Page:Lady Anne Granard 3.pdf/26

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LADY ANNE GRANARD.

relieved the sisters, as they informed them that Lady Anne had arrived in Welbeck Street, and bore her removal very well; that the Earl of Rotheles, who had been in great danger, was better, and, it was hoped, would speedily be able to receive mamma, when her native air would soon restore her entirely. Lady Anne herself wrote to her eldest, desiring that on her return she would not fail to purchase for her a gown of Genoa velvet, of the richest description. "You can get the money," said Lady Anne, "from Isabella; young wives are privileged, and can always get money out of gentlemen who, although not old, are much their own seniors. Having got the velvet, which must be at least fourteen yards, you must carefully swathe yourself in it, and, being a kind of walking skeleton, I don't suppose the custom-house officers will suspect you. I know the thing has been done, and it therefore can be done again; remember I will have no excuses as to heat, inconvenience, &c. To be sure, if you were to be lost at sea, it might facilitate your drowning; but I don't think much of that, for the sooner you were out of pain the better. I hope, however, that will not be the case, for a real Genoa velvet dress would be a serious loss, especially after you have bought the Mechlin lace to trim it with, which you must manage to get in France. Say nothing about it either to Glentworth, because men who have been in business hate