Letter from Mary (Molly) Collier to her mother, Mary Collier, 16 January 1742

In my last I mentioned our being going to the play that evening, which we did and were very well entertained, and on Wednsday Mr Green treated Jemmy and I at the same house with the Provoked Husband, and Orpheus and Euridice, which I was the most charmed with of any I have seen, and a prodigious full house. Next day I waited upon Mrs Carleton, got there by noon, but had not the pleasure of seeing Mr and Mrs Cullen till dinner time at three, when they favoured us with their company till about half an hour afterwards when they retired to their musick, which at a distance I heard them at, then, as well as before dinner. About an hour afterwards Mrs Carleton shewed me the house, and in that walk found Mr and Mrs Cullen had just drank coffee by themselves. About five we drank tea, when Mrs Cullen came and drank one dish and staid a quarter of an hour during my singing a song, which at hers as well as the subdean’s request I was prevailed upon to do, tho much against my will before such judges, but could not obtain the like favour from Mrs Cullen.

I got home about eight, very well pleasd with my reception from Mr and Mrs Carleton, but don't think Mrs Cullen behaved quite so genteel, tho did not expect more of there company by what I had heard of them. Last night I was at the accademy where there was a great deal of company.  Jemmy went away this day for Wormley and I, having been here a month yesterday, go sometime next week but can't yet tell the day for there's nobody gone yet.