Mr.Murray, however, consulted his _fidus Achates_, Mr.Croker; and, putting the letters in his hands, asked him to peruse them, and, if he approved, to edit them.
The following was Mr.Croker's answer: _Mr.Croker to John Murray_.
_November_ 22, 1820.
DEAR MURRAY, I shall do more than you ask.

I shall give you a biographical sketch--sketch, do you hear ?--of Lady Hervey, and notes on her letters, in which I shall endeavour to enliven a little the _sameness_ of my author.

Don't think that I say _sameness_ in derogation of dear Mary Lepel's _powers_ of entertainment.

I have been _in love_ with her a long time; which, as she was dead twenty years before I was born, I may without indiscretion avow; but all these letters being written in a journal style and to one person, there is a want of that variety which Lady Hervey's mind was capable of giving.

I have applied to her family for a little assistance; hitherto without success; and I think, as a _lover_ of Lady Hervey's, I might reasonably resent the little enthusiasm I find that her descendants felt about her.