LETTER XXII
MR. LOVELACE, TO JOHN BELFORD, ESQ.AUG. 24, THURSDAY MORNING.
I received thy letter in such good time, by thy fellow's dispatch, thatit gives me an opportunity of throwing in a few paragraphs upon it. Iread a passage or two of it to Mowbray; and we both agree that thou artan absolute master of the lamentable.
Poor Belton! what terrible conflicts were thy last conflicts!--I hope,however, that he is happy: and I have the more hope, because the hardnessof his death is likely to be such a warning to thee. If it have theeffect thou declarest it shall have, what a world of mischief will itprevent! how much good will it do! how many poor wretches will rejoice atthe occasion, (if they know it,) however melancholy in itself, whichshall bring them in a compensation for injuries they had been forced tosit down contented with! But, Jack, though thy uncle's death has madethee a rich fellow, art thou sure that the making good of such a vow willnot totally bankrupt thee?
Thou sayest I may laugh at thee, if I will. Not I, Jack: I do not takeit to be a laughing subject: and I am heartily concerned at the loss weall have in poor Belton: and when I get a little settled, and haveleisure to contemplate the vanity of all sublunary things (a subject thatwill now-and-then, in my gayest hours, obtrude itself upon me) it is verylikely that I may talk seriously with thee upon these topics; and, ifthou hast not got too much the start of me in the repentance thou artentering upon, will go hand-in-hand with thee in it. If thou hast, thouwilt let me just keep thee in my eye; for it is an up-hill work; and Ishall see thee, at setting out, at a great distance; but as thou art amuch heavier and clumsier fellow than myself, I hope that without muchpuffing and sweating, only keeping on a good round dog-trot, I shall beable to overtake thee.
Mean time, take back thy letter, as thou desirest. I would not have itin my pocket upon any account at present; nor read it once more.
I am going down without seeing my beloved. I was a hasty fool to writeher a letter, promising that I would not come near her till I saw her ather father's. For as she is now actually at Smith's, and I so near her,one short visit could have done no harm.
I sent Will., two hours ago, with my grateful compliments, and to knowhow she does.
How must I adore this charming creature! for I am ready to think myservant a happier fellow than myself, for having been within a pair ofstairs and an apartment of her.
Mowbray and I will drop a tear a-piece, as we ride along, to the memoryof poor Belton:--as we ride along, said I: for we shall have so much joywhen we arrive at Lord M.'s, and when I communicate to him and my cousinsthe dear creature's letter, that we shall forget every thing grievous:since now their family-hopes in my reformation (the point which lies sonear their hearts) will all revive; it being an article of their faith,that if I marry, repentance and mortification will follow of course.
Neither Mowbray nor I shall accept of thy verbal invitation to thefuneral. We like not these dismal formalities. And as to the respectthat is supposed to be shown to the memory of a deceased friend in suchan attendance, why should we do any thing to reflect upon those who havemade it a fashion to leave this parade to people whom they hire for thatpurpose?
Adieu, and be cheerful. Thou canst now do no more for poor Belton, wertthou to howl for him to the end of thy life.