64.

To Miss Fermor, at Silleri.

Rochester, July 24.

I am obliged to wait ten minutes for a Canadian gentleman who is
with me, and has some letters to deliver here: how painful is this
delay! But I cannot leave a stranger alone on the road, though I lose
so many minutes with my charming Emily.

To soften this moment as much as possible, I will begin a letter to
my dear Bell: our sweet Emily is safe; I wrote to Captain Fermor this
morning.

My heart is gay beyond words: my fellow-traveller is astonished at
the beauty and riches of England, from what he has seen of Kent: for my
part, I point out every fine prospect, and am so proud of my country,
that my whole soul seems to be dilated; for which perhaps there are
other reasons. The day is fine, the numerous herds and flocks on the
side of the hills, the neatness of the houses, of the people, the
appearance of plenty; all exhibit a scene which must strike one who has
been used only to the wild graces of nature.

Canada has beauties; but they are of another kind.

This unreasonable man; he has no mistress to see in London; he is
not expected by the most amiable of mothers, by a family he loves as I
do mine.

I will order another chaise, and leave my servant to attend him.

He comes. Adieu! my dear little Bell! at this moment a gentleman is
come into the inn, who is going to embark at Dover for New York; I will
send this by him. Once more adieu!

LETTER 165.

To Miss Fermor, at Silleri.

Clarges Street, July 25.

I am the only person here, my dear Bell, enough composed to tell you
Rivers is arrived in town. He stopped in his post chaise, at the end of
the street, and sent for me, that I might prepare my mother to see him,
and prevent a surprize which might have hurried her spirits too much.

I came back, and told her I had seen a gentleman, who had left him
at Dover, and that he would soon be here; he followed me in a few
minutes.

I am not painter enough to describe their meeting; though prepared,
it was with difficulty we kept my mother from fainting; she pressed
him in her arms, she attempted to speak, her voice faltered, tears
stole softly down her cheeks: nor was Rivers less affected, though in a
different manner; I never saw him look so handsome; the manly
tenderness, the filial respect, the lively joy, that were expressed in
his countenance, gave him a look to which it is impossible to do
justice: he hinted going down to Berkshire to-nig