The Expedition of Humphry Clinker

48 TOBIAS SMOLLETT
any other race, I should certainly have looked upon her as the most
—But, the truth is, she has found means to interest my affection;
or, rather, she is beholden to the force of prejudice, commonly
called the ties of blood. Well, this amiable maiden has actually
commenced a flirting correspondence with an Irish baronet of
sixty-five. His name is Sir Ulic Mackilligut. He is said to be much
out at elbows; and, I believe, has received false intelligence with
respect to her fortune. Be that as it may, the connexion is exceed-
ingly ridiculous, and begins already to excite whispers. For my part,
I have no intention to dispute her free-agency; though I shall fall
upon some expedient to undeceive her paramour, as to the point
which he has principally in view. But I don’t think her conduct is
a proper example for Liddy, who has also attracted the notice of
some coxcombs in the Rooms; and Jery tells me, he suspects a
strapping fellow, the knight’s nephew, of some design upon the
girl’s heart. I shall, therefore, keep a strict eye over her aunt and
her, and even shift the scene, if I find the matter grow more serious
—You perceive what an agreeable task it must be, to a man of my
kidney, to have the cure of such souls as these—But, hold, you shall
not have another peevish word (till the next occasion) from
yours,
Bath, April 28. MATT. BRAMBLE
To Sir WATKIN PHILLIPS, of Jesus college, Oxon.
DEAR KNIGHT,
I THINK those people are unreasonable, who complain that Bath
is a contracted circle, in which the same dull scenes perpetually
revolve, without variation—I am, on the contrary, amazed to find
so small a place, so crowded with entertainment and variety.
London itself can hardly exhibit one species of diversion, to which
we have not something analogous at Bath, over and above those
singular advantages that are peculiar to the place. Here, for example,
a man has daily opportunities of seeing the most remarkable
characters of the community. He sees them in their natural
attitudes and true colours; descended from their pedestals, and
divested of their formal draperies, undisguised by art and affecta-
tion—Here we have ministers of state, judges, generals, bishops,