On my return from the country, I found to my great surprise that the Edgeworths, who were to have remained in London till the end of this month, had taken a sudden flight in consequence of the death at Edgeworthstown of one of the Mrs. Sneyds. It is said that they will go immediately to Ireland, after a few days’ visit to Lady Elizabeth Whitbread, and that they have given up their journey through Scotland and their visit to Sir Walter Scott.
This intelligence surprised me, and I can hardly think the alleged reason the true one, considering that Mrs. Sneyd had been ill several months, and that her death had been expected for some time. Perhaps their curiosity was exhausted, or London was found too expensive. I feel some regret that I have not seen something more of them; for though I am not conscious that any efforts have been wanting on my part, yet the fact is, that I have only met them at Sir James Mackintosh’s in large parties, and never once seen them alone. When we met we were always on good terms; and I hope they are satisfied. It was my intention on my return from the country, to make some further endeavours, though probably to little purpose. Their time was engrossed by visits and sights, and their friendship was expanded like leaf gold over a prodigious surface. A popular author, however, must be considered in some degree
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