Page:Diary of the times of Charles II Vol. I.djvu/84

lxxii been in such a hurry with a great deal of unexpected company that I have not had a moment's leisure, and yet this business lies so much upon my heart that I cannot let this post pass without assuring you sincerely that I had rather marry my son to Sir Stephen Fox's daughter, with twelve thousand pounds, if our circumstances would admit of it, than to any other I can think of for twice the sum. So great a value have I for those two good people, he and his Lady. By the next post I shall lay before you all our reasons, and I don't doubt but I shall continue you how truly I desire this alliance, and how happy I shall think my son if it please God he may be matched among such good people.

"I rest most sincerely yours."

This letter was accompanied by the following statement of the value of the Sunderland estates in Warwickshire and Northamptonshire; and it is curious, as in the course of it she alludes to a general depreciation of landed property that had occurred.

"The estate settled, on the marriage of the Earl of Sunderland, upon his eldest son, as it is now let.