^ET. 33.] COURT POLITICS. 519 



lucky misunderstanding afterwards which, I hope, 

 will do no harm it would have been quite complete. 

 Nothing has happened more agreeable during the 

 whole discussion. Don't believe a word of what the 

 newspapers say of Sheridan's speech. It was a com- 

 plete failure. He is quite done, and has nothing left 

 but his mischief. 



"The Master of the Bolls'* was very powerful 

 indeed." 



TO EARL GEEY. 



"Jan. 27, 1811. 



" DEAE LOED GEEY, I am quite ashamed of my 

 delay in returning an answer to your very friendly 

 communication. In truth, I was apprehensive that I 

 should have found myself compelled to say no ; and 

 the temptations which you had held out to me were 

 so strong that I could not make up my mind all at 

 once to resist them. Some circumstances which after- 

 wards occurred, and which you are apprised of, de- 

 layed this answer still further ; and I knew that while 

 Ward continued undetermined, my delay could make 

 no difference. He has now given you his answer; 

 and if you continue to think that I can be of any use 

 in the event to which you alluded, I am at your 

 orders. I will thank you, however, not to mention 

 this, unless where it may be necessary, as the thing 

 being known might injure me professionally, in case 

 circumstances should render any further arrangements 

 unnecessary, which seems at present not very unlikely. 



* Sir William Grant. 



