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account for her ladyship's conduct. — Langford appeared
so exactly the place for her in every respect, as well from
the elegant & expensive style of living there, as from her
particular attachment to M^rs. Mainwaring, that I was
very far from expecting so speedy a distinction, tho' I
always imagined from her increasing friendship for us
since her husband's death that we should at some fu:
:ture period be obliged to receive her. — M^r. Vernon
I think was a great deal too kind to her, when he was
in Staffordshire. Her behaviour to him, independent
of her general character, has been so inexcusably art:
:ful & ungenerous since our marriage was first in agi:
:tation, that no one less amiable & mild than himself
could have overlooked it all; & tho' as his Brother's
widow & in narrow circumstances it was proper to
render her pecuniary assistance, I cannot help thinking
his pressing invitation to her to visit us at Churchhill
perfectly unnecessary. — Disposed however as he al:
:ways is to think the best of everyone, her display of

9
Grief, & professions of regret, & general resolutions of
prudence were sufficient to soften his heart, & make
him really confide in her sincerity. But as for my:
:self, I am still unconvinced; & plausibly as her
Ladyship has now written, I cannot make up my mind,
till I better understand her real meaning in coming
to us. — You may guess therefore my dear Madam
with what feelings I look forward to her arrival.
She will have occasion for all those attractive Powers
for which she is celebrated, to gain any share of my
regard; & I shall certainly endeavour to guard myself
against their influence, if not accompanied by some:
:thing more substantial. — She expresses a most
eager desire of being acquainted with me, & makes
very gracious mention of my children, but I am
not quite weak enough to suppose a woman who
has behaved with inattention if not with unkindness
to her own child, should be attached to any of mine.