The Expedition of Humphry Clinker

THE EXPEDITION OF HUMPHRY CLINKER 273
his respects to their manes, travelled all night to another part of the
country—Finding the head of his family in such a disgraceful
situation, all his own friends dead or removed from the places of
their former residence, and the expence of living encreased to
double of what it had been, when he first left his native country,
he had bid it an eternal adieu, and was determined to seek for
repose among the forests of America.
I was no longer at a loss to account for the apparition, which had
been described at Drumlanrig; and when I repeated the story to
the lieutenant, he was much pleased to think his resentment had
been so much more effectual than he intended; and he owned, he
might at such an hour, and in such an equipage, very well pass for
the ghost of his father, whom he was said greatly to resemble—
Between friends, I fancy Lismahago will find a retreat without
going so far as the wigwams of the Miamis. My sister Tabby is
making continual advances to him, in the way of affection; and, if
I may trust to appearances, the captain is disposed to take oppor-
tunity by the forelock. For my part, I intend to encourage this
correspondence, and shall be glad to see them united—In that case,
we shall find a way to settle them comfortably in our own neigh-
bourhood. I, and my servants, will get rid of a very troublesome
and tyrannic gouvernante; and I shall have the benefit of Lisma-
hago’s conversation, without being obliged to take more of his
company than I desire; for though an olla is a high-flavoured dish,
I could not bear to dine upon it every day of my life.
I am much pleased with Manchester, which is one of the most
agreeable and flourishing towns in Great-Britain; and I perceive
that this is the place which hath animated the spirit, and suggested
the chief manufactures of Glasgow. We propose to visit Chats-
worth, the Peak, and Buxton, from which last place we shall pro-
ceed directly homewards, though by easy journies. If the season
has been as favourable in Wales as in the North, your harvest is
happily finished; and we have nothing left to think of but our
October, of which let Barns be properly reminded. You will find
me much better in flesh than I was at our parting; and this short
separation has given a new edge to those sentiments of friendship
with which I always have been, and ever shall be,
yours,
Manchester, Sept. 15. MATT. BRAMBLE