"Reddish's Hotel, St. James's Street, London, July 23. 1811. "My dear Madam, "I am only detained by Mr. H * * to sign some copyhold papers, and will give you timely notice of my approach. It is with great reluctance I remain in town. I shall pay a short visit as we go on to Lancashire on Rochdale business. I shall attend to your directions, of course, and am, "With great respect, yours ever," "BYRON. "P.S.--You will consider Newstead as your house, not mine; and me only as a visitor." * * * * * On his going abroad, she had conceived a sort of superstitious fancy that she should never see him again; and when he returned, safe and well, and wrote to inform her that he should soon see her at Newstead, she said to her waiting-woman, "If I should be dead before Byron comes down, what a strange thing it would be!"--and so, in fact, it happened. At the end of July, her illness took a new and fatal turn; and, so sadly characteristic was the close of the poor lady's life, that a fit of rage, brought on, it is said, by reading over the upholsterer's bills, was the ultimate cause of her death. Lord Byron had, of course, prompt intelligence of the attack. But, though he started instantly from town, he was too late,--she had breathed her last. The following letter, it will be perceived, was written on his way to Newstead. LETTER 55. TO DR. PIGOT. "Newport Pagnell, August 2. 1811. "My dear Doctor, "My poor mother died yesterday! and I am on my way from town to attend her to the family vault. I heard _one_ day of her illness, the _next_ of her death. Thank God her last moments were most tranquil. I am told she was in little pain, and not aware of her situation. I now feel the truth of Mr. Gray's observation, 'That we can only have _one_ mother.' Peace be with her! I have to thank you for your expressions of regard; and as in six weeks I shall be in Lancashire on business, I may extend to Liverpool and Chester,--at least I shall endeavour. "If it will be any satisfaction, I have to inform you that in November next the Editor of the Scourge will be tried for two different libels on the late Mrs. B. and myself (the decease of Mrs. B. makes no difference in the proceedings); and as he is guilty, by his very foolish and unfounded assertion, of a breach of privilege, he will be prosecuted with the utmost rigour. "I inform you of this as you seem interested in the affair, which is now in the hands of the Attorney-general. "I shall remain at Newstead the greater part of this month, where I shall be happy to hear from you, after my two years' absence in the East. "I am, dear Pigot, yours very truly, "BYRON." * * * * *