 Section 79 of the Expedition of Humphreak Linker. This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org. The Expedition of Humphreak Linker by Tobias Smollett. Section 79. To Mrs. German at your house and cluster. Dear Madam. Though I was not so fortunate as to be favoured with an answer to the letter with which I troubled you in the spring, I still flatter myself that you retain some regard for me and my concerns. I am sure the care and tenderness with which I was treated under your roof and tuition demand the warmest returns of gratitude and affection on my part and these sentiments I hope I shall cherish to my dying day. At present, I think it is my duty to make you acquainted with the happy issue of that indiscretion by which I incurred your displeasure. Ah, Madam, the slighted Wilson is metamorphosed into George Jenison, only son and heir of a gentleman whose character is second to none in England, as you may understand upon inquiry. My guardian, my brother and I, are now in his house and an immediate union of the two families is to take place in the presence of the young gentleman and your poor Lydia Milford. You will easily conceive how embarrassing the situation must be to a young inexperienced creature like me of weak nerves and strong apprehensions and how much the presence of a friend and confidant would encourage and support me on this occasion. You know that of all the young ladies, Miss Willis was she that possessed the greatest share of my confidence and affection and therefore I fervently wish to have the happiness of her company at this interesting crisis. Mrs. Jenison, who is the object of universal love and esteem, has, at my request, written to you on the subject and I now beg leave to reinforce her solicitations. My dear Mrs. German, my ever-honoured governess, let me conjure you by that fondness which once distinguished your favourite Lydia by that benevolence of heart which disposes you to promote the happiness of your fellow creatures in general, lend a favourable ear to my petition and use your influence with Letty's Mama that my most earnest desire may be gratified. Should I be indulged in this particular, I will engage to return her safe and even to accompany her to Gloucester where, if you will give me leave, I will present to you under another name. Dear Madam, your most affectionate, humble servant and penitent, Lydia Milford. October 14th End of Section 79 Section 80 of the Expedition of Humphrey-Clinker This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org. The Expedition of Humphrey-Clinker by Tobias Smollett Section 80 To Mrs. Mary Jones at Brambleton Hall Oh, Mary Jones, Mary Jones! I have met with so many accidents, surprises and terrifications that I am in a paffic van Tygo and I believe I shall never be my own self again. Last week I was dragged out of a river like a drowned rat and lost a brand new nightcap with a sulfur stay hook that cost me a good half a crown and an odd shoe of Green Gala Monkey. Besides wetting my clothes and tearing my smock and an ugly gash made in the back part of my thigh by the stump of a tree. To be sure Mr. Clinker tucked me out of the cocks but he left me on my back in the water to go to the squire and I might have had a watery grave if a miller had not brought me to the dry land. But oh, what choppings and changes, girl! The player man that came after Miss Liddy and frightened me with a beard at Bristol Well is now Matthew Murphy'd into a fine young gentleman, son and heir of Squire Dollison. We are all together in the same house and all parties have agreed to the match and in a fortnight the cerimony will be performed. But this is not the only wedding we are to have. Mistress is resolved to have the same frolic in the name of God. Last Sunday in the parish crutch, if my own arse may be trusted, the clerk called the bains of marriage betwixt Openia Lesham Mejago and Tabitha Bramble Spinster. Himata's well have called her ankle weaver for she never spun in hank of yarn in her life. Young Squire Dollison and Miss Liddy make the second kipple and there might have been a turd but times are changed with Mr. Clinker. Oh, Molly, what dost think? Mr. Clinker is found to be a pie-blow of our own Squire and his right name is Mr. Matthew Lloyd, though of God he knows how that can be. And he is now out of livery and wears ruffles. But I knew him when he was out at elbows and had not a rag to give her his pistol or rose. So he need not hold his head so high. He is for certain very humble and complacent and pretests as how he has the same regard as before. But that he is no longer his own master and cannot pretend to marry without the Squire's consent. He says he must wait with patience and trust to providence and such nonsense. But if so be as how his regard is the same, why stand shilly-chally? Why not strike while the iron is hot and speak to the Squire without loss of time? What subjection can the Squire make to our coming together? Though if my father wanted to gentlemen, my mother was an honest woman. I didn't come on the wrong side of the blanket, girl. My parents were married according to the right of Holy Mother Crutch in the face of men and angels. Mark that, Mary-Jones. Mr. Clinker, Lloyd I would say, had best looked to his tackle. There be other chaps in the market as the saying is. What would he say if I should accept the suit and service of the young Squire's valley? Mr. Machappie is a gentleman born and has been abroad in the wars. He has a world of buck-learning and speaks French and ditch and scotch and all manner about landish lingos. To be sure he's a little the worse for the wear and is much given to drink. But then he's good-tempered in his liquor and a prudent woman might wind him about her finger. But I have no thoughts of him I'll assure you. I scorn for to do or to say or to think anything that might give unbreach to Mr. Lloyd without further occasion. But then I have such vapours, Molly, I sit and cry by myself and take ass of Etida and smell to burned fathers and kindle snuffs. And I pray constantly for grease that I may have a glimpse of the new light to show me the way through this wretched veil of tears. And yet I want for nothing in this family of love where every soul is so kind and so courteous that one would think they are so many saints in Haven. Dear Molly, I recommend myself to your prayers, being with my service to Saul, your ever-loving and discounted friend, Wyn Jenkins, October 14. End of Section 80, recording by Tricia G. Section 81 of the Expedition of Humphrey Clinker. This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org. Recording by Deborah Lynn, the Expedition of Humphrey Clinker by Tobias Smollett, Section 81, to Dr. Lewis. Dear Dick, you cannot imagine what pleasure I have in seeing your handwriting after such a long cessation on your side of our correspondence. Yet, Heaven knows, I have often seen your handwriting with disgust. I mean, when it appeared in abbreviations of Apothecaries Latin. I liked your hint of making interest for the reversion of the collector's place for Mr. Lis Mahago, who is much pleased with the scheme and presents you with his compliments and best thanks for thinking so kindly of his concerns. The man seems to mend upon further acquaintance that harsh reserve which formed a disagreeable husk about his character begins to peel off in the course of our communication. I have great hopes that he and Tabby will be as happily paired as any two draft animals in the kingdom, and I make no doubt that he will prove a valuable acquisition to our little society in the article of conversation by the fireside in winter. Your objection to my passing this season of the year at such a distance from home would have more weight if I did not find myself perfectly at my ease where I am and my health so much improved that I am disposed to bid defiance to gout and rheumatism. I begin to think I have put myself on the superannuated list too soon and absurdly sought for health in the retreats of laziness. I am persuaded that all valetudinarians are too sedentary, too regular, and too cautious. We should sometimes increase the motion of the machine to unclog the wheels of life, and now and then take a plunge amidst the waves of excess in order to case-harden the Constitution. I have even found a change of company as necessary as a change of air to promote a vigorous circulation of the spirits, which is the very essence and criterion of good health. Since my last, I have been performing the duties of friendship that required a great deal of exercise from which I hope to derive some benefit. Understanding by the greatest accident in the world that Mr. Boehner's wife was dangerously ill of a pleuridic fever, I borrowed Denison's post-chase and went across the country to his habitation, attended only by Lloyd, quantum clinker, on horseback. As the distance is not above 30 miles, I arrived about four in the afternoon, and meeting the physician at the door was informed that his patient had just expired. I was instantly seized with a violent emotion, but it was not grief. The family, being in confusion, I ran upstairs into the chamber where, indeed, they were all assembled. The aunt stood ringing her hands in a kind of stupefaction of sorrow, but my friend acted all the extravagancies of affliction. He held the body in his arms and poured forth such a lamentation that one would have thought he had lost the most amiable consort and valuable companion upon earth. Affection may certainly exist independent of esteem. Nay, the same object may be lovely in one respect and detestable in another. The mind has a surprising faculty of accommodating and even attaching itself in such a manner by dint of use that are, in their own nature, disagreeable and even pernicious that it cannot bear to be delivered from them without reluctance and regret. Baynard was so absorbed in his delirium that he did not perceive me when I entered and desired one of the women to conduct the aunt into her own chamber. At the same time, I begged the tutor to withdraw the boy who stood gaping in a corner very little affected with the distress of the scene. These steps being taken, I waited till the first violence of my friend's transport was abated. Then disengaged him gently from the melancholy object and led him by the hand into another apartment. Though he struggled so hard that it was obliged to have recourse to the assistance of his valet de chambre. In a few minutes, however, he recollected himself and folding me in his arms. This, cried he, as a friendly office indeed, I know not how you come hither, but I think heaven sent you to prevent you from being affected. Oh, Matthew, I have lost my dear Harriet, my poor gentle tender creature that loved me with such warmth and purity of affection. My constant companion of twenty years, she's gone, she's gone forever. Heaven and earth, where is she? Death shall not part us. So, saying, he started up and could hardly be withheld from returning to the scene we had quitted. You will perceive it would have been very absurd for me to argue that in such occasions the first torrent of passion must be allowed to subside gradually. I endeavored to beguile his attention by starting little hints and insinuating other objects of discourse imperceptibly and being exceedingly pleased in my own mind at this event. I exerted myself with such an extraordinary flow of spirits as was attended with success. In a few hours he was calm enough to hear reason and ruin that he might not, however, relapsed into weaknesses for want of company. I passed the night in his chamber in a little tent-bed brought thither on purpose. And while it was, I took this precaution, for he started up in bed several times and would have played the fool if I had not been present. Next day he was in a condition to talk of business, invested me with full authority over his household, although not before he knew and approved of the scheme I had projected for his advantage. He would have quitted the house immediately, but this retreat I opposed. Far from encouraging a temporary disgust which might degenerate into an habitual aversion, I resolved, if possible, to attach him more than ever to his household gods. I gave directions for the funeral to be as private as was consistent with decency. I had no furniture and effects in his townhouse and gave notice to the landlord that Mr. Boehner should quit the premises at Lady Day. I set a person at work to take account of everything in the country house, including horses, carriages, and harness. I settled the young gentleman at a boarding school, kept by a clergyman in the neighborhood and thither he went without reluctance as soon as he knew that Mr. Boehner had ever appeared at table, though Mr. Boehner paid his respects to her every day in her own chamber. There also she held conferences with the waiting women and other servants of the family. But the moment her niece was interred she went away in a post-chase prepared for that purpose. She did not leave the house, however, without giving Mr. Boehner to understand that the wardrobe of her niece was the perquisite of her woman. She then took the money from her mistress to the value of five hundred pounds at a moderate computation. The next step I took was to disband that legion of supernumeric domestics who had prayed so long upon the vitals of my friend. A parcel of idle drones so intolerably insolent that they even treated their own master with the most contemptuous neglect. They had been generally hired by his wife according to the recommendation I had therefore uncommon satisfaction in clearing the house of these vermin. The woman of the deceased and the chambermaid of Alé de Chambre, a butler, a French cook, a master gardener, two footmen and a coachman I paid off and turned out of the house immediately paying to each amongst wages in lieu of warning. Those whom I retained consisted of the female cook who had been assistant to the Frenchman a housemaid, an old lackey, an undergardner. Thus I removed at once a huge mountain of expense and care from the shoulders of my friend who could hardly believe the evidence of his own senses when he found himself so suddenly and so effectually relieved. His heart, however, was still subject to vibrations of tenderness which returned at certain intervals extorting sighs and tears and exclamations of grief and impatience. But these fits grew every day less violent and less frequent and was not obtained a complete victory over the infirmities of his nature. Upon an accurate inquiry into the state of his affairs I find his debts amount to twenty thousand pounds for eighteen thousand pounds of which some his estate is mortgaged and as he pays five percent interest and some of his farms are unoccupied he does not receive above two hundred pounds a year clear from his lands over and above the interest of his wife's fortune which produced eight hundred pounds annually. After lightening this heavy burden I devised the following expedient his wife's jewels together with his superfluous plate and furniture in both houses his horses and carriages which are already advertised to be sold by auction will according to the estimate produce two thousand five hundred pounds in ready money with which the debt will be immediately reduced to eighteen thousand pounds. I have undertaken to find him ten thousand pounds at four percent here in the article of interest and perhaps we shall be able to borrow the other eight thousand on the same terms. According to his own scheme of a country life he says he can live comfortably for three hundred pounds a year but as he has a son to educate we will allow him five hundred. Then there will be an accumulating fund of seven hundred a year principal and interest to pay off the encumbrance and I think we may modestly add three hundred on the presumption of new leasing and approving the vacant farms so that in a couple of years I suppose there will be above a thousand a year appropriated to liquidate a debt of sixteen thousand. We forthwith began to class and set apart the articles designed for sale under the direction of an upholder from London and that nobody in the house might be idle commenced our reformation without doors as well as within. With Bainard's good leave I ordered the gardener to turn the rivulet so long languished among moldering roots withered leaves and dry pebbles. The shrubbery is condemned to extirpation and the pleasure ground will be restored to its original use of cornfield and pasture. Orders are given for rebuilding the walls of the garden at the back of the house and for planting clumps of furs intermingled with beech and chestnut at the east end which is now quite exposed to the surly blasts that come from that quarter. All these works being actually begun and the house and auction left the care and management of a reputable attorney I brought Bainard along with me in the chaise and made him acquainted with Denison whose goodness of heart would not fail to engage his esteem and affection. He is indeed charmed with our society in general and declares that he never saw the theory of true pleasure reduced to practice before. 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 to-giversation. 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 an embryo. She attached herself to Liz Mahogel 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 Bainard of 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 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 connection at the present juncture. Meanwhile, I have prevailed upon her to let him have 4,000 pounds at 4% towards paying off his mortgage. Young Denison has agreed that Liddy's fortune shall be appropriated to the same purpose on the same terms. His father will sell out 3,000 pounds stock for his accommodation. Farmer Bland has, at the desire to make an effort to make an effort to advance what further will be required to take my friend out of the hands of the Philistines. He is so pleased with the improvements made on his estate which is all cultivated like a garden that he has entered himself as a pupil in farming to Mr. Denison and resolved to attach himself wholly to the practice of husbandry. Everything is now prepared for our double wedding. The marriage articles for both couples are commuted and the ceremony only waits until the parties shall have been resident in the parish the term prescribed by law. Young Denison betrays some symptoms of impatience but this mahogo bears this necessary delay with the temper of a philosopher. You must know, the captain does not stand altogether on the foundation of personal merit. Besides his half-pay amounting to 2 and 40 pounds a year, this indefatigable economist has amassed 800 pounds of money he has secured in the funds. This sum arises partly from his pay running up while he remained among the Indians, partly from what he received as a consideration for the difference between his full appointment and the half-pay to which he is now restricted and partly from the profits of a little traffic he drove in Peltry during his sacramship among the Miami's. Lydia's peers and proplexities have been much assuaged by the company of one Miss Willis who had been her intimate companion to the boarding school. Her parents had been earnestly solicited to allow her making this friendly visit on such an extraordinary occasion and two days ago she arrived with her mother who did not choose that she should come without a proper governante. The young lady is very sprightly, handsome, and degradable and the mother a mighty good sort of a woman so that their coming adds considerably to our enjoyment but we shall have a third couple yoked in the matrimonial chain. Mr. Clinker Lloyd has made humble remonstrance through the canal of my nephew setting forth a sincere love and affection mutually subsisting between him and Mrs. Winifred Jenkins and praying my consent to their coming together for life. I would have wished that Mr. Clinker had kept out of this scrape but as the nymph's happiness is at stake and she has already some fits in the way of despondence I, in order to prevent any tragical catastrophe, have given him leave in imitation of his betters and I suppose we shall in time have a whole litter of his progeny at Brambleton Hall. The fellow is stout and lusty, very sober and conscientious and the wench seems to be as great an enthusiast in love as in religion. I wish you would think of employing him some other way that the parish may not be overstocked. You know he has been bred a farrier consequently belongs to the faculty and as he is very docile in construction he may be in a little time qualified to act as a Welch apothecary. Tabby, who never did a favor with a good grace, has consented with great reluctance to this match. Perhaps it hurts her pride as she now considers Clinker in the light of a relation but I believe her objections are of a more selfish nature. She declares she cannot think of retaining the wife of Matthew Lloyd in the character of a servant and will expect some gratification for her past services. As for Clinker, exclusive of other considerations, he is so trusty, brave, affectionate and alert and I owe him such personal obligations that he merits more than all the indulgence that can possibly be shown him by yours, Matt Bramble, October 26. End of Section 81. Section 82 of the Expedition of Humphrey Clinker. This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org. Recording by Martin Giesen. The Expedition of Humphrey Clinker by Tobias Smollett. Section 82. To Sir Watkin Phillips Baronet at Oxford. Dear Knight, the fatal knots are now tied. The comedy is near a close and the curtain is ready to drop. But the latter scenes of this act I shall recapitulate in order. About a fortnight ago my uncle made an excursion across the country and brought here there a particular friend, one Mr. Baynard, who has just lost his wife and was for some time disconsolate, though by all accounts he had much more cause for joy than for sorrow at this event. His countenance however clears up a pace and he appears to be a person of rare accomplishments. But we have received another still more agreeable reinforcement to our company by the arrival of Miss Willis from Gloucester. She was Liddy's bosom friend at the boarding school and being earnestly solicited to assist at the nuptials her mother was so obliging as to grant my sister's request and even to come with her in person. Liddy, accompanied by George Denison and me, gave them the meeting half way and next day conducted them hither in safety. Miss Willis is a charming girl and in point of disposition an agreeable contrast to my sister who is rather too grave and sentimental for my turn of mind. The other is gay, Frank, a little giddy and always good-humoured. She has moreover a gentile fortune is well-born and remarkably handsome. Ah, Phillips, if these qualities were permanent, if her humour would never change nor her beauties decay what efforts would I not make? But these are idle reflections my destiny must one day be fulfilled. At present we pass the time as agreeably as we can. We have got up several farces which afforded unspeakable entertainment by the effects they produce among the country people who were admitted to all our exhibitions. Two nights ago Jack Wilson acquired great applause in Harlequin's skeleton and this mahego surprised us all in the character of Pierrot. His long-lanke sides and strong marked features were all peculiarly adapted to his part. He appeared with a ludicrous stare from which he had discharged all meaning. He adopted the impressions of fear and amazement so naturally that many of the audience were infected by his looks. But when the skeleton held him in chase his horror became most divertingly picturesque with such preternatural agility as confounded all the spectators. It was a lively representation of death in pursuit of consumption and had such an effect upon the commonality that some of them shrieked aloud and others ran out of the hall in the utmost consternation. This is not the only instance in which the lieutenant greatly excited our wonder. His temper which had been soured and shriveled by disappointment and chagrin is now swelled out and smoothed like a raisin in plum porridge. From being reserved and punctilious he has become easy and obliging. He cracks jokes, laughs and banters with the most severity and in a word enters into all our schemes of merriment and pastime. The other day his baggage arrived in the wagon from London contained in two large trunks and a long deal box not unlike a coffin. The trunks were filled with his wardrobe which he displayed for the entertainment of the company and he freely owned roughly of the opima spolia taken in battle. What he selected for his wedding suit was a tarnished white cloth faced with blue velvet embroidered with silver but he valued himself most upon a tie periwig in which he had made his first appearance as a lawyer above thirty years ago. This machine has been in buckle ever since and the servants in the family were employed to frizz it out for the occasion which was yesterday celebrated at the parish church. George Denison and his bride were distinguished by nothing extraordinary in their apparel. His eyes lightened with eagerness and joy and she trembled with coyness and confusion. My uncle gave her away and her friend Willis put it her during the ceremony. But my aunt and her paramour took the pa and formed indeed such a pair of originals as I believe all England could not parallel. She was dressed in the style of 1739 and the day being cold put on a mantle of green velvet laced with gold but this was taken off by the bridegroom threw over her shoulders a fur cloak of American sables valued at four score guineas a present equally agreeable and unexpected. Thus secluded she was led up to the altar by Mr. Denison who did the office of her father. Liz Mahago advanced in the military step with his French coat reaching no farther than the middle of his day, his campaign wig that surpasses all description and a languishing layer upon his countenance in which there seemed to be something arch and ironical. The ring which she put upon her finger he had concealed till the moment it was used. He now produced it with an air of self complacency. It was a curious antique set with rose diamonds. He told us afterwards it had been in the family two hundred years and was a present from his grandmother. These circumstances agreeably flattered the pride of our aunt Tabitha which had already found uncommon gratification in the captain's generosity for he had in the morning presented my uncle with a fine bear's skin and a Spanish fouling-piece and me with a piece of pistols curiously mounted with silver. At the same time he gave Mistress Jenkins an Indian purse made of silk grass containing twenty crown pieces. You must know this young lady with the assistance of Mr. Lloyd formed the third couple who yesterday sacrificed to Hyman. I wrote to you in my last mediation which I employed successfully with my uncle. But Mistress Tabitha held out till the love-sick Jenkins had two fits of the mother then she relented and those two cooing turtles were caged for life. Our aunt made an effort of generosity in furnishing the bride with her superfluities of clothes and linen which, for example, was followed by my sister. Nor did Mr. Bramble and I neglect her on this occasion. It was indeed a day of peace-offering. Mr. Denison insisted upon Liddy's accepting two bank-notes of one hundred pounds each as pocket-money and his lady gave her a diamond necklace of double that value. There was besides a mutual exchange of tokens among the individuals of the two families thus happily united. As George Denison and his partner were judged improper objects of mirth, Jack Wilson had resolved to execute some jokes upon Lizma Hago and after supper began to ply him with bumpers when the ladies had retired. But the captain, perceiving he had engaged, begged for quarter, alleging that the adventure in which he had engaged was a very serious matter and that it would be more the part of a good Christian to pray that he might be strengthened and to impede his endeavours to finish the adventure. He was spared accordingly and permitted to ascend the nuptial couch with all his senses about him. There he and his consort sat in state like Saturn and Sibley while the benediction posset was drank and a cake being broken over the head of Mrs. Tabitha Lizma Hago, the fragments were distributed among the bystanders according to the custom of the ancient Britons. On the supposition that every person who ate of this hallowed cake should that night have a vision of a man or woman whom heaven designed should be his or her wedded mate. The weight of Wilson's waggery fell upon honest Humphrey and his spouse who were bedded in an upper room with the usual ceremony of throwing the stocking. This being performed and the company withdrawn a sort of catawalling ensued when Jack found means to introduce a real cat shot with walnut shells which galloping across the boards made such a dreadful noise as effectually discomposed our lovers. Winifred screamed aloud and shrunk under the bedclothes. Mr. Lloyd, believing that Satan was come to buffet him in propria persona, laid aside all carnal thoughts and began to pray aloud with great fervency. At length the poor animal being more afraid than either leapt into the bed and meowled with the most piteous exclamation. Lloyd, thus informed of the nature of the annoyance, rose and set the door wide open so that this troublesome visitant retreated with great expedition, then securing himself by means of a double bolt from a second intrusion he was left to enjoy his good fortune without further disturbance. If one may judge from the looks of the parties they are all very well satisfied with what has passed. George Denison and his wife are too delicate to exhibit any strong marked signs of their mutual satisfaction but their eyes are sufficiently expressive. Mrs. Tabitha Lismehago is rather fulsome in signifying her approbation of the captain's love, while his deportment is the very pink of gallantry. He sighs and ogles and languishes at this amiable object. He kisses her hand, mutters ejaculations of rapture and sings tender airs, and no doubt laughs internally at her folly in believing him sincere. In order to show how little his vigor was impaired by the fatigues of the preceding day, he this morning danced a highland sarabande over a naked back-sword, and leapt so high that I believe he would make no contemptible figure as a vaulter at Sadler's Wells. Mr. Matthew Lloyd, when asked how he relished his bargain, threw up his eyes, crying, for what we have received Lord, make us thankful. Amen. His helpmate giggles and holds her hand before her eyes, effecting to be ashamed of having a man. Thus all these wiggins enjoy the novelty of their situation, but perhaps their notes will be changed when they are better acquainted with the nature of the decoy. As Mrs. Willis cannot be persuaded to stay, and Liddy is engaged by promise to accompany her daughter back to Gloucester, I fancy there will be a general meeting, but most of us will spend the Christmas holidays at Bath. In which case, I shall certainly find an opportunity to beat up your quarters. By this time I suppose you are sick of alma mater, and even ready to execute that scheme of perigranation which was last year concerted between you and your affectionate J. Melford. November 8. End of Section 82 Section 83 of the Expedition of Humphrey Clinker. This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information, or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org. Recording by Debra Lynn. The Expedition of Humphrey Clinker by Tobias Smollett Section 83 to Dr. Lewis. Dear doctor, my niece Liddy is now happily settled for life, and Captain Liz Mahago has taken Tabby off my hands so that I have nothing further to do but to comfort my friend Bainard and provide for my son Lloyd who is also fairly joined to Mrs. Melford Jenkins. You are an excellent genius at hints. Dr. Arbuth not was, but a type of Dr. Lewis in that respect. What you observe of the vestry clerk deserves consideration. No doubt, but Matthew Lloyd is well enough qualified for the office. But at present, you must find room for him in the house. His incorruptible honesty and indefatigable care will be serviceable in superintending the economy of my farm, though I don't mean that he shall interfere with barns of whom I have no cause to complain. I am just returned with Bainard from a second trip to his house where everything is regulated to his satisfaction. I will not leave him alone until the spring when he intends to plunge into the avocations of husbandry which will at once employ and amuse his attention. Charles Dennison has promised to stay with him a fortnight to set him fairly afloat in his improvements and Jack Wilson will see him from time to time. Besides, he has a few friends in the country whom his new plan of life is to provide for his son and his family. In less than a year, I make no doubt that he will find himself perfectly at ease both in his mind and body for the one had dangerously affected the other and I shall enjoy the exquisite pleasure of seeing my friend rescued from misery and contempt. Mrs. Willis being determined to return with her daughter in a few days to Gloucester, our plan has undergone some alteration. Jerry has persuaded his brother-in-law to carry his wife to Bath to the company him thither. For my part, I have no intention to take that route. It must be something very extraordinary that will induce me to revisit either Bath or London. My sister and her husband, Bainard and I will take leave of them at Gloucester and make the best of our way to Brambleton Hall where I desire you will prepare a good china and turkey for our Christmas dinner. You must also employ your medical skill of our company who promised to visit us in their return from the Bath. As I have laid in a considerable stock of health, it is to be hoped you will not have much trouble with me in the way of physics, but I intend to work you on the side of exercise. I have got an excellent following piece for Mr. Lismehago, who is a keen sportsman and we shall take the heath in all weathers. That this scheme of life may be prosecuted the more effectually, I intend to renounce all sedentary amusements, particularly that of writing long letters. A resolution which, had I taken it sooner, might have saved you the trouble which you have lately taken in reading the tedious epistles of Matt Bramble, November 20. End of Section 83. Section 84 of the Expedition of Humphrey Clinker This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer please visit LibriVox.org. Recording by Ruth Golding The Expedition of Humphrey Clinker by Tobias Smollett Section 84 To Mrs. Gwillim at Brambleton Hall Good Mrs. Gwillim Heaven for wise purposes hath ordained that I should change my name and citation in life so that I am not to be considered any more as manager of my brother's family. But as I cannot surrender up my stewardship till I have settled with you and Williams, I desire you will get your accounts ready for inspection as we are coming home without further delay. My spouse, the captain, being subject to rheumatics, I beg you will take great care to have the blue chamber up to a pair of stairs well warmed for his reception. Let the sashes be secured, the crevices stopped, the carpets laid and the beds well tousled. Mrs. Lloyd's late Jenkins, being married to a relation of the family, cannot remain in the capacity of a servant. Therefore I wish you would cast about for some creditable body to be with me in her room if she can spin and is mistress of plain work so much the better. But she must not expect extravagant wages having a family of my own I must be more ocumenical than ever. No more at present, but rests your loving friend Tab Lismego November 20 End of Section 84 Section 85 of the Expedition of Humphrey Clinker. This is a Librebox recording. All Librebox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer please visit Librebox.org The Expedition of Humphrey Clinker by Tobias Smollett Section 85 To Mrs. Mary Jones at Brambleton Hall. Mrs. Jones Providence hath been pleased to make great alteration in the pastor of our affairs. We were yesterday three kipple chained by the grace of God in the holy bands of matter money and I now subscribe myself Lloyd at your service. All the parish allowed that young Squire Dallison and his bride was a comely pair for to see. Last in Ahago, you know her picillarities. Her head to be sure was fantastical and her spouse had wrapped her with a long, mericant furs cloak from the land of the salvages though they say it is of immense ballet. The captain himself had a huge hassac of air with three tails and a tum-tadry coat bottled with sulfur. One said he was a monkey bank and the old bottler swore he was born image of Tittadal. For my part I says nothing being as how the captain has done the handsome thing by me. Mr. Lloyd was dressed in a light frog and check it with gold binding and though if he didn't enter in comparison with great folks of quality yet he has got as good blood in his veins as aero private Squire in the county and then his cursing is far from contentable. Your humble servant had on a plain pea green tabby sack with my runella cap, rough-to-pay and side curls. They said I was the very moral of Lady Rickmanstone but not so pale. That may well be for her ladyship is my elder by seven good years and more. Now Mrs. Mary our satiety is to separate. Mr. Milfart goes to bath along with the dallasons and the rest of us push home to Wales to pass our Krishmarsh hall. As our apartments is to be the yellow pepper in the third story pray carry my things thither present my compliments to Mrs. Willem and I hope she and I will live upon descend terms of civility. Being by God's blessing removed to a higher spear you'll excuse my being familiar with the lower servants of the family but as I trust you'll behave respectful and keep a proper distance you depend upon the good will and protection of yours W. Lloyd November 20 end of section 85 end of the expedition of Humphrey clinker by Tobias Smollett