The Expedition of Humphry Clinker

THE EXPEDITION OF HUMPHRY CLINKER 335
Almost at the same instant, a gentleman, who came to offer us
assistance, and invite us to his house, turned out to be a very old
friend of Mr. Bramble—His name is Mr. Dennison, one of the
worthiest men living; and his lady is a perfect saint upon earth.
They have an only son—who do you think is this only son?—O
Letty!—O gracious heaven! how my heart palpitates, when I tell
you that this only son of Mr. Dennison, is that very identical youth
who, under the name of Wilson, has made such ravage in my
heart!—Yes, my dear friend! Wilson and I are now lodged in the
same house, and converse together freely—His father approves
of his sentiments in my favour; his mother loves me with all
the tenderness of a parent; my uncle, my aunt, and my brother,
no longer oppose my inclinations—On the contrary, they have
agreed to make us happy without delay; and in three weeks or a
month, if no unforeseen accident intervenes, your friend Lydia
Melford, will have changed her name and condition—I say, if no
accident intervenes, because such a torrent of success makes me
tremble!—I wish there may not be something treacherous in this
sudden reconciliation of fortune—I have no merit—I have no title
to such felicity! Far from enjoying the prospect that lies before me,
my mind is harrassed with a continued tumult, made up of hopes
and wishes, doubts and apprehensions—I can neither eat nor sleep,
and my spirits are in perpetual flutter.—I more than ever feel that
vacancy in my heart, which your presence alone can fill.—The
mind, in every disquiet, seeks to repose itself on the bosom of a
friend; and this is such a trial as I really know not how to support
without your company and counsel—I must therefore, dear Letty,
put your friendship to the test—I must beg you will come and
do the last offices of maidenhood to your companion Lydia Mel-
ford.
This letter goes inclosed in one to our worthy governess, from
Mrs. Dennison, entreating her to interpose with your mamma,
that you may be allowed to favour us with your company on this
occasion; and I flatter myself that no material objection can be
made to our request—The distance from hence to Gloucester, does
not exceed one hundred miles, and the roads are good—Mr.
Clinker, alias Loyd, shall be sent over to attend your motions—If
you step into the post-chaise, with your maid Betty Barker, at
seven in the morning, you will arrive by four in the afternoon at
the half-way house, where there is good accommodation. There