<p>S. VERNON <SPAN name="link2H_4_0031" id="link2H_4_0031"></SPAN></p>
<h2> XXXI </h2>
<p>LADY SUSAN TO MRS. JOHNSON</p>
<p>Upper Seymour Street.</p>
<p>My dear Friend,—That tormenting creature, Reginald, is here. My
letter, which was intended to keep him longer in the country, has hastened
him to town. Much as I wish him away, however, I cannot help being pleased
with such a proof of attachment. He is devoted to me, heart and soul. He
will carry this note himself, which is to serve as an introduction to you,
with whom he longs to be acquainted. Allow him to spend the evening with
you, that I may be in no danger of his returning here. I have told him
that I am not quite well, and must be alone; and should he call again
there might be confusion, for it is impossible to be sure of servants.
Keep him, therefore, I entreat you, in Edward Street. You will not find
him a heavy companion, and I allow you to flirt with him as much as you
like. At the same time, do not forget my real interest; say all that you
can to convince him that I shall be quite wretched if he remains here; you
know my reasons—propriety, and so forth. I would urge them more
myself, but that I am impatient to be rid of him, as Mainwaring comes
within half an hour. Adieu!</p>
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