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274 Lord Rotheles allowed it was a very sufficient cause for returning soon, and reprobated all delays of letters, though he confessed to being a very idle correspondent; but his lady became exceedingly agitated, saying, "she must plead guilty to having kept back information of a very painful nature, ever since the arrival of Sir Edward Hales, because she could not bear to damp her dear lord's pleasure in the society of his venerable guest." "What can you possibly mean?—have you letters from Italy?" "No; but letters from an Italian gentleman, telling me Lady Anne is very ill, at Brighton; and, to-day, a short one from Mrs. Penrhyn, saying, 'her fever is somewhat abated, and they hope for a considerable change to-morrow;' so that, I trust, by this time danger is over." "In that case, you have saved me from a great deal, and I ought to thank you; but, give me the letters; I must judge for myself—perhaps I, too, may have to travel in haste." "No, Rotheles! not for the world would I hear of it—the complaint is infectious, which was an additional reason for withholding the information." Lord Rotheles retired—this neighbour and others went home—and the Countess, after an assurance to Georgiana that her letter of that morning was favourable, proceeded to say, "that her mother had been taken very ill the day after the fancy fair, and that