were too busy to mind him; in short, he was quite disconcerted; his treachery used to be so sheathed in folly, that he was never out of countenance; but it is plain he grows old.  To finish his confusion and anxiety, George Selwyn, Brand, and I, went and stood near him, and in half whispers, that he might hear, said, “Lord, how he is broke! how old he looks!” then I said, “This room feels very cold:  I believe there never is a fire in it.”  Presently afterwards I said, “Well, I’ll not stay here; this room has been washed to-day.”  In short, I believe we made him take a double dose of Gascoign’s powder when he went home.  Next night Brand and I communicated this interview to Lord Temple, who was in agonies; and yesterday his chariot was seen in forty different parts of the town.  I take it for granted that Fox will not resist these overtures, and then we shall have the paymastership, the secretaryship of Ireland, and all Calcraft’s regiments once more afloat.

May 1.

I did not finish this letter last week, for the picture could not set out till next Thursday.  Your kin brought Lord Mandeville with them to Strawberry; he was very civil and good-humoured, and I trust I was so too.  My nuptialities dined here yesterday.  The wedding is fixed for the 15th.  The town, who saw Maria set out in the Earl’s coach, concluded it was yesterday.  He notified his marriage to the Monarch last Saturday, and it was received civilly.  Mrs. Thornhill is dead, and I am inpatient to hear the fate of Miss Mildmay. the Princes Ferdinand and Henry have been skirmishing, have been beaten, and have beat, but with no decision.

The ball at Mr. Conolly’s(1028) was by no means delightful. the house is small, it was hot, and was composed Of young Irish.  I was retiring when they went to supper, but was fetched back to sup with Prince Edward and the Duchess of Richmond, who is his present passion.  He had chattered as much love to her as would serve ten balls.  The conversation turned on the Guardian—­most unfortunately the Prince asked her if she should like Mr. Clackit—­“No, indeed, Sir,” said the Duchess.  Lord Tavistock(1029) burst out into a loud laugh, and I am afraid none of the company quite kept their countenances.  Adieu!  This letter is gossiping enough for any Mrs. Clackit, but I know you love these details.

(1027) Gertrude Duchess of Bedford, daughter of Earl Gower.

(1028) Thomas Conolly, Esq., son of Lady Anne Conolly, sister of Thomas Earl of Strafford, and who inherited great part of her brother’s property.  Mr. Conolly was married to Lady Louisa Lenox, sister of the Duke of Richmond, and of Lady Holland.  They died without issue.-E.

(1029) Francis Marquis of Tavistock, only son of John Duke of Bedford.  He died before his father, in 1767, in consequence of a fall from his horse when hunting.-E.

487 Letter 313 To Sir Horace Mann.  Strawberry Hill, May 10, 1759.