pain did I not hope to renew our intimacy next season, and exchange occasional letters between now and then. John Gilpin 'little dreamed when he set out' of losing his wig, nor I of losing any portion of anything like heart. Farewell! Never write with a ruby pen to me, or eke a crow-quill. Abuse me as little as your witty mischief will permit, and shield me from the wit of others when convenient—
'And I'll avenge the feud myself
When I come o'er the sea!'
Furthermore take care of your health. Remember the sage citizeness's words—
'What avail these loads of wealth
Without that choicest blessing, health!'
Protect your chest like a miser. Finally, believe me, with truth and simplicity, very affectionately, and in many things very admiringly, your friend."
It was the fate of this deeply-regretted lady, as it was the fate, at no distant day, of her whom she thus addressed, to marry and quit her native country, to die prematurely amidst the new hopes and prospects that grow out of a new tie, but far from the old and cherished friends by whom she craved to be remembered.
"She pass'd from sight;—
So in the East comes sudden night!"
Death in a distant land, apparently amidst pleasant anticipations and favourable health, was also the melancholy fortune of a third lady, the acquaintance of both, and the frequent companion of one—Miss Emma Roberts; who had no sooner introduced to the public a sketch of the writings and character of L. E. L., by applying to her fate her own mournful lines—
