I found that some persons had dared to doubt whether I would risk every thing for you.  You see by these letters that Mr. Grenville himself had presumed so.  Even a change in the administration, however unlikely, might happen before I had any opportunity of declaring myself; and then those who should choose to put the worst construction, either on my actions or my silence, might say what they pleased.  I was waiting for some opportunity:  they have put it into my hands, and I took care not to let It slip.  Indeed they have put more into my hands, which I have not let slip neither.  Could I expect they would give me so absurd an account of Mr. Grenville’s conduct, and give it to me in writing?  They can only add to this obligation that of provocation to print my letter, which, however strong in facts, I have taken care to make very decent in terms, because it imports us to have the candid (that is,.  I fear, the mercenary) on our side;—­no, that we must not expect, but at least disarmed.

Lord Tavistock has flung his handkerchief to Lady Elizabeth Keppel.  They all go to Woburn on Thursday, and the ceremony is to be performed as soon as her brother, the bishop, can arrive from Exeter.  I am heartily glad the Duchess of Bedford does not set her heart on marrying me to any body; I am sure she would bring it about.  She has some small intention Of coupling my niece and Dick Vernon, but I have forbidden the banns.

The birthday, I hear, was lamentably empty.  We had a loo last night in the great chamber at Lady Bel Finch’s:  the Duke, Princess Emily, and the Duchess of Bedford were there.  The Princess entertained her grace with the joy the Duke of Bedford will have in being a grandfather; in which reflection, I believe, the grandmotherhood was not forgotten.  Adieu!

(620) The paper here alluded to does not appear.

Letter 212To The Earl Of Hertford.  Strawberry Hill, June 8, 1764. (page 326)

To be sure, you have heard the event of’ this last week?  Lord Tavistock has flung his handkerchief, and except a few jealous sultanas, and some sultanas valides who had marketable daughters, every body is pleased that the lot is fallen on Lady Elizabeth Keppel.(621)

The house of Bedford came to town last Friday.  I supped with them that night at the Spanish Ambassador’s, who has made Powis-house magnificent.  Lady Elizabeth was not there nor mentioned.  On the contrary, by the Duchess’s conversation, which turned on Lady Betty Montagu,(622) there were suspicions in her favour.  The next morning Lady Elizabeth received a note from the Duchess of Marlborough,(623) insisting on seeing her that evening.  When she arrived at Marlborough-house, she found nobody but the Duchess and Lord Tavistock.  The Duchess cried, “Lord! they have left the window open in the next room!”—­went to shut it, and shut the lovers in too, where they remained for