for tho' I can't walk so fast as the Queen and the little ones,
I am and will be always there to see them set out, and linger
in the Garden near home to see them come in and set down
to play in the Drawing Room. At nine there's a coach waits
to carry me home to my Quarters in Hampton town, so I am
at home by ten, up every morning by six a clock and ride
out by 8 or 9 till 1 1 ; then new dress for the Levees, and
morning drawing Room ; if I don't make something of it at
last I shall have hard Fate.
The hounds will be here next week, and we shall begin
hunting Wednesday. To morrow I intend to give the Queen
a Memorial against Sir Robert's coming, of wch I send you
a copy, if I succeed t'will be a constant two hundred a year
besides the little dab of 150.
- * * *
Hampton Qovkt, July 26, 1731. Dear Brother,
I am very glad any thing I can write can be agreeable to you. As to what you want to know, the same uncertainty remains for the King has not yet declared he will not go, but as no orders are yet given for his going, I think it certain he will not. About three weeks ago the Prince betted Johny Lumley 20 guineas to 10 the king wou'd go ; I shou'd be glad his highness wou'd take now my two or three to one he did not go. Friday day last when I gave the Queen my memorial, she gave me an opportunity to put the Question slyly to her, but she gave me no answer but a smile ; she ask't me where you was now, I told her in Yorkshire, in great expectation of seeing the King and her Majesty there, but as to the memorial I had the answer desired, when she had read it, she said I shou'd have it, she wou'd speak to Sir Robert and gave it me again biding me give it her again when Sir R. came, if she keep't it might be mislaid. My Wife and Son I know will reckon all this nothing. I know as well as they that it is a long time to Christmass, and that many things happen between the Cup and the Lip, yet I am resolved to be such a fool to be pleased till the time comes. I took
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