Parklands.
My dear Sister,--I congratulate you and Mr.Vernon on being about to receive into your family the most accomplished coquette in England.As a very distinguished flirt I have always been taught to consider her,but it has lately fallen In my way to hear some particulars of her conduct at Langford:which prove that she does not confine herself to that sort of honest flirtation which satisfies most people,but aspires to the more delicious gratification of making a whole family miserable.By her behaviour to Mr.Mainwaring she gave jealousy and wretchedness to his wife,and by her attentions to a young man previously attached to Mr.
Mainwaring's sister deprived an amiable girl of her lover.
I learnt all this from Mr.Smith,now in this neighbourhood (I have dined with him,at Hurst and Wilford),who is just come from Langford where he was a fortnight with her ladyship,and who is therefore well qualified to make the communication.
What a woman she must be!I long to see her,and shall certainly accept your kind invitation,that I may form some idea of those bewitching powers which can do so much--engaging at the same time,and in the same house,the affections of two men,who were neither of them at liberty to bestow them--and all this without the charm of youth!I am glad to find Miss Vernon does not accompany her mother to Churchhill,as she has not even manners to recommend her;and,according to Mr.Smith's account,is equally dull and proud.Where pride and stupidity unite there can be no dissimulation worthy notice,and Miss Vernon shall be consigned to unrelenting contempt;but by all that I can gather Lady Susan possesses a degree of captivating deceit which it must be pleasing to witness and detect.I shall be with you very soon,and am ever,Your affectionate brother,R.DE COURCY.
