The Expedition of Humphry Clinker

38 TOBIAS SMOLLETT
brought from the East Indies. Some years ago, a friend of mine paid
sixteen guineas for two ounces of it; and, in six months after, it was
sold in the same shop for five shillings the pound. In short, we live
in a vile world of fraud and sophistication; so that I know nothing
of equal value with the genuine friendship of a sensible man; a rare
jewel! which I cannot help thinking myself in possession of, while
I repeat the old declaration, that I am, as usual,
Dear Lewis,
Your affectionate
M. BRAMBLE
After having been agitated in a short hurricane, on my first arrival,
I have taken a small house in Milsham-street, where I am tolerably
well lodged, for five guineas a week. I was yesterday at the Pump-
room, and drank about a pint of the water, which seems to agree
with my stomach; and to-morrow morning I shall bathe, for the
first time; so that in a few posts you may expect farther trouble;
mean while, I am glad to find that the inoculation has succeeded so
well with poor Joyce, and that her face will be but little marked—
If my friend Sir Thomas was a single man, I would not trust such
a handsome wench in his family; but as I have recommended her,
in a particular manner, to the protection of lady G——, who is
one of the best women in the world, she may go thither without
hesitation, as soon as she is quite recovered, and fit for service—
Let her mother have money to provide her with necessaries, and
she may ride behind her brother on Bucks; but you must lay strong
injunctions on Jack, to take particular care of the trusty old veteran,
who has faithfully earned his present ease, by his past services.
To Miss WILLIS, at Gloucester
Bath, April 26
MY DEAREST COMPANION,
THE pleasure I received from yours, which came to hand yesterday,
is not to be expressed. Love and friendship are, without doubt,
charming passions; which absence serves only to heighten and
improve. Your kind present of the garnet bracelets, I shall keep as
carefully as I preserve my own life; and I beg you will accept, in