Page:Lady Anne Granard 3.pdf/164

162 Nevertheless, he apparently, notwithstanding his allowed regality, was shy of a branch of the aristocracy so armed, at all points, as Lady Anne; for, on the day after her party, though she looked much worse, she insisted she was much better, and after a slight breakfast, summoned Georgiana to her bed-side, told her to bring her writing-desk, and prepare for despatching a whole batch of letters. Most anxiously did the poor girl expect to read a letter; but as to holding a pen, or for a moment thinking on any subject but one, the thing was impossible; but as it was equally so to dispute her mother's orders, which resembled self-command, by proving how much more we can do than we think we can, she took out a sheet of pale pink note-paper, and a new pen, adjusted her writing-desk, so as to enable her to catch the eye of the invalid, in order to make out her meaning, at the least possible expence of breath, and listened at once for the postman's rap in the street, and to her mother's low, but shrill voice, in the chamber, as she said— "I intend to address very friendly letters to several of the families in the neighbourhood of Gra- nard Park—that class of people who used to come to parties and public days, and will be surprised, and, I apprehend, delighted, to find that I remember their existence; the fact being, that I want their votes and interest for my dear—be sure you