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Lady Morgan’s Memoirs
Sydney Owenson to Lady Margaret Stanley, 28 July 1808
INTRODUCTION & INDEXES
DOCUMENT INFORMATION
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Preface
Vol. I Contents.
Prefatory Address
Chapter I
Chapter II
Chapter III
Chapter IV
Chapter V
Chapter VI
Chapter VII
Chapter VIII
Chapter IX
Chapter X
Chapter XI
Chapter XII
Chapter XIII
Chapter XIV
Chapter XV
Chapter XVI
Chapter XVII
Chapter XVIII
Chapter XIX
Chapter XX
Chapter XXI
Chapter XXII
Chapter XXIII
Chapter XXIV
Chapter XXV
Chapter XXVI
Chapter XXVII
Chapter XXVIII
Chapter XXIX
Chapter XXX
Chapter XXXI
Chapter XXXII
Chapter XXXIII
Chapter XXXIV
Chapter XXXV
Chapter XXXVI
Chapter XXXVII
Chapter XXXVIII
Vol. I Index
Vol. II Contents
Chapter I
Chapter II
Chapter III
Chapter IV
Chapter V
Chapter IV
Chapter VII
Chapter VIII
Chapter IX
Chapter X
Chapter XI
Chapter XII
Chapter XIII
Chapter XIV
Chapter XV
Chapter XVI
Chapter XVII
Chapter XVIII
Chapter XIX
Chapter XX
Chapter XXI
Chapter XXII
Chapter XXIII
Chapter XXIV
Chapter XXV
Chapter XXVI
Chapter XXVII
Chapter XXVIII
Chapter XXIX
Chapter XXX
Chapter XXXI
Chapter XXXII
Chapter XXXIII
Chapter XXXIV
Chapter XXXV
Chapter XXXVI
Chapter XXXVII
Chapter XXXVIII
Chapter XXXIX
Chapter XL
Vol. II Index
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Salop,
Friday, July 28th, 1808.

It is so natural to anticipate the return of hours that were dear to us, and take the enjoyment we can estimate by experience, that you cannot be surprised; my dear madam, if the Wild Irish Girl again seeks that welcome at Penrhôs which has been already so kindly lavished upon her. In the midst of the inebriety of London pleasures—of gay connexions and kind and flattering attentions equally beyond the hopes or merits of their object; Penrhôs, its perfumes, drawing-rooms, its gardens, the strawberry plants, and above
328 LADY MORGAN'S MEMOIR.  
all, the endearing and accomplished circle of its cheerful fire-side, have never been forgotten. Oh! no, the mind and the heart had too many sweet subjects of recollection afforded them to become so far insensible, or not to court their return with pleasure and anxiety.

I shall leave Salop on Wednesday next (2nd of August); I shall stay Thursday at Llangollen, with the Ladies of the Vale; on Friday, I suppose I sleep at Capel-Cerni; and on Saturday evening I shall be at Holyhead. Such are my arrangements, if I am not disappointed in a place in the Shrewsbury coach, for I shall not go by mail.

If, therefore, dear madam, you do not repent your kind and flattering invitations, I shall be delighted to pass a day with you in going back to Ireland; but I hope your Ladyship will be entirely governed by your convenience, without taking my wishes or inclinations into the account.

I have brought with me a little plant from London as a companion for the strawberry plant. I do not know that it is very rare; but it is very curious and very sentimental; I like it selfishly for its resemblance to her whom your kindness touched so deeply. It is a little twining, clinging thing, that fastens gratefully on whatever is held out to its support; it is humble and unattractive, but perennial! You shall, if you please, call it the Wild Irish Girl, for I really believe it has no name; and so observe, I imagine it forms a little class by itself. Adieu, dear madam; I request my affectionate souvenir to Miss Stanley, and as ten-
IDA OF ATHENS.329
der respects to Captain Skinner as you may think prudent to deliver.

I am with every grateful sentiment,
Your ladyship’s obliged friend,
Sydney Owenson.

PS. St. Pierre says, a woman always keeps the part of her letter in which she is most interested for the postscript—dare I then add my respects to Sir J. Stanley, whose little premium for singing the Scotch songs is now before me.

I send this by hand to Holyhead.