it is fit to give such notification, and that a day sooner or a day later would be improper?—­ But not to trifle politically with you, your redemption is nearer than you think for, though not complete:  the terms a little depend upon yourself.  You must send me an account, strictly and upon your honour, what your debts are:  as there is no possibility for the present but of compounding them, I put my friendship upon it, that you answer me sincerely.  Should you, upon the hopes of facilitating your return, not deal ingenuously with me, which I will not suspect, it would occasion what I hope will never happen.  Some overtures are going to be made to Miss * * * *, to ward off impediments from her.  In short, though I cannot explain any of the means, your fortune wears another face; and if you send me immediately, upon your honour, a faithful account of what I ask, no time will be lost to labour your return, which I wish so much, and of which I have said so little lately, as I have had better hopes of it.  Don’t joke with me upon this head, as you sometimes do:  be explicit, be open in the most unbounded manner, and deal like a man of sense with a heart that deserves that you should have no disguises to it.  You know me and my style:  when I engage earnestly as I do in this business, I can’t bear not to be treated in my own way.

Sir Charles Williams is made ambassador to Russia; which concludes all I know.  But at such a period two days may produce much, and I shall not send away my letter till I am in town on Tuesday.  Good night!

Thursday, 17th.

All the officers of the Irish establishment are ordered over thither immediately:  Lord Hartington has offered to go directly,(559) and sets out with Mr. Conway this day se’nnight.  The journey to Hanover is positive:  what if there should be a crossing-over and figuring-in of kings?  I know who don’t think all this very serious; so that, if you have a mind to be in great spirits, you may quote Lord Hertford.  He went to visit the Duchess of Bedford t’other morning, just after Lord Anson had been there and told her his opinion.  She asked Lord Hertford what news?  He knew none.  “Don’t you hear there will be certainly war?” “No, Madam:  I saw Mr. Nugent yesterday, and he did not tell me any thing of it.”  She replied, “I have Just seen a man who must know, and who thinks it unavoidable.”  “Nay, Madam, perhaps it may:  I don’t think a little war would do us any harm.”  Just as if he had said, losing a little blood in spring is very wholesome; or that a little hissing would not do the Mingotti any harm!

I went t’other morning to see the sale of Mr. Pelham’s plate, with George Selwyn—­“Lord!” says he, “how many toads have been eaten off those plates!” Adieu!  I flatter myself that this will be a comfortable letter to you:  but I must repeat, that I expect a very serious answer, and very sober resolutions.  If I treat you like a child, consider you have been so.  I know I am in the right—­more delicacy would appear kinder, without being so kind.  As I wish and intend to restore and establish your happiness, I shall go thoroughly to work.  You don’t want an apothecary, but a surgeon—­but I shall give you over at once, if you are either froward or relapse.  Yours till then.