I really believe it would not be an easy task to
find such a number of individuals assembled under one roof, more
happy than we are at present.
I must tell you, however, in confidence, I suspect Tabby of
tergiversation. -- I have been so long accustomed to that original,
that I know all the caprices of her heart, and can often perceive
her designs while they are yet in embrio -- She attached herself to
Lismahago for no other reason but that she despaired of making a
more agreeable conquest. At present, if I am not much mistaken in
my observation, she would gladly convert the widowhood of Baynard
to her own advantage. -- Since he arrived, she has behaved very
coldly to the captain, and strove to fasten on the other's heart,
with the hooks of overstrained civility. These must be the
instinctive efforts of her constitution, rather than the effects
of any deliberate design; for matters are carried to such a
length with the lieutenant, that she could not retract with any
regard to conscience or reputation. Besides, she will meet with
nothing but indifference or aversion on the side of Baynard, who
has too much sense to think of such a partner at any time, and
too much delicacy to admit a thought of any such connexion at the
present juncture -- Meanwhile, I have prevailed upon her to let him
have four thousand pounds at four per cent towards paying off his
mortage.
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