MARY. 87 



9 



I was not only curious to see how he would begin, 

 but anxious for the result. The dinner, therefore, 

 which always occupied some considerable space of 

 time, appeared more than usually long. It was at 

 length concluded, the desert was placed on the table, 

 with the port, sherry and madeira, besides a range 

 of orange, ginger, gooseberry, and other wines, 

 with their proper labels, and red morocco stands. 

 I am not going to detail the conversation, or to 

 state how matters were brought about. There was 

 some flattery used, and Newton related the little 

 story of George and Mary with much feeling. The 

 old ladies, who had still some romance left in their 

 disposition, were moved by the account, and also 

 pleased with the enthusiasm their nephew shewed 

 on the occasion. They not only loved, but were 

 proud of him, and perhaps saw in him a second Sir 

 Jasper Blount. However this might be, the decree 

 was passed ; Mary was to be restored to favour, 

 George's former indiscretions were to be forgotten, 

 and they were to be placed in a small farm, and 

 sufficient means afforded them to stock it. 



I was obliged to quit the old hall the next morn- 

 ing, and therefore did not witness the meeting of the 

 lovers. I soon afterwards however received a letter 

 from Newton, informing me of George's arrival, and 

 that his health was rapidly improving. He had 

 been graciously received by the old ladies, and the 



