LETTER XVI

February 19th, 1804.

My dear Mrs. G.*

I am sure you will do me the justice to believe I should have answered your kind letter long ago, if I could have snatched so much time from incessant occupation ; but indeed I never had so much to do in my life before, I almost live in the theatre, and am almost worn out with the duties of my profession, and other every day ceremonies, which however frivolous, are (as you know) necessary to be attended to; in the meantime it gives me great pleasure, that Mr. G looks very well, and his only uneasiness seems to be the want of his domestic comforts; I wish it was in my power to see more of him here, because I know it would make his time pass more comfortable : he is gone for a few days to the country, I wish he was staying here altogether, for the country air seems to, do him good, he seems very much pleased with —. All this be has told you no doubt, I look forward with great pleasure to the time I hope to see you settled near to us. *( On the 1st of February Mr. G. left Dublin ; from his departure Mrs. Siddons never wrote to me but the following letter while I stayed in Ireland seven months; but the point was gained; Mr. G. had left Ireland, and nothing further was then necessary than, if possible., to contrive to make me remain there.)

Adieu ! my dear Mrs: C. and believe me,
Your affectionate, and faithful friend,

S. S1DDONS.

I hope the babes are well.

LETTER XVII

(This note was written on the death of the uncle already mentioned. Mrs. Siddons had one of those mysterious quarrels with Mr. G. and an opportunity offered (I suppose she thought) for now coming to our house without seeming to seek Mr. G.; she called therefore on me one morning, but meeting Mr. C. at the door, who was then going out, after a long conversation between them, instead of coming into the house to see me, she drove away to my surprize, who expected her intended visit every moment. I suppose when she returned home, she recollected some explanation was necessary, as that evening I received the following from her.)
I need not tell you, my dear Mrs. G. how deeply we are both concerned for the grievous disappointment you must feel in the cruel and unjust disposition your uncle has made of his fortune, indeed, indeed, I feel for you from the bottom of my heart, and most sincerely do I wish I could say or do any thing to alleviate your vexation and sorrow. I called on you this morning, however, merely to know how you were, and not with a design or hope of suggesting any motives of consolation ; your own