her, but these two words,--and her actions. I
have torn the leaves containing the part of the Tale out of the
book, and enclose them with this sheet.

"What do you mean? First you seem hurt by my letter, and then, in
your next, you talk of its 'power,' and so forth. 'This is a
d----d blind story, Jack; but never mind, go on.' You may be sure I
said nothing _on purpose_ to plague you; but if you will put me 'in
a frenzy, I will never call you _Jack_ again.' I remember nothing
of the epistle at present.

"What do you mean by Polidori's _Diary_? Why, I defy him to say any
thing about me, but he is welcome. I have nothing to reproach me
with on his score, and I am much mistaken if that is not his _own_
opinion. But why publish the names of the two girls? and in such a
manner?--what a blundering piece of exculpation! _He_ asked Pictet,
&c. to dinner, and of course was left to entertain them. I went
into society _solely_ to present _him_ (as I told him), that he
might return into good company if he chose; it was the best thing
for his youth and circumstances: for myself, I had done with
society, and, having presented him, withdrew to my own 'way of
life.' It is true that I returned without entering Lady Dalrymple
Hamilton's, because I saw it full. It is true that Mrs. Hervey (she
writes novels) fainted at my entrance into Coppet, and then came
back again. On her fainting, the Duchess de Broglie exclaimed,
'This is _too much_--at _sixty-five_ years of age!'--I never gave
'the English' an opportunity of avoiding me; but I trust that, if
ever I do, they will seize it. With regard to Mazeppa and the Ode,
you may join or separate them, as you please, from the two Cantos.

"Don't suppose I want to put you out of humour. I have a great
respect for your good and gentlemanly qualities, and return your
personal friendship towards me; and although I think you a little
spoilt by 'villanous company,'--wits, persons of honour about town,
authors, and fashionables, together with your 'I am just going to
call at Carlton House, are you walking that way?'--I say,
notwithstanding 'pictures, taste, Shakspeare, and the musical
glasses,' you deserve and possess the esteem of those whose esteem
is worth having, and of none more (however useless it may be) than
yours ve