CONTENTS OF VOL. III.

LETTER XXXVIII.

Mrs. B to Miss Darnford.-Sunday, Monday.-Rejoices in the news
that she shall be favoured with her company. Tells her how much
Mr. B admires her letters. Her reflections upon her Polly's
weakness. Sir Jacob takes his leave, highly delighted with her.
Mr. B- promises her another dairy-house breakfast

Tuesday.-Recapitulates briefly how the ladies and gentlemen usually

employ themselves, in order to give Miss Darnford an idea of what

passes among them

PAGE

I-4

4, 5

Wednesday, Thursday.-Intimates a debate which she has with Mr. B-

about the extraordinary prerogative of a husband, which, in a par-

ticular instance, he insists upon

5,6

Friday. Their noble guests take leave of them, with regret. The copy

of a letter delivered to her by Mr. H, excusing himself, at her

Polly's expense, for his intrigue with her, and to thank her for not

exposing him to his aunt. Mrs. B- -'s reflections upon it. Her

apprehensiveness on occasion of the circumstance she is in; and

instructive reflections on that head. Her favourable observations to

Mr. B upon Lord Davers's amiable character: he occasionally

asserts the necessity of a husband's controlling his wife in some

instances, for the sake of the reputation and tranquillity of both. 6—17

Mrs. B

LETTER XXXIX.

to Miss Darnford.-Hears that Mrs. Jewkes is in a bad state

of health. Begs she will vouchsafe to visit her, and in her name

enjoin her to spare for nothing that may contribute to her recovery

or peace of mind. Looks forward to the approaching occasion with

great apprehension

VOL. III.

17-20

LETTER XL.

PAGE

Miss Darnford to Mrs. B.-Miss Darnford, for reasons she gives,

desires to know whether Mr. B― is as respectful to her when they

are by themselves as when they have visitors? Whether, in compli-

ment to her will, he gives up at any time his own? Whether he

breaks not into her retirements unceremoniously, making no diffe-

rence between the field or his stud, and her chamber or closet? And

whether he has at any time borne with any infirmity of hers? . 20-24

This letter, and the following, viz. :—

LETTER XLI.

Mrs. B― to Miss Darnford.—Give instructive and entertaining in-

stances of the polite and tender, yet manly and generous behaviour,

of a good husband, in Mr. B's conduct to his lady; and of the

prudent and affectionate returns of a good wife, in her obliging

behaviour to him; which not only answer fully all Miss Darnford's

queries, but afford such rules as may be worthy the observation of

every married pair, especially of those who would aim at such a con-

jugal delicacy, as may keep up a mutual respect and value for each

other

24-34

Mrs. B-

LETTER XLII.

to Miss Darnford.-Giving her the particulars of her second

dairy-house visit. How much Mr. B, as well as herself, was

affected by a casual expression of the child: which produces a very

solemn conversation between them on their return

34-41

LETTER XLIII.

Mrs. B- to her Parents.-Gives an account of their arrival at their

London residence. Is impatient for the company of Miss Darnford,

which, she hopes, will reconcile her to this new world.

41-43

LETTER XLIV.

Mrs. B to Lady Davers.-A few cursory observations on her arrival

in London. Gives the character of two gentlemen of the law, Mr.

Turner and Mr. Fanshaw, who pay their compliments to Mr. B-

on his arrival in town

43-48

LETTER XLV.

-

Mrs. B to her Parents.-Requesting their advice in a dispute she has
with Mr. B- on the subject of a mother's duty to nurse her own

child, which she insists upon. Her plea on this occasion; and his

answer, in which he asserts the prerogative of parents and husbands

over their daughters and wives; and then gives reasons, peculiar to

himself, why he cannot comply with her desire in this particular.

Her difficulties on this occasion

PAGE

48-58

LETTER XLVI.

:

To Mrs. B― from her Parents.-They are concerned that Mr. B-

insists so strenuously upon a point so tender to her but advise her

to submit to his will, in order to avoid worse consequences. Give

brief hints what sort of nurse they would have her choose

58-60

LETTER XLVII.

Mrs. B to her Parents.-Communicates the particulars of a tender

quarrel between Mr. B and her, on occasion of the above dispute.

His nice distinction between tears of penitence and tears of sullen-

ness

60-66

LETTER XLVIII.

Lady Davers to Mrs. B- -.-Sends her a present of child-bed linen.

Tells her that she must not put them off with a girl, but must first

present them with half a dozen fine boys, whose names she pleasantly

gives. From her brother's tenderness to her, infers how much it is

in the power of a good wife to make a good husband. Upbraids her,

in a polite and tender manner, for not subscribing her letter with the

word sister. Hints at several regulations which she and the countess

have made in their families, in imitation of her example, since their

. 66-69

return

Mrs. B

LETTER XLIX.

to Lady Davers.-Is overwhelmed with her ladyship's good-

ness to her. Acquaints her with the arrival of Miss Darnford.

Accuses herself of awkwardness and bashfulness, and wishes to be

just what Miss Darnford is. Her rule is, to make the best of defects

she cannot conquer. Humorously describes the foppish and flutter-

ing conversation and behaviour of the two young lawyers 69-75

LETTER L.

and

Lady Davers to Mrs. B--That she must decide an odd dispute that
has happened among them, in relation to her own character;
acquaint them with some of those secret foibles that leave room for

her to be still more perfect, and which yet they cannot discover.

She briefly extols the conjugal purity and decorum, as well in word

as behaviour, which is observed between her brother and her

PAGE

75-77

LETTER LI.

Mrs. B― to Lady Davers.—Is surprised at the task her ladyship has

set her; but in obedience to her commands accuses herself of divers

imperfections

. 77-81

LETTER LII.

Miss Darnford to her Parents.-Describes the happiness of Mr. and Mrs.

B-; his polite tenderness, and her consummate prudence. Gives

an account of the nature of her London charities, and of the perform-

ance of her Sunday duties there. Observes that all is done with

graceful ease and true dignity, and without the least intermixture of

enthusiasm or ostentation.

81--88

LETTER LIII.

Mrs. B to Lady Davers.-Her opinion of the stage. Thinks the

poets, in the plays she has seen and read, give unnatural descriptions

of love. Her observations on the tragedy of The Distressed Mother.

Censures severely the epilogue that is generally called for when this

play is acted

89-106

LETTER LIV.

Mrs. B to Lady Davers.-Her observations on the comedy of The

Tender Husband, or Accomplished Fools. Thinks it ought to be

called The Accomplished Knaves

106-114

LETTER LV.

Mrs. B-

to Lady Davers.-Her opinion of the Italian Opera; with

Mr. B's remarks upon that subject

114-118

LETTER LVI.

Mrs. B to Lady Davers.-Is carried to a masquerade, which she
describes, and gives some particulars of the conversations that passed
there. Is very apprehensive on seeing Mr. B- everywhere fol-
lowed by a fine lady in a nun's habit. Utterly dislikes this kind of
entertainment. All the little doubts and jealousies, which are sup-