Dear Mr. Hodgson,—Byron and Lady B. left me on Tuesday for London. I will forward your letter to him by this post. I am a little puzzled how to answer your queries about Mr. H., but I will tell you all I know, which is that by Mr. Hobhouse’s advice, his affairs and Mr. Hanson’s accounts are to be put into the hands of another professional man, whose name at this moment I forget. Mr. H. has not yet delivered up his accounts, consequently all remains in uncertainty. I think B. and Lady B. both suspect all has not been right, but, of course, judgment must be suspended till proof is obtained. There are circumstances strongly against Mr. H.
B. will probably write to you immediately. He talked of it
while here after I received your last letter; which was the cause of my being silent. I was well aware one word from him
would do more towards quieting your alarms than pages from me. I am sorry to
say his nerves and spirits are very far from what I wish them, but don’t
speak of this to him on any account. I think the uncomfortable state of his
affairs is the cause; at least, I can discern no other. He has every outward
blessing this world can bestow. I trust that the Almighty will be graciously
pleased to grant him those SISTERLY SYMPATHY. 17
You may be perfectly easy about B.’s friendship towards you. I am positive there is not a shadow of a cause for fidget. This I could better explain were you here at this moment, but do at least believe that I would not deceive you on this subject—the last on which I could bear to be deceived (even from motives of kindness) myself. When you have leisure write to me, and do tell me all the good you can of yourself and your prospects, and be assured that they will ever be most interesting to
