166 
ing at Oxford, but learning on her way back to Bath of the fight 
and the consequent trouble she surprised her companions by 
exclaiming—‘“‘ Oh, my husband, my husband.” Sheridan, too, as 
he lay ill trying for an interview “begged it by the tender 
appellation of husband.” No one believed in this little 
piece of comedy. As previously stated the elopement gave in- 
creased opportunity for the censorious, and hence a pretended 
marriage story was circulated, as hoping to benefit or cover the 
insensate folly of the now soiled damsel. The date given for the 
marriage was the end of March whilst on their trip to France, but 
it may be noted that Sheridan writing from France, 15th April, 
still writes* “‘ Miss Linley ” is fixed in a convent. Other efforts 
were made to the same purpose. <A rather ambiguous paragraph 
of July, just after the duel states—it is now confidently asserted 
that nothing criminal passed between Mr. S. and the Maid of 
Bath in their late tour in France, but that Mr. S., the young 
gentleman said to be killed in a duel with Captain M., at every 
place they put up at requested the landlady’s company, and took 
care to have Miss L constantly provided with a bedfellow tT 
Whatever Sheridan’s intentions by this elopement might have 
been and such folly led to no other thought, it may be taken for 
certain that—to use a newspaper phrase—he did not effect his 
purpose. Whether they are married or not, wrote one, their 
parents have been very industrious in keeping them separate,} and 
to aid this intention, Miss Linley was now sent away to some 
relation at Wells. The exact connection with Wells is not traced 
and there seems to be no record or guide at Wells. It may be 
suggested that the aunt Isabella, who married Philpot may have 
been living there, but if so she has left no mark. The young 
lady wrote to her lover—fit is strongly reported that we are 
married,—yet she makes no further assertion or allusion in 
* Rae, p. 170, Vol.1. + General Evening Post, 4th July, 1772. 
{ London Magazine. § Rae, pp. 207, 208. 
