St. James's Square, January 27, 1713.
I have not heard from my Dearest life sence I write last. The only thing that is now talked of hear is of the French am- bassador's house which was yesterday in the afternoon burnt down to the ground, and a house of each side of it. It was ocation'd from the confectioner's room which was at the top of the house, and the suger's boyling over set fire of the bords and so of a great wooden beam. The whole street had been burnt if the Duke of Ormond had not by his great care
prevented it I had allmost forgot to tell you that now
I'll be vain in my turn, for a Sunday I was at court to inquire how the Queen did, and the French ambasadore and severall other forainers say'd I was the handsomest woman there. You have so often told me of your beauty that I was resolved to return it as soon as I had any opertunity. The Whigg book I sent you by the last messenger was write by the Bishop of Salsbcry's son
[Lord Berkeley of Stratton.]
Ja7iuary 27, 17 13. From my not writing to your Ex>' last post you may con- clude your letters were not come to me, else I could not have let the post goe away without my thanks for two of the kindest letters I ever received from you, for I was pleas'd with every part, the news of the approaching peace, the desire you shew of letting me share in your satisfactions, and even the account of your ball, which tho' call'd little, did not I fancy prove soe in the expence. I hear the instalment that should have been to day is put off, I doe not know to what time, upon the D. of Kent's being taken ill. I have not seen Lord Paulet of late, but he was soe very positive in taking it upon him to send you word when it was fix't that I could not doubt his sincerity, nor can I think such a monstrous thought could come into any body's head, as to think of putting you off longer then the rest, therefore I would fain have you easie in this matter. I think myself oblig'd to tell you the ill as well as the good of every thing where you are
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