272 MEMOIR OF A GENTLEMAN. 



contents in private. My kind relation had received my 

 detail of misery, and, in reply, she implored me to abandon 

 the scene of my degradation, and share her fortune, which 

 was more, she said, than sufficient for us both. My heart 

 beat with conflicting emotions all unworthy as she was, I 

 could not bring myself to abandon Drusilla thus. I actually 

 hesitated, when curiosity prompted me to peruse a letter 

 which was addressed to her, and marked immediate. Its 

 contents were these : 



" < Dear Madam, 



" e I have by this post received the two writs, as 

 expected. I settled the Ex. against Mr. M. A. B., and he 

 may come to town any time till further notice. With respect 

 to those against Mr. Dawkins, it is ?s well to let things take 

 their course. He is a gentleman of retired habits, and a little 

 confinement, particularly as he don't hunt, will be quite imma- 

 terial. I received the bullocks, but, as cattle are down, there 

 is still a balance due. 



" 'A Dublin wine-merchant has just handed me an Ex. 

 for 6 13, and insists upon accompanying me to Castle Toole. 

 I have therefore named Wednesday, on which day you will 

 please to have the doors closed. As the plaintiff may again be 

 officious, I would recommend his being ducked, when return- 

 ing, and a city bailiff, whom you will know by his having a 

 scorbutic face and yellow waistcoat, should for many reasons 

 be corrected. Pray, however, take care the boys do not go too 

 far, as manslaughter, under the late act, is now a transport- 

 able felony. 



" ' The sooner Mr. D. renders to prison the better. Tell 

 your Uncle Ulic I have returned non est to his three last ; 

 but he must not show. You can drop me a line by bearer 

 when you wish Mr. D. to be arrested ; and after we return 

 nulla bona on Wednesday, I will come out and arrange matters 

 generally. 



" ' Believe me, dear Madam, truly yours, 



" ' JOHN GRADY, Sub-sheriff, Galway. 



" ' Mrs. Dawkins, Castle Toole.' 



" f P.S. What a blessing it is for poor Mr. Dawkins that 

 he has such a woman of business to manage his affairs ! He 

 is a well -meaning man, but he'll never do for Galway. 



< J. G. 5 



