I send you, my dear Lucy, with my thanks to Counsellor Steadman for his letter, one which I have received from Mr. Flamall. You will find that I have an enormous account to settle with him on the score of _gratitude_; for the kindhearted gentleman, not having yet smoothed the way for my _sweetheart’s_ appearance, has sent a double portion of _sweetmeats_, and withal, many compliments on my _sweet_ and gentle temper, which, it appears, fame has celebrated in the island of Jamaica. I would divide with you this tribute of praise, were it not the first my unparallelled gentleness and patience ever received; but I will be generous notwithstanding: and as we have here as many preserved limes, &c. as would satisfy the cravings of half the boardingschool misses in London, I have desired all mine may be sent to Heathcot: you will dispose of them in due measure to your neighbours. My friends and neighbours returned to the Abbey last night. To-morrow I shall pass the day at Mrs. Heartley’s, when I shall give her the counsellor’s letter. I do most seriously assure you, that my late indisposition has disappeared. Your accounts from Italy were the specifics for the worst part of it; and without detracting from the good effects of the new curricle, I must attribute my cure to your prescription. Lady Maclairn’s anxiety has not been less than yours, my dear Lucy, on the subject of medical advice; but I knew the medicine I wanted—it was not in the apothecary’s shop. The curricle is, however, still in favour, for it amuses Sir Murdock, and he is proud of being charioteer. You cannot imagine with what tenderness and attention I am treated by Lady Maclairn. I cannot help loving her; but I wish also to reverence her. It hurts me to see her sink herself and her talents, in order to soothe and keep quiet a woman who might be taught to respect her. She never offends or disappoints me but when I see her forget Lady Maclairn, and act the part of a mere cringing dependent. I find she has by dint of coaxing and tears, obtained permission for Mary to go with us to the Abbey to-morrow, in order to see her uncle. Mrs. Warner, Miss Flint’s favourite servant, communicated these glad tidings to Mrs. Allen, and concluded by saying, “Aye, they will never understand my lady’s temper. Miss Howard should have gone without asking leave, and Lady Maclairn should have commended her for taking it for granted she had a right to go to see the captain. Miss Flint is not the better for being indulged in her temper. I do my duty; she knows I am faithful, but she knows also that I will not be her slave. It often vexes me to see Miss Howard so much afraid of her! Why not say from the very first, ‘I will go and see my uncle, Madam.’ Instead of this, there are pleadings and tears, which have gained after all, only leave to stay a few minutes with the captain. As to Lady Maclairn, there is something to say. The golden-calf will have its