In the following month, the same correspondent, reports, "Mr.Gay is returned from Scotland, and has recovered his strength of his journey."[5] JOHN GAY TO THE HON.MRS.

HOWARD.
August 9th, 1729.
"I desire you would send word whether white currants be proper to make tarts: it is a point that we dispute upon every day, and will never be ended unless you decide it.
"The Duchess would be extremely glad if you could come here this day se'nnight; but if you cannot, come this day fortnight at farthest, and bring as many unlikely people as you can to keep you company.

Have you lain at Marble Hill since we left Petersham?
Hath the Duchess an aunt Thanet[6] alive again?
She says there are but two people in the world that love and fear me--and those are, Lord Drum[lanrig][7] and Lord Charles [Douglas].[8] If they were awake, I would make them love those that I love, and say something civil to you.

The Duchess hath left off taking snuff ever since you have; but she takes a little every day.

I have not left it off, and yet take none; my resolution not being so strong.