return of post, to let me know how her rheumatism does; her husband, you know, may have it in his power to serve you.
Sea. (nodding.) That is very right, my dear.
Lady S. And here is a letter I have just written to Lady Mary Markly: she is a spiteful toad, and I never could endure her; but she is going to be married for the third time to a near relation of the minister's, and it will be proper in me, you know, to be very much interested in her approaching happiness.
Sea. Yes, perfectly right, my dear Lady Sarah; I won't interrupt you.(sits down.)
Lady S. Indeed, my dear Seabright, I have been in the habit of studying these things, and I know how to make my account in it. If people would but attend to it, every acquaintance that they make, every letter that they write, every dinner that they give, might be made to turn, to some advantage.
Sea. (hastily, with marks of disgust.) No, no! that is carrying it too far!
Lady S. Not at all, Mr. Seabright! I sent a basket of the best fruit in your garden this morning even to old Mrs. Pewterer, the Mayor of Crockdale's mother-in-law, and I dare say it won't be thrown away.
Sea. (smiling.) Well, that, however, was very well thought of. But I interrupt you. (she continues to write, and he sits musing for some time, then speaking to himself.) A baronet of Great Britain and
