‘Dear Sir,—I will breakfast with you in the morning, or on Tuesday, or on both: one principal purpose of my coming to town again was the pleasure you held up to me when I was so kindly received by you: you told me that I should see Lord Holland, and you made your own house all that was pleasant and engaging. What, dear Sir, can I say? Do not, however, permit me to intrude too much on your time, for I well know how you are consulted and engaged, but, speaking for myself alone, I would say, dear Sir, dispose of me as it seems best to you. I will dine with you when you can take me into your company, and I will wait on Lord Holland when it shall appear to you that his Lordship will be disposed to receive me. In fact, I will commit myself to you in that way which, to a mind like yours, I may do safely and with propriety. You will be a guide to me, and I shall do what is proper and becoming; neither presuming on the kindness which is shown to me, nor coldly withdrawing myself from the honour which I know how to estimate. My few engagements and my small business in town, I reckon as nothing—the society to which you introduce me is all! I can put nothing—of my concerns here—in comparison with it. I repeat, therefore, dear Sir, I am at your command, gratefully
‘I am ashamed of the trouble your servant has,
but I
| 246 | ROGERS AND HIS CONTEMPORARIES |
‘Do not, I entreat, let me, by my desire of being with you, break in upon your better purposes. I am not ignorant of the sacrifices your politeness may make, but I would—if possible—claim the privilege of a friend, and entreat that I may see you only when it is perfectly convenient, and then it will be very pleasant. Will the ladies pardon me if I beg to be respectfully remembered by them.’
