“Forgive me for writing nothing to-night but about you two and myself. Of what can I have thought else? I have not spoken to a single person but my own servants since we parted last night. I found a message here from Miss Howe[120] to invite me for this evening. Do you think I have not preferred staying at home to write to you, as this must go to London to-morrow morning by the coach to be ready for Tuesday’s post? My future letters shall talk of other things, whenever I know anything worth repeating; or perhaps any trifle, for I am determined to forbid myself lamentations that would weary you; and the frequency of my letters will prove there is no forgetfulness. If I live to see you again, you will then judge whether I am changed; but a friendship so rational and so pure as mine is, and so equal for both, is not likely to have any of the fickleness of youth, when it has none of its other ingredients. It was a sweet consolation to the short time that I may have left, to fall into such a society; no wonder then that I am unhappy at that consolation being abridged. I pique myself on no philosophy, but what a long use and knowledge of the world had given me--the philosophy of indifference to most persons and events. I do pique myself on not being ridiculous at this very late period of my life; but when there is not a grain of passion in my affection for you two, and when you both have the good sense not to be displeased at my telling you so, (though I hope you would have despised me for the contrary,) I am not ashamed to say that your loss is heavy to me; and that I am only reconciled to it by hoping that a winter in Italy, and the journeys and sea air, will be very beneficial to two constitutions so delicate as yours. Adieu! my dearest friends. It would be tautology to subscribe a name to a letter, every line of which would suit no other man in the world but the writer.” CHAPTER X. Walpole’s love of English Scenery.--Richmond Hill.--Burke on the French Revolution.--The Berrys at Florence.--Death of George Selwyn.--London Solitude.--Repairs at Cliveden.--Burke and Fox.--The Countess of Albany.--Journal of a Day.--Mrs. Hobart’s Party.--Ancient Trade with India.--Lady Hamilton.--A Boat Race.--Return of the Berrys.--Horace succeeds to the Peerage.--Epitaphium Vivi Auctoris.--His Wives.--Mary Berry.--Closing Years.--Love of Moving Objects.--Visit from Queen Charlotte.--Death of Conway.--Final Illness of Horace.--His Last Letter.