II

.Theeventofallthisisveryprovoking:SirJamesisgone,Mariahighlyincensed,andMrs.Mainwaringinsupportablyjealoussojealous,inshort,andsoenragedagainstme,that,inthefuryofhertemper,Ishouldnotbesurprizedatherappealingtoherguardian,ifshehadthelibertyofaddressinghim:butthereyourhusbandstandsmyfriendandthekindest,mostamiableactionofhislifewashisthrowingheroffforeveronhermarriage.Keepuphisresentment,therefore,Ichargeyou.Wearenowinasadstatenohousewasevermorealteredthewholepartyareatwar,andMainwaringscarcelydaresspeaktome.ItistimeformetobegoneIhavethereforedeterminedonleavingthem,andshallspend,Ihope,acomfortabledaywithyouintownwithinthisweek.IfIamaslittleinfavourwithMr.Johnsonasever,youmustcometomeat10WigmorestreetbutIhopethismaynotbethecase,forasMr.Johnson,withallhisfaults,isamantowhomthatgreatword“respectable”isalwaysgiven,andIamknowntobesointimatewithhiswife,hisslightingmehasanawkwardlook. ItakeLondoninmywaytothatinsupportablespot,acountryvillageforIamreallygoingtoChurchhill.Forgiveme,mydearfriend,itismylastresource.WerethereanotherplaceinEnglandopentomeIwouldpreferit.CharlesVernonismyaversionandIamafraidofhiswife.AtChurchhill,however,ImustremaintillIhavesomethingbetterinview.Myyoungladyaccompaniesmetotown,whereIshalldepositherunderthecareofMissSummers,inWigmorestreet,tillshebecomesalittlemorereasonable.Shewillmadegoodconnectionsthere,asthegirlsareallofthebestfamilies.Thepriceisimmense,andmuchbeyondwhatIcaneverattempttopay. Adieu,IwillsendyoualineassoonasIarriveintown. Yoursever, S.VERNON.