There was one of my letters on which I wish to hear from you.  There are always English coming from Paris, who would bring such a parcel:  at least, you might send me one volume at a time, and the rest afterwards:  but I should not care to have them ventured by the common conveyance.  Madame du Deffand is negotiating for an enamel picture for me; but, if she obtains it, I had rather wait for it till you come.  The books I mean, are those I told you Lady Ailesbury and Mrs. Damer would give you a particular account of, for they know my mind exactly.  Don’t reproach me with not meeting you at Paris.  Recollect what I suffered this time two years; and, if you can have any notion of fear, imagine my dread of torture for five months and a half!  When all the quiet of Strawberry did but just carry me through it, could I support it in the noise of a French hotel! and, what would be still worse, exposed to receive all visits? for the French, you know, are never mor in public than in the act of death.  I am like animals, and love to hide myself when I am dying.  Thank God, I am now two days beyond the crisis when I expected my dreadful periodic visitant, and begin to grow very sanguine about the virtue of the bootikins.  I shall even have courage to go to-morrow to Chalfont for two days, as it is but a journey of two hours.  I would not be a day’s journey from hence for all Lord Clive’s diamonds.  This will satisfy you.  I doubt Madame du Deffand is not so easily convinced—­therefore, pray do not drop a hint before her of blaming me for not meeting you rather assure her you are persuaded it would have been too great a risk for me at this season.  I wish to have her quite clear of my attachment to her; but that I do not always find so easy.  You, I am sure, will find her all zeal and entpressement for you and yours.  Adieu!  Yours ever.

(136) Mr. Fox was returned for Malmesbury.-E.

Letter 77 To The Hon. H. S. Conway.  Strawberry Hill, Oct. 29, 1774. (page 108)

I have received your letter of the 23d, and it certainly overpays me, when you thank instead of scolding me, as I feared.  A passionate man has very little merit in being in a passion, and is sure of saying many things he repents, as I do.  I only hope you think that I could not be so much in the wrong for every body; nor should have been, perhaps, even for you, if I had not been certain I was the only person, at that moment, that could serve you essentially:  and at such a crisis, I am sure I should take exactly the same part again, except in saying some things I did, of which I am ashamed!(137) I will say no more now on that topic, nor on any thing relating to it, because I have written my mind very fully, and you will know it soon.  I can only tell you now, that I approve extremely your way of thinking, and hope you will not change it before you hear from me, and know some material circumstances.  You and