Those who hold
the property think so too, and so far it is fortunate. Now, from wiser
heads than mine, I have been told that these applications will not be
acceded to, HM is supposed; but, at the same time, if they were to
meet the parties, and close with them at once, before the king's
intentions are known, they would recover their property at a third or
a quarter of the value. Now is their time: even a few days' delay may
make a difference. They can easily obtain a delay for the payment of
the moneys. Impress that upon them, my dear Edward, and let them, if
possible, be off to their estates to-morrow and make the
arrangements."
"That is advice which must be followed," replied Edward. "We must go
now, and I will not fail to communicate it to them this very night."
We may as well here inform the reader that the advice was immediately
acted upon, and that Chaloner and Grenville recovered all their
estates at about five years' purchase.
Edward remained at court several days. He had written to Humphrey, and
had dispatched a messenger with the letter; but the messenger had not
yet returned. The court was now one continual scene of fetes and
gayety. On the following day a drawing-room was to be held, and
Edward's sisters were to be presented.
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