I was not able to write to you yesterday. I was fatigued, I was even ill: I kept my chamber. This light indisposition gave great pleasure to Sir Harry; he would stay with me; I knew not what to say to him; I desired him to sing; he has a clear, melodious, agreeable voice. Indeed, my dear Henrietta, it recalled to my memory those soft seducing sounds – And must I always think of him? – Won't you chide me? I abuse your complaisance; I say the same things incessantly; nothing can dissipate those ideas; I surprise myself sometimes in a humor for which I make myself a thousand reproaches. 'Tis said that solitude inclines us to misanthropy; I should imagine the great world infinitely more proper to produce that effect, if the natural indulgence of a good heart did not temper the bitterness of those reflexions which the understanding cannot help making. In observing the inconsistencies, the absurdities and insignificance of so many persons amongst whom one must live; those who think themselves exempt from such follies, ought to regard themselves in the midst of these extravagants, as a healthy person environed with crowds of the sick. It would be unjust to bear them ill will for not enjoying as flourishing a state of health as ourselves.

Last night every body assembled in my apartment: they rallied my Lord Clarendon on a passion which he has a long time preserved, though the object of his attachment little deserved such constancy. This passion has rendered him very unhappy during the last five years. What think you of this subject of pleasantry? Could you suppose, any one would find amusement in recalling to another's remembrance, the most painful moments of his life? Ah! What a manner of thinking must they have who can find pleasure in tearing open the wounds of a tender heart! My Lord Clarendon attended with complaisance to this cruel raillery: he shewed both sense and good-nature by the manner in which he bore it: but he cast down his eyes, he was embarrassed – Tell me, my dear, why we blush to have been deceived? We are then ashamed to have sincerity, and to suppose it in others.