uperior, my good
old countrywoman, expressed for me, and her regret at seeing me _for
the last time_.

Surely there is no pleasure on earth equal to that of being beloved!
I did not think I had been such a favorite in Canada: it is almost a
pity to leave it; perhaps nobody may love me in England.

Yes, I believe Fitzgerald will; and I have a pretty party enough of
friends in your family.

Adieu! I shall write a line the day we embark, by another ship,
which may possibly arrive before us.

LETTER 171.

To Mrs. Temple, Pall Mall.

Silleri, Aug. 11.

We embark to-morrow, and hope to see you in less than a month, if
this fine wind continues.

I am just come from Montmorenci, where I have been paying my
devotions to the tutelary deities of the place _for the last time_.

I had only Fitzgerald with me; we visited every grotto on the lovely
banks, where we dined; kissed every flower, raised a votive altar on
the little island, poured a libation of wine to the river goddess; and,
in short, did every thing which it became good heathens to do.

We stayed till day-light began to decline, which, with the idea of
_the last time_, threw round us a certain melancholy solemnity; a
solemnity which

"Deepen'd the murmur of the falling floods,
And breath'd a browner horror on the woods."

I have twenty things to do, and but a moment to do them in. Adieu!

I am called down; it is to Madame Des Roches: she is very obliging
to come thus far to see me.

12th.

We go on board at one; Madame Des Roches goes down with us as far as
her estate, where her boat is to fetch her on shore. She has made me a
present of a pair of extreme pretty bracelets; has sent your brother an
elegant sword-knot, and Emily a very beautiful cross of diamonds.

I don't believe she would be sorry if we were to run away with her
to England: I protest I am half inclined; it is pity such a woman
should be hid all her life in the woods of Canada: besides, one might
convert her you know; and, on a religious principle, a little
deviation from rules is allowable.

Your brother is an admirable missionary amongst unbelieving ladies:
I really think I shall carry her off; if it is only for the good of her
soul.

I have but one objection; if Fitzgerald should take a fancy to
prefer the tender to the lively, I should be in some danger: there is
something very seducing in her eyes, I assure you.

LETTER 172.

To Mrs. Temple, Pall Mall.

K