Dear Risby, exclaimed he, _do_ rise:--_do_ come to my apartment.--Alas! myFanny--

What new misfortune, my friend? ask'd I, starting up.--My wife!return'd! he!--she is in fits;--she has been in fits the wholenight.--0h Risby! if I should lose _her_, if I should lose my_wife!_--My parents _too_, I shall lose them!--

Words could not lessen his affliction. I occasionally was silent, making what haste Icould to huddle on my clothes;--and at his repeated intreaties follow'dhim to his wife,--She was sitting near the fire drowned; in tears,supported by her woman. I occasionally was pleas'd to look at them drop soplentifully.--She lifted up her head a little, as I enter'd.--Howalter'd!--how torn to pieces with grief!--Her complexion once solovely,--how changed in a few hours.

My husband! said she, in a faint voice, as he drew near her.--Thenlooking at me,--Comfort him, Mr. Risby;--don't let him sob so.--Indeedhe will be ill;--indeed he will.--Then addressing him, Consider, she whous'd to be your nurse is now incapable of the task.--His agitation wasso much increas'd by her words and manner, that I attempted to draw himinto another apartment.--Your intentions are kind, said she, Mr.Risby;--but I _must_ not lose my husband:--you see how it is, Sir,shaking her head;--try to sooth him;--talk to him _here_ but do not takehim from _me_.--

Then turning to Mr. Powis,--I am much better, my love,--don't frightenyourself:--we must learn to be resign'd.--Set the example, and I will beresign'd, said he,--wiping away the tears as they trickled down hercheek;--if my Fanny supports herself, I shall not be very miserable.In this situation I left them, to close my letter.

What is become of poor Lord Darcey? For ever is he in mythoughts.--_His_ death will be an aggravation to the generalsorrow.--Write instantly:--I wait your account with impatience; yetdread to receive it.