Mr. Greville is a shabby fellow!  It never could have been the intention of Sir William, but that you should have had seven hundred pounds a year neat money; for, when he made the will, the Income Tax was double to what it is at present; and the estate which it is paid from is increasing every year in value.

It may be law, but it is not just; nor in equity would, I believe, be considered as the will and intention of Sir William.  Never mind!  Thank God, you do not want any of his kindness; nor will he give you justice.

I may fairly say all this; because my actions are different, even to a person who has treated me so ill.

As to ——­, I know the full extent of the obligation I owe him, and he may be useful to me again; but I can never forget his unkindness to you.

But, I guess, many reasons influenced his conduct, in bragging of his riches, and my honourable poverty; but, as I have often said, and with honest pride, what I have is my own; it never cost the widow a tear, or the nation a farthing.  I got what I have with my pure blood, from the enemies of my country.  Our house, my own Emma, is built upon a solid foundation; and will last to us, when his house and lands may belong to others than his children.

I would not have believed it, from any one but you!  But, if ever I go abroad again, matters shall be settled very differently.

I am working hard with Gibbs about Bronte, but the calls upon me are very heavy.  Next September, I shall be clear; I mean, September 1805.

I have wrote to both Acton and the Queen about you.  I do not think she likes Mr. Elliot; and, therefore, I wish she had never shewn him my letters about you.  We also know, that he has a card of his own to play.

Dr. Scott, who is a good man—­although, poor fellow! very often wrong in the head—­is going with Staines, in, the Cameleon, just to take a peep at Naples and Palermo.  I have introduced him to Acton, who is very civil to every body from me.

The Admiralty proceedings towards me, you will know much sooner than I shall.  I hope they will do the thing, handsomely, and allow of my return in the spring; but, I do not expect it.

I am very uneasy at your and Horatia being on the coast:  for you cannot move, if the French make the attempt; which, I am told, they have done, and been repulsed.  Pray God, it may be true!

I shall rejoice to hear you and Horatia are safe at Merton; and happy shall I be, the day I join you. Gannam Justem.

Gaetano is very grateful for your remembrance of him.  Mr. Chevalier is an excellent servant.  William says, he has wrote twice; I suppose, he thinks that enough.

This is written within three miles of the fleet in Toulon, who are looking very tempting.  Kind regards to Mrs. Cadogan, Charlotte, &c. and compliments to all our joint friends; for they are no friends of mine, who are not friends to Emma.