and his eyes turn'd round with so wild a stare, that really I began to suspect his head. I trembled so I could scarce reach the dressing-room, though just at the door.--The moment I turn'd from him, he flew like lightning over the stairs; and soon after, I saw him walking with Sir James on the terrace. By their gestures I could discover their conversation was not a common one. Mr. Morgan comes this instant in sight;--a servant after him, leading my little horse.--I am sorry to break off, but I must attend him;--he is so good, I know your Ladyship would be displeas'd, was I to prolong my letter at the expence of his favour.--Yours, my much honour'd,--my much lov'd Lady,--with all gratitude, with all affection, F. WARLEY. LETTER XXIV. Miss WARLEY to the same. _From Mr. Jenkings's_. Now, my dearest Lady, am I again perplex'd, doubting, and embarrass'd:--yet Lord Darcey is gone,--gone this very morning,--about an hour since. Well, I did not think it would evermore be in his power to distress me;--but I have been distress'd,--greatly distress'd!--I begin to think Lord Darcey sincere,--that he has always been sincere--He talks of next _Thursday_, as a day to unravel great mysteries:--but I shall be far enough by that time; sail'd, perhaps.--Likely, he said, I might know before Thursday.--I wish any body could, tell me:--I fancy Sir James and Lady Powis are in the secret. Mr. Jenkings is gone with his Lordship to Mr. Stapleton's,--about ten miles this side London, on business of importance:--to-morrow he returns; then I shall acquaint him with my leaving this place.--Your Ladyship knows the motive why I have hitherto kept the day of my setting out a secret from every person,--even from Sir James and Lady Powis.