[1]performance, possibly; at least, it is written with that degree of artifice which an orator uses in arranging a
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TO MRS. STEELE.
"Eight o'clock, Fountain Tavern, Oct. 22, 1707."My Dear,—
"I beg of you not to be uneasy; for I have done a great deal of business to-day very successfully, and wait an hour or two about my "Gazette."
"Dec. 22, 1707."My Dear, Dear Wife,—
"I write to let you know I do not come home to dinner, being obliged to attend some business abroad, of which I shall give you an account (when I see you in the evening), as becomes your dutiful and obedient husband."
"Devil Tavern, Temple-bar,"Jan. 3, 1707-8."Dear Prue,—
"I have partly succeeded in my business to-day, and inclose two guineas as earnest of more. Dear Prue, I cannot come home to dinner. I languish for your welfare, and will never be a moment careless more.
"Your faithful husband," &c.
"Jan. 14, 1707-8."Dear Wife,—
"Mr. Edgecomb, Ned Ask, and Mr. Lumley have desired me to sit an hour with them at the George, in Pall-mall, for which I desire your patience till twelve o'clock, and that you will go to bed," &c,
"Gray's-inn, Feb. 3, 1708."Dear Prue,—
"If the man who has my shoemaker's bill calls, let him be answered that I shall call on him as I come home. I stay here in order to get Jonson to discount a bill for me, and shall dine with him for that end. He is expected at home every minute.
"Your most humble obedient servant," &c.
"Tennis-court Coffee-house, May 5, 1708."Dear Wife,—
"I hope I have done this day what will be pleasing to you; in the meantime shall lie this night at a baker's, one Leg, over against the Devil Tavern, at Charing-cross, I shall be able to confront the
