LETTER CXXXIV. To Mrs. STEELE, laft Door but Two, Left-hand, Berry-street.

I

DEAR PRUE, King's-head, Pall-mall, O&t. 4, 1709. HAVE done every thing effectually which I went about. Mr. Hopkins is coming to me hither, where we shall stay till a little after ten. Yours faithfully, R. STEELE.

I

LETTER CXXXV. To Mrs. STEELE.

DEAR WIFE,

Nov. 20, 1709.

pain of body and You are extremely which has a tender

HAVE been in great mind fince I came out. cruel to a generous nature, nefs for you that renders your least dishumour infupportably afflicting. After short starts of paffion, not to be inclined to reconciliation, is what is against all rules of Chriftianity and juftice. When I come home, I beg to be kindly received, or this will have as ill an effect upon my fortune, as on my mind and body.

LETTER CXXXVI. To Mrs. STEELE, at Mrs. Binns's Lodgings in Silver-ftreet, near Golden-square. Feb. 15, 1709-10.

I

DEAR WIFE,

BELIEVE 1 am the firft that ever rejoiced at the flight of one he loved. After I was done writing*, I went up to visit my fick wife, and found the was herself gone a-vifiting. I wish you had given me the pleasure of knowing you were fo well, it would have given what I was writing a more lively turn. I am, your affectionate, tender, obfervant, and indulgent husband, RICH. STEELE.

LETTER CXXXVII. To Mrs. STEELE.

DEAR PRUE,

I

April 7, 1710.

INCLOSE to you a receipt for the faucepan and spoon, and a note of 231. of Lewis's, which will make up the 50l. I promised for your enfuing occafion.

I know no happiness in this life in any degree comparable to the pleasure I have in your per fon and fociety; I only beg of you to add to your other charms, a fearfulness to see a man that loves you in pain and uneafinefs, to make

This was the TATLER, N° 134.

+ Mrs. Steele was then pregnant with her firft child.

me

me as happy as it is poffible to be in this life. Rifing a little in a morning, and being disposed to a chearfulness * would not be amiss.

I am your most affectionate husband, and obedient fervant, RICH. STEELE. There are papers in the parlour window, dated from Hamburgh and other places, which I want .

I

LETTER CXXXVIII. To Mrs. STEELE.

DEAR PRUE;

May 3, 1710.

SHALL stay at Tonfon's till towards four o'clock; for, having made up this day my account with Nutt, I am doing the fame here, being resolved to understand my affairs, and communicate them to you for your eafe and convenience from this hour forward. Yours eternally, RICH. STEELE.

I

LETTER CXXXIX. To Mrs. STEELE.

DEAR PRUE,

July 3, 1710.

SHALL not dine with you; but will be with you before five, in order to take the air with you. Yours ever,

A few words are here cut out.

RICH. STEELE.

↑ See Gazette of Saturday, April 8, 1710.

+ Printer of the TATLER.

G 2

LETTER

I

LETTER CXL. To Mrs. STEELE.

DEAR WIFE, Half-hour after Eight, July 29,1710.
STAY in town to-night very much against

my inclination, having bufinefs of confequence with Mr. Montague*, who goes out of town to-morrow in order to take a voyage. I am yours entirely, RICH. STEEle.

1

LETTER CXLI.

Bradshaw's, at Sandy-end.

MY DEAR,

WHE

To Mrs. STEELE, at Mrs.

Aug. 8, 1710.

Cockpit, Secretary's-office, Eight o'clock. HEN I was going out of town, I heard my Lord-treasurer had this day refigned his staff, and was to [be fucceeded] by my Lord Halifax. The refignation I find con

firmed here, but others are faid to fucceed him. I ftay in town to-night to fee a friend, who will be able to give me proper lights into the present affairs. Good night, dear Prue, and fleep pleased, for all will do well; for God will bless us. Your faithful, affectionate husband,

*See Letter CXXIII.

RICH. STEELE.

+ Lord Godolphin. The office was put into commiffion Aug. 10, and Earl Powlet at the head.

LETTER

LETTER CXLII. To Mrs. STEELE, at Mrs.
Bradshaw's House at Sandy-end, over against the
Bull Alehoufe in Fulham-road.

DEAR PRUE,

Wednesday, Aug. 9, 1710, Berry-ftreet, Half-hour after Six.

THO

HOU art fuch a foolish tender thing, that there is no living with thee.

I have broke my reft last night, because I knew you would be fuch a fool as not to fleep. Pray come home by this morning's coach, if you are impatient: but, if you are not here before noon, I will come down to you in the evening; but I must make vifits this morning, to hear what is doing. Yours ever, RICH. STEELÉ.

I

LETTER CXLIII. To Mrs. STEELE.

DEAR PRUE,

Cockpit, Aug. 9, 1710. CANNOT poffibly come, expecting orders here, which I muft overlook, and having not half done my other business at the Savoy*. Dear creature, come in the morning coach; and, if I can, I will return with you in the evening. Pray wrap yourself very warm. Yours RICH. STEELE.

ever,

* See TATLER, No 209, vol. V.

G 3

LETTER