what interest Mr. Siddons could have in the business, but I suppose Mr. G. did.
with whom I am to spend what remains of life, would be more than my subdued spirit and almost broken heart would be able to endure*.
In answer to the second, I can only say that the testimony of the wisdom of all ages, from the foundation of the world to this day is childishness and folly, if happiness be any thing more than a name, and I am assured our own experience will not enable us to refute the opinion. No, no, it is the inhabitant of a better world, content, the offspring of moderation, is all we ought to aspire to here, and moderation will be our best and surest guide to that happiness to which she will most assuredly conduct us.
Forgive this preaching, I have a most sincere and affectionate regard for him, and I wish for your sake a well as his own, he would endeavour to correct that avidity of imagination that at one time hurries him into what he mistakes for happiness but which is indeed no other than intoxication; a sort of drunkenness of the mind, and the next moment plunges him into despondency.
*This last misery Mrs. Siddons had not long to endure, as on my arrival in London, October tweIvemonth, I found every arrangement made between her and Mr. Siddons, for an amicable parting, division of property, &c. &c. He had left London to reside in Bath, and she went to live at Hampstead ; they only occasionally visited each other since I have known them.

Indeed, indeed, I wish you would tell him it is my most earnest request that he would, and that by making this exertion, and in the effects it will produce on your mutual comforts, I shall be richly overpaid for all I have done; if he thinks himself unfortunate, let him look on me and be silent, " the inscrutable ways of providence."
Two lovely creatures gone and another is just arrived from school with all the dazzling, frightful sort of beauty that irradiated the countenance of Maria, and makes me shudder when I look at her.
I feel myself like poor Niobe grasping to her bosom the last and younger of her children; and like her look every moment for the vengeful arrow of destruction.
Alas ! my dear friend, can it be wondered at that I long for the land where they are gone to prepare their mother's place.
What have I here? Yet here, even here, I could be content to linger still in peace and calmness content is all I wish but I must again enter into the bustle of the world.
For the fame and fortune have given me all I wish, yet while my presence and my exertions here may be useful to others, I do not think myself at liberty to give myself up to my own selfish gratifications. The second great commandment is love thy neighbour as thyself, and in this way I shall most probably best make my way to heaven*
*How far Mrs. Siddons has fulfilled this second great commandment, let others, not so injured a being as I am, determine for her.