You write, lovely Henrietta, to Lady Catesby: your hand, your arms, were known, but to whom were they to give your letter? Is there such a person in the world as Lady Catesby? If there is, it is not however at Hertford you must seek her. If, instead of that friend so deservedly dear to you, your heart will admit a new object of its esteem, Lady Ossory is ready to answer your tender congratulations: she has opened your letter with a freedom which will perhaps surprise you; but what rights has not this charming woman, this Juliet? – She is mine, for ever mine: no longer Lady Catesby, she is my wife, my friend, my mistress; the good genius who has restored to me all those blessings, of which I have been so long deprived. Permit me, Madam, to thank you for the generous warmth, with which you have always interceded with your lovely friend for my pardon: she has condescended to grant it, and has shown in this act of goodness, all the nobleness of sentiment of which you know her capable. Yesterday was the day for ever happy –

Lady Ossory.

This impertinent creature! He will leave me nothing to say to you. O, my dear Henrietta! They were all united against me: I was only invited hither to be drawn into a snare: my cousin managed the conspiracy; they did not give me time to breathe. A repenting lover at my feet, relations so dear to me, soliciting for him, a tender heart, the minister present – Upon my word they married me so hastily, I do not believe the marriage is valid. Lady Osmond is so urgent – so very absolute –

Lady Osmond.

I come just in time to vindicate myself, a snare, a conspiracy, a marriage which is not valid? What would you think of me, my dear Henrietta, if you were less acquainted with my sentiments in regard to our fair friend? Yes, my dear, I have married her to the most amiable nobleman in England. The marriage is valid I assure you: none of the parties concerned have the least desire to break it.