See, my dear Henrietta, into what an embarrassment I am thrown by my vivacity, by the precipitation with which I sent away John, without giving him orders to conceal himself, without commanding him not to mention my name! The imprudent creature thought he could not execute his commission, better than by going directly to Sir Charles Halifax's, enquiring for Abraham, telling him he came from me, and desiring permission to place himself in Lord Ossory's antichamber. My Lord, charmed to hear one of my servants was so near him, and that he came by my orders, insisted on seeing him: Mr. John, as he told me himself, received this command to enter, with great pleasure: he answered all my Lord's questions with great exactness: assured him, his Lady was more dead than alive when she sent him; that she had a great deal of friendship for his Lordship, and was scarce satisfied with three expresses a day, which he had the honour to send her.

If you had seen with what satisfaction this idiot gave me an account of his commission, how he applauded himself on the wonders he had done! After all, I ought only to complain of my own want of foresight. I sent back Abraham yesterday without any answer: I excused myself on account of the present weakness of my head. Alas! it is not that I most fear: the weakness of my heart is what restrains me – Abraham again – Another letter – I need not take the pains to copy this: it is almost exactly the same with the last; except the addition of much inquietude on account of my indisposition, which no longer exists. See me, Madam, hear me – Always the same. I must answer it; but what difficulty do I find in writing to him! His zealous messenger tells Betty he must not return without a letter. In proportion as my fears for his life vanish, my anger resumes its empire over my soul.