He would
have excused himself from this excursion which was no part of the
oeconomical plan he had proposed; but she insisted upon making
this sacrifice to his taste and prejudices, and away they went
with such an equipage as astonished the whole country. All that
remained of the season was engrossed by receiving and returning
visits in the neighbourhood; and, in this intercourse it was
discovered that sir John Chickwell had a house-steward and one
footman in livery more than the complement of Mr Baynard's
household. This remark was made by the aunt at table, and
assented to by the husband, who observed that sir John Chickwell
might very well afford to keep more servants than were found in
the family of a man who had not half his fortune. Mrs Baynard ate
no supper that evening; but was seized with a violent fit, which
completed her triumph over the spirit of her consort. The two
supernumerary servants were added -- The family plate was sold for
old silver, and a new service procured; fashionable furniture was
provided, and the whole house turned topsy turvy.
At their return to London in the beginning of winter, he, with a
heavy heart, communicated these particulars to me in confidence.
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