own power, he is doing every thing KIND and NOBLE, even to the distressing HIMSELF. I thank you sincerely for the friendly caution at the end of your letter, though I trust there will be no occasion for it; but it was kind and friendly, and as such I shall ever esteem it.

"I remain, dear Sir,

"Yours sincerely,

"DORA JORDAN.

"These letters are for your eye alone."

"I should be sorry the letters I have inclosed to you were the only vouchers I could produce to the world, if necessary. But, good God! what will not the world say? I received two letters this day telling me, that I was accused of intriguing with the Duke of Cumberland!

*The two letters inclosed by Mrs. Jordan. Returned to herself, faithfully obeying the condition attached to their communication.

"I am heart-sick, and almost worn out with this cruel business: but I am,

attention to my request. We really live so much in the country, and so entirely within ourselves, that we might be dead and buried, without our friends knowing even that we had been ill.

"I have the heartfelt happiness of informing you, that the Duke is considerably better, though far from being as we could wish: however, his physicians have given his Royal Highness permission to go to town to-morrow. fined ever since my return, owing to the fatigue and anxiety I have gone through. I fear it will be some time before I recover the very great shock I

received.

I have been con

I hear there are to be two Drury Lanes;

I believe just as likely as one.

"Yours ever,

"DORA JORDAN."

“I fear I must have appeared unmindful of your many kindnesses, in having been such a length of time without writing to you; but really,

till

very lately, my spirits have been so depressed, that I am sure you will understand my feelings when I say, it cost me more pain to write to those interested about me, than to a common acquaintance but the constant kindness and attention I meet with from the Duke, in every respect but personal interviews, (and which depends as much on my feelings as his,) has, in a great measure, restored me to my former health and spirits. Among many noble traits of goodness, he has lately added one more, that of exonerating me from my promise of not returning to my profession. This he has done, under the idea of its benefiting my health, and adding to my pleasures and comforts : and, though it is very uncertain whether I shall if you ever avail myself of this kindness, yet you,

1

choose, are at liberty to make it known, whether

publicly or privately.

"Yours ever, &c. &c.

"DORA JORDAN."

"P. S. I wish I could see you; but it is such a

long way for you to come.'

"I lose not a moment in letting you know, that the Duke of Clarence has concluded and settled on me and his children, the most liberal and generous provision; and I trust every thing will sink into oblivion.

"Yours ever,

"DORA JORDAN."

279

CHAPTER XXV.

Three distinct sources of calumny-An union suggested, and dismissed-The paternal virtues of an illustrious character -Allusion to Mr. Barton's letter-Subject deferred-The Duke of Cumberland accused-Mrs. Jordan's return to the stage Her reported profits exaggerated-Mrs. SiddonsTacitus-Miss O'Neill, character of that lovely actressThe year 1814 fatal to Mrs. Jordan-Mr. Alsop's ruin; goes out to India with Lord Moira-His lot there, his conduct, and death-The defeat of all her hopes, as to her eldest daughter, followed by the peril of her sons-Colonel Quentin's court-martial-The charges-His conviction, and the punishment of the accusers-List of the dismissed unfortunates-George and Henry Fitzclarence-Contrive to visit India-Singular and impertinent interference, on their account, with a King's ship-Mrs. Jordan's letter from Whitehaven-Liable to additional insurance on Alsop's life -Gives up her Sheffield engagement from illness-Mrs. Jordan's letter from Carlisle, 3d December, 1814-Her solemn determination as to her daughter, Mrs. Alsop-Proposes a retirement to Wales-The two sacrifices submitting to exile without a murmur-Impossible then for her to re