volume 4 clarissa

7/31/2019 Volume 4 Clarissa

http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/volume-4-clarissa 1/196

CLARISSAHARLOWE

orthe

HISTORYOFAYOUNGLADY

NineVolumesVolumeIV.

CONTENTSOFVOLUMEIV

LETTERI.ClarissatoMissHowe.--Likesherlodgings;butnotgreatlythewidow.ChidesMissHoweforherrash,thoughfriendlyvow.Catalogueofgoodbooksshefindsinhercloset.Utterlydissatisfiedwithhimforgivingouttothewomenbelowthattheywereprivatelymarried.Hasastrongdebatewithhimonthissubject.Heoffersmatrimonytoher,butinsuchamannerthatshecouldnotclosewithhisoffer.Hercautionastodoors,windows,andsealsofletters.

LETTERII.MissHowetoClarissa.--

Herexpedienttocorrespondwitheachothereveryday.Isgladshehadthoughtsofmarryinghimhadherepeatedhisoffer.Wondershedidnot.

LETTERIII.ClarissatoMissHowe.--Breakfastswithhimandthewidow,andhertwonieces.Observationsupontheirbehaviourandlooks.Hemakesameritofleavingher,andhopes,ONHISRETURN,thatshewillnamehishappyday.Sheiswillingtomakethebestconstructionsinhisfavour.

Inhisnextletter(extractsfromwhichareonlygiven)hetriumphsonthepointshehascarried.Stimulatedbythewomen,heresumeshisresolutiontotryhertotheutmost.

LETTERIV.ClarissatoMissHowe.--Lovelacereturnsthenextday.Shethinksherselfmeanlytreated,andisangry.Heagainurgesmarriage;butbeforeshecanreturnhisanswermakesanotherproposal;yetshesuspectsnotthathemeansastudieddelay.HeisintreatyforMrs.Fretchville'shouse.Descriptionofit.Aninvitingopportunityoffersforhimtoproposematrimonytoher.Shewondersheletitslip.Heisveryurgentforhercompanyatacollationheistogivetofourofhisselectfriends,andMissPartington.HegivesanaccountwhoMissPartingtonis.

InMr.Lovelace'snextletterheinvitesBelford,Mowbray,Belton,andTourville,tohiscollation.Hishumourousinstructionsfortheirbehaviourbeforethelady.Hastwoviewsingettingherintotheir

company.

LETTERV.LovelacetoBelford.--HasbeenatchurchwithClarissa.Thesabbathacharminginstitution.Thetextstartleshim.Nathantheprophethecallsagoodingeniousfellow.Shelikesthewomenbetterthanshedidatfirst.Shereluctantlyconsentstohonourhiscollationwithherpresence.Longstohavetheiropinionsofhisfairprize.Describeshertogreatadvantage.



LETTERVI.ClarissatoMissHowe.--ShepraiseshisgoodbehaviouratSt.Paul's.IsprevailedontodinewithMrs.Sinclairandhernieces.Isbetterpleasedwiththemthanshethoughtsheshouldbe.Blamesherselfforherreadinesstocensure,wherereputationisconcerned.Hercharitableallowancesonthishead.Thisdayanagreeableday.InterpretseverthingshecanfairlyinterpretinMr.Lovelace'sfavour.Shecouldpreferhimtoallthemensheeverknew,ifhewouldalwaysbewhathehadbeenthatday.Isdetermined,asmuchaspossible,bytruemerit,andbydeeds.Datesagain,andisoffendedatMissPartington'sbeingintroducedtoher,andathismakingheryieldtobepresentathisintendedcollation.

LETTERVII.Fromthesame.--Disgustedwitherevening.Characterizeshisfourcompanions.LikesnotMissPartington'sbehaviour.

LETTERVIII.Fromthesame.--AnattempttoinducehertoadmitMissPartingtontoashareinherbedforthatnight.Sherefuses.Herreasons.Ishighlydissatisfied.

LETTERIX.Fromthesame.--HasreceivedanangryletterfromMrs.Howe,forbiddinghertocorrespondwithherdaughter.Sheadvisescompliance,thoughagainstherself;and,toinducehertoit,makesthebestofherpresentprospects.

LETTERX.MissHowe.Inanswer.--Flamesoutuponthisstepofhermother.Insistsuponcontinuingthecorrespondence.HermenacesifClarissawritenot.RavesagainstLovelace.ButblamesherfornotobligingMissPartington:andwhy.Adviseshertothinkofsettlements.LikesLovelace'sproposalofMrs.Fretchville'shouse.

LETTERXI.Clarissa.Inreply.--Terrifiedathermenaces,shepromisestocontinuewriting.Beseecheshertolearntosubdueherpassions.Hasjustreceivedherclothes.

LETTERXII.Mr.HickmantoClarissa.--

MissHowe,hetellsher,isuneasyforthevexationshehasgivenher.Ifshewillwriteonasbefore,MissHowewillnotthinkofdoingwhatsheissoapprehensiveof.Heoffersherhismostfaithfulservices.

LETTERXIII.XIV.LovelacetoBelford.--Tellshimhowmuchtheladydislikestheconfraternity;Belfordaswellastherest.Hasawarmdebatewithherinherbehalf.LooksuponherrefusingashareinherbedtoMissPartingtonassuspectinganddefyinghim.Threatensher.--Savagelygloriesinhergrief,onreceivingMissHowe'sprohibitoryletter:whichappearstobeinstigatedbyhimself.

LETTERXV.BelfordtoLovelace.--Hisandhiscompeer'shighadmirationofClarissa.Theyalljointo

entreathimtodoherjustice.

LETTERXVI.XVII.Lovelace.Inanswer.--Heendeavourstopalliatehispurposesbyfamiliarinstancesofcrueltytobirds,&c.--Farthercharacteristicreasoningsinsupportofhiswickeddesigns.Thepassiveconditiontowhichhewantstobringthelady.

LETTERXVIII.Belford.Inreply.--Stillwarmlyarguesinbehalfofthelady.Isobligedtoattendadyinguncle:andentreatshimtowritefromtimetotimeanaccountofallhis



proceedings.

LETTERXIX.ClarissatoMissHowe.--Lovelace,shesays,complainsofthereserveshegivesoccasionfor.Hisprideadirtylowpride,whichhaseatenuphisprudence.Heissunkinheropinion.AnafflictinglettersentherfromhercousinMorden.

Enclosestheletter.Inwhichhercousin(swayedbytherepresentationsofherbrother)pleadsinbehalfofSolmes,andthefamily-views;andsetsbeforeher,instrongandjustlights,thecharacterofalibertine.

Herheavyreflectionsuponthecontents.Hergenerousprayer.

LETTERXX.ClarissatoMissHowe.--Hepresseshertogoabroadwithhim;yetmentionsnottheceremonythatshouldgiveproprietytohisurgency.Cannotbearthelifeshelives.WishesheruncleHarlowetobesoundedbyMr.Hickman,astoareconciliation.Mennellintroducedtoher.WillnottakeanotherstepwithLovelacetillsheknowthesuccessoftheproposedapplicationtoheruncle.

SubstanceoftwolettersfromLovelacetoBelford;inwhichhetellshimwhoMennellis,andgivesanaccountofmanynewcontrivancesandprecautions.Women'spocketsballast-bags.Mrs.Sinclair'swardrobe.

Goodorderobservedinherhouse.Thelady'scaution,hesays,warrantshiscontrivances.

LETTERXXI.LovelacetoBelford.--Willwriteaplay.Thetitleofit,TheQuarrelsomeLovers.Perseverancehisglory;patiencehishand-maid.Attemptstogetalettertheladyhaddroptasshesat.Herhighindignationuponit.Fartherplots.PaulWheatly,who;andforwhatemployed.SallyMartin'sreproaches.Hasoverplottedhimself.Humannatureawell-knownrogue.

LETTERXXII.ClarissatoMissHowe.--Acquaintsherwiththeirpresentquarrel.Findsitimprudenttostaywithhim.Re-urgestheapplicationtoheruncle.Cautionshersexwith

regardtothedangerofbeingmisledbytheeye.

LETTERXXIII.MissHowe.Inanswer.--ApprovesofherleavingLovelace.Newstoriesofhiswickedness.Willhaveherunclesounded.Comfortsher.Howmuchhercasediffersfromthatofanyotherfemalefugitive.Shewillbeanexample,aswellasawarning.ApictureofClarissa'shappinessbeforesheknewLovelace.Briefsketchesofherexaltedcharacter.Adversityhershiningtime.

LETTERXXIV.Clarissa.Inreply.--HasacontestwithLovelaceaboutgoingtochurch.HeobligesheragaintoacceptofhiscompanytoSt.Paul's.

LETTERXXV.MissHowetoMrs.Norton.--DesiringhertotrytodisposeMrs.Harlowetoforwardareconciliation.

LETTERXXVI.Mrs.Norton.Inanswer.

LETTERXXVII.MissHowe.Inreply.

LETTERXXVIII.Mrs.Harlowe'spatheticlettertoMrs.Norton.

LETTERXXIX.MissHowetoClarissa.--



FruitlessissueofMr.Hickman'sapplicationtoheruncle.Advisesherhowtoproceedwith,andwhattosayto,Lovelace.Endeavourstoaccountforhisteasingways.Whoknows,shesays,butherdearfriendwaspermittedtoswerve,inordertobringabouthisreformation?InformsherofheruncleAntony'sintendedaddresstohermother.

LETTERXXX.ClarissatoMissHowe.--Hardfatetobethrownuponanungenerousandcruelman.ReasonswhyshecannotproceedwithMr.Lovelaceassheadvises.AffectingapostrophetoLovelace.

LETTERXXXI.Fromthesame.--InterestingconversationwithLovelace.Hefrightensher.Hementionssettlements.Hermodestencouragementsofhim.Heevades.Truegenerositywhat.Sherequireshisproposalsofsettlementsinwriting.ExaminesherselfonherwholeconducttoLovelace.Maidenlynicenessnothermotiveforthedistanceshehaskepthimat.Whatis.Inviteshercorrectionifshedeceiveherself.

LETTERXXXII.Fromthesame.--WithMr.Lovelace'swrittenproposals.Herobservationsonthecoldconclusionofthem.Heknowsnotwhateverywisemanknows,oftheprudenceanddelicacyrequiredinawife.

LETTERXXXIII.Fromthesame.--Mr.Lovelacepressesfortheday;yetmakesaproposalwhichmustnecessarilyoccasionadelay.Herunreservedandpatheticanswertoit.Heisaffectedbyit.Sherejoicesthatheispenetrable.Hepressesforherinstantresolution;butatthesametimeinsinuatesdelay.Seeingherdispleased,heurgesforthemorrow:but,beforeshecananswer,givesherthealternativeofotherdays.Yet,wantingtorewardhimself,asifhehadobligedher,sherepulseshimonalibertyhewouldhavetaken.Heisenraged.Hermelancholyreflectionsonherfutureprospectswithsuchaman.Themoralshededucesfromherstory.[Anote,defendingherconductfromthecensurewhichpasseduponherasovernice.]

Extractsfromfourofhisletters:inwhichhegloriesinhiscruelty.Hardheartednessheownstobeanessentialofthelibertinecharacter.Enjoystheconfusionofafinewoman.Hisapostrophetovirtue.Ashamedofbeingvisiblyaffected.Enragedagainstherforrepulsinghim.Willsteelhisownheart,thathemaycutthrougharockoficetoher's.Thewomenafreshinstigatehimtoattempthervirtue.

LETTERXXXIV.MissHowetoClarissa.--Isenragedathisdelays.Willthinkofsomeschemetogetheroutofhishands.Hasnonotionthathecanordaretomeanherdishonour.WomendonotnaturallyhatesuchmenasLovelace.

LETTERXXXV.BelfordtoLovelace.--

Warmlyespousesthelady'scause.Nothingbutvanityandnonsenseinthewildpursuitsoflibertines.Forhisownsake,forhisfamily'ssake,andforthesakeoftheircommonhumanity,hebeseecheshimtodothisladyjustice.

LETTERXXXVI.LordM.toMr.Belford.--Aproverbialletterinthelady'sfavour.

LETTERXXXVII.LovelacetoBelford.--HeludicrouslyturnsBelford'sargumentsagainsthim.Resistance



inflameshim.Whythegallantispreferredtothehusband.Givesapieceofadvicetomarriedwomen.SubstanceofhislettertoLordM.desiringhimtogivetheladytohiminperson.Hisviewinthisletter.RidiculesLordM.forhisproverbs.LudicrousadvicetoBelfordinrelationtohisdyinguncle.Whatphysiciansshoulddowhenapatientisgivenover.

LETTERXXXVIII.BelfordtoLovelace.--Setsforththefolly,theinconvenience,theimpolicyofKEEPING,andthepreferenceofMARRIAGE,uponthefootoftheirownprinciples,aslibertines.

LETTERXXXIX.LovelacetoBelford.--AffectstomistaketheintentionofBelford'sletter,andthankshimforapprovinghispresentscheme.Theseductionprogressismoredelightfultohim,hesays,thanthecrowningact.

LETTERXL.Fromthesame.--Allextremelyhappyatpresent.Contrivesaconversationfortheladytooverhear.Platoniclove,howitgenerallyends.Willgethertoaplay;likesnottragedies.Hastoomuchfeeling.Whymenofhiscastprefercomedytotragedy.Thenymphs,andMrs.Sinclair,andalltheiracquaintances,ofthesamemind.Otherartificesofhis.Couldhehavebeenadmittedinherhoursofdishabilleandheedlessness,hehadbeen

longagomasterofhiswishes.Hisviewingettinghertoaplay:aplay,andacollationafterwards,greatlybefriendalover'sdesigns;andwhy.SheconsentstogowithhimtoseethetragedyofVenicePreserved.

LETTERXLI.ClarissatoMissHowe.--Givestheparticularsoftheoverheardconversation.Thinksherprospectsalittlemended.Iswillingtocompoundfortolerableappearances,andtohope,whenreasonforhopeoffers.

LETTERXLII.MissHowetoClarissa.--HerschemeofMrs.Townsend.Isnotforencouragingdealersinprohibitedgoods;andwhy.HerhumouroustreatmentofHickmanonconsultinghimuponLovelace'sproposalsofsettlements.

LETTERXLIII.Fromthesame.--HeraccountofAntonyHarlowe'saddresstohermother,andofwhatpassedonhermother'scommunicatingittoher.CopyofMrs.Howe'sanswertohisletter.

LETTERXLIV.XLV.LovelacetoBelford.--ComesatseverallettersofMissHowe.HeisnowmoreassuredofClarissathanever;andwhy.Sparklingeyes,whattheyindicate.Shekeepshimatdistance.Repeatedinstigationsfromthewomen.Accountofthelettershehascomeat.Allrageandrevengeuponthecontentsofthem.MenacesHickman.WishesMissHowehadcomeuptotown,asshethreatened.

LETTERXLVI.ClarissatoMissHowe.--Isterrifiedbyhim.Disclaimsprudery.BegsofMissHowetoperfectherscheme,thatshemayleavehim.Shethinkshertemperchangedfortheworse.Tremblestolookbackuponhisencroachments.Isafraid,onthecloseself-examinationwhichhercalamitieshavecausedhertomake,thateveninthebestactionsofherpastlifeshehasnotbeenquitefreefromsecretpride,&c.Tearsalmostintwotheanswershehadwrittentohisproposals.Intendstogooutnextday,andnottoreturn.Herfartherintentions.



LETTERXLVII.LovelacetoBelford.--Meetstheladyatbreakfast.Flingsthetea-cupandsauceroverhishead.Theoccasion.Alarmsandterrifiesherbyhisfreeaddress.Romping,theuseofitbyalover.Willtryifshewillnotyieldtonightlysurprises.Alion-heartedladywhereherhonourisconcerned.Musthaverecoursetohismaster-strokes.Fableofthesunandnorthwind.Mrs.Fretchville'shouseanembarrass.Hegivesthatpretendedladythesmall-pox.OthercontrivancesinhisheadtobringClarissaback,ifsheshouldgetaway.MissHowe'sschemeofMrs.Townsendis,hesays,aswordhangingoverhishead.Hemustchangehismeasurestorenderitabortive.Heisofthetruelady-make.Whatthatis.Anotherconversationbetweenthem.Herapostrophetoherfather.Heistemporarilymoved.Dorcasgiveshimnoticeofapapershehascomeat,andistranscribing.Inordertodetainthelady,hepressesfortheday.MissHowehefanciesinlovewithhim;andwhy.HeseesClarissadoesnothatehim.

LETTERXLVIII.Fromthesame.--Copyofthetranscribedpaper.Itprovestobehertornanswertohisproposals.Meeknessthegloryofawoman.Ludicrousimageofatermagantwife.Hehadbetternevertohaveseenthispaper.Hasverystrongremorses.Paintstheminlivelycolours.Setsforththelady'stranscendentvirtue,andgreatnessofmind.Surprisedintotheseargumentsinherfavourbyhisconscience.Putsittoflight.

LETTERXLIX.Fromthesame.--Mennellscruplestoaidhimfartherinhisdesigns.Vapourishpeoplethephysicaltribe'smilch-cows.Advicetothefaculty.HasdonewiththeprojectaboutMrs.Fretchville'shouse.Theladysuspectshim.AseasonableletterforhimfromhiscousinCharlotte.Sendsupthelettertothelady.ShewritestoMissHowe,uponperusingit,tosuspendforthepresentherapplicationtoMrs.Townsend.

LETTERL.Fromthesame.--Aninterviewallplacidandagreeable.Nowisheinatrain.AllhenowwaitsforisaletterfromLordM.Inquiresaftertheirmarriagebyastrangerofgoodappearance.Theladyalarmedatthem.

LETTERLI.LovelacetoBelford.--Curseshisuncleforanotherproverbialletterhehassenthim.Permitstheladytoseeit.Ninewomenintenthatfall,fall,hesays,throughtheirownfault.

LETTERLII.LordM.'scharacteristicletter.

LETTERLIII.LovelacetoBelford.--Theladynowcomestohimatthefirstword.Triumphsinhersweetnessoftemper,andonherpatiencewithhim.PutshiswritingsintocounsellorWilliams'shands,topreparesettlements.Shallnowbedoublyarmed.Boastsofhiscontrivancesinpetto.Bringspatternstoher.

Proposesjewels.AdmiresherforherprudencewithregardtowhatheputsherupondoingforherNorton.Whathiswifemustdoandbe.Shedeclinesapublicwedding.Herdutifulreasons.SheiswillingtodispensewithLordM.'spresence.HewritestoLordM.accordingly.

ExtractfromaletterfromClarissa.--AftergivingMissHoweanaccountofthepresentfavourableappearances,shedesireshertokeepherselfallsuchoftheparticularswhichshehascommunicatedtoherasmaydiscreditMr.Lovelace.



LETTERLIV.LovelacetoBelford.--HisprojectedplottorevengehimselfuponMissHowe.

LETTERLV.Fromthesame.--Freshcontrivancescrowdinuponhim.Heshallbeverysickonthemorrow;andwhy.Womenbelowimpertinentlyreproachful.Hewillbenoman'ssuccessor.Willnottakeupwithharlots.--HistoryoftheFrenchmarquis.

THEHISTORY

OF

CLARISSAHARLOWE

LETTERI

MISSCLARISSAHARLOWE,TOMISSHOWEWEDNESDAYAFTERNOON,APRIL26.

Atlength,mydearestMissHowe,IaminLondon,andinmynewlodgings.Theyareneatlyfurnished,andthesituation,forthetown,ispleasant.

ButIthinkyoumustnotaskmehowIliketheoldgentlewoman.Yetsheseemscourteousandobliging.--Herkinswomenjustappearedtowelcomemeatmyalighting.Theyseemedtobegenteelyoungwomen.Butmoreoftheirauntandthem,asIshallseemore.

MissSorlingshasanuncleatBarnet,whomshefoundsoveryill,thatheruneasiness,onthataccount,(havinglargeexpectationsfromhim,)mademecomplywithherdesiretostaywithhim.YetIwished,asher

uncledidnotexpecther,thatshewouldseemesettledinLondon;andMr.Lovelacewasstillmoreearnestthatshewould,offeringtosendherbackagaininadayortwo,andurgingthatheruncle'smaladythreatenednotasuddenchange.Butleavingthemattertoherchoice,aftersheknewwhatwouldhavebeenmine,shemademenottheexpectedcompliment.Mr.Lovelace,however,madeherahandsomepresentatparting.

Hisgenteelspirit,onalloccasions,makesheoftenwishhimmoreconsistent.

Assoonashearrived,Itookpossessionofmyapartment.Ishallmakegooduseofthelightclosetinit,ifIstayhereanytime.

OneofhisattendantsreturnsinthemorningtoTheLawn;andImadewritingtoyoubyhimanexcuseformyretiring.

Andnowgivemeleavetochideyou,mydearestfriend,foryourrash,andIhoperevocableresolutionnottomakeMr.Hickmanthehappiestmanintheworld,whilemyhappinessisinsuspense.SupposeIweretobeunhappy,what,mydear,wouldthisresolutionofyoursavailme?Marriageisthehigheststateoffriendship:ifhappy,itlessensourcares,bydividingthem,atthesametimethatitdoublesourpleasuresbyamutualparticipation.Why,mydear,ifyouloveme,willyounot



rathergiveanotherfriendtoonewhohasnottwosheissureof?Hadyoumarriedonyourmother'slastbirth-day,asshewouldhavehadyou,Ishouldnot,Idaresay,havewantedarefuge;thatwouldhavesavedmemanymortifications,andmuchdisgrace.

***

HereIwasbrokeinuponbyMr.Lovelace;introducingthewidowleadinginakinswomanofher'stoattendme,ifIapprovedofher,tillmyHannahshouldcome,ortillIhadprovidedmyselfwithsomeotherservant.Thewidowgavehermanygoodqualities;butsaid,thatshehadonegreatdefect;whichwas,thatshecouldnotwrite,norreadwriting;thatpartofhereducationhavingbeenneglectedwhenshewasyoung;butfordiscretion,fidelity,obligingness,shewasnottobeout-donebyanybody.Socommentedherlikewiseforherskillattheneedle.

Asforherdefect,Icaneasilyforgivethat.Sheisverylikelyandgenteel--toogenteelindeed,Ithink,foraservant.ButwhatIlikeleastofallinher,shehasastrangeslyeye.Ineversawsuchaneye;half-confident,Ithink.ButindeedMrs.Sinclairherself,(forthatisthewidow'sname,)hasanoddwinkingeye;andherrespectfulnessseemstoomuchstudied,methinks,fortheLondoneaseandfreedom.Butpeople

can'thelptheirlooks,youknow;andafterallsheisextremelycivilandobliging,--andasfortheyoungwoman,(Dorcasishername,)shewillnotbelongwithme.

Iacceptedher:HowcouldIdootherwise,(ifIhadhadamindtomakeobjections,which,inmypresentsituation,Ihadnot,)herauntpresent,andtheyoungwomanalsopresent;andMr.Lovelaceofficiousinhisintroducingthem,toobligeme?But,upontheirleavingme,Itoldhim,(whoseemedinclinabletobeginaconversationwithme,)thatIdesiredthatthisapartmentmightbeconsideredasmyretirement:thatwhenIsawhimitmightbeinthedining-room,(whichisupafewstairs;forthisback-house,beingoncetwo,theroomsdonotallofthemveryconvenientlycommunicatewitheachother,)andthatImightbeaslittle

brokeninuponaspossible,whenIamhere.Hewithdrewveryrespectfullytothedoor,buttherestopt;andaskedformycompanytheninthedining-room.Ifhewereaboutsettingoutforotherlodgings,Iwouldgowithhimnow,Itoldhim;but,ifhedidnotjustthengo,IwouldfirstfinishmylettertoMissHowe.

Iseehehasnomindtoleavemeifhecanhelpit.Mybrother'sschememaygivehimapretencetotrytoengagemetodispensewithhispromise.ButifInowdoImustacquithimofitentirely.

Myapprobationofhistenderbehaviourinthemidstofmygrief,hasgivenhimaright,asheseemstothink,ofaddressingmewithallthefreedomofanapprovedlover.Iseebythisman,thatwhenonceawoman

embarkswiththissex,thereisnoreceding.Oneconcessionisbutthepreludetoanotherwiththem.HehasbeeneversinceSundaylastcontinuallycomplainingofthedistanceIkeephimat;andthinkshimselfentitlednowtocallinquestionmyvalueforhim;strengtheninghisdoubtsbymyformerdeclaredreadinesstogivehimuptoareconciliationwithmyfriends;andyethashimselffallenofffromthatobsequioustenderness,ifImaycouplethewords,whichdrewfrommetheconcessionshebuildsupon.

Whileweweretalkingatthedoor,mynewservantcameupwithan



invitationtousbothtotea.Isaidhemightacceptofit,ifhepleased:butImustpursuemywriting;andnotchoosingeitherteaorsupper,Idesiredhimtomakemyexcusesbelow,astoboth;andinformthemofmychoicetoberetiredasmuchaspossible;yettopromiseformemyattendanceonthewidowandherniecesatbreakfastinthemorning.

Heobjectedparticularlyintheeyeofstrangersastoavoidingsupper.

Youknow,saidI,andyoucantellthem,thatIseldomeatsuppers.Myspiritsarelow.Youmustneverurgemeagainstadeclaredchoice.Pray,Mr.Lovelace,informthemofallmyparticularities.Iftheyareobliging,theywillallowforthem--Icomenothithertomakenewacquaintance.

IhaveturnedoverthebooksIfoundinmycloset;andamnotalittlepleasedwiththem;andthinkthebetterofthepeopleofthehousefortheirsakes.

Stanhope'sGospels;Sharp's,Tillotson's,andSouth'sSermons;Nelson'sFeastsandFasts;aSacramentalPieceoftheBishopofMan,andanotherofDr.Gauden,BishopofExeter;andInett'sDevotions,areamongthedevoutbooks:--andamongthoseofalighterturn,thefollowingnotill-chosenones:ATelemachus,inFrench;anotherinEnglish;Steel's,Rowe's,andShakespeare'sPlays;thatgenteelComedyofMr.Cibber,The

CarelessHusband,andothersofthesameauthor;Dryden'sMiscellanies;theTatlers,Spectators,andGuardians;Pope's,andSwift's,andAddison'sWorks.

IntheblankleavesoftheNelsonandBishopGauden,isMrs.Sinclair'sname;andinthoseofmostoftheothers,eitherSarahMartin,orMaryHorton,thenamesofthetwonieces.

***

IamexceedinglyoutofhumourwithMr.Lovelace:andhavegreatreason

tobeso,asyouwillallow,whenyouhavereadtheconversationIamgoingtogiveyouanaccountof;forhewouldnotletmeresttillIgavehimmycompanyinthedining-room.

Hebeganwithlettingmeknow,thathehadbeenouttoinquireafterthecharacterofthewidow,whichwasthemorenecessary,hesaid,ashesupposedthatIwouldexpecthisfrequentabsence.

Idid,Isaid;andthathewouldnotthinkoftakinguphislodginginthesamehousewithme.Butwhat,saidI,istheresultofyourinquiry?

Why,indeed,thewidow'scharacterwas,inthemain,whathelikedwellenough.ButasitwasMissHowe'sopinion,asIhadtoldhim,thatmy

brotherhadnotgivenoverhisscheme;asthewidowlivedbylettinglodgings,andhadotherstoletinthesamepartofthehouse,whichmightbetakenbyanenemy;heknewnobetterwaythanforhimtotakethemall,asitcouldnotbeforalongtime,unlessIwouldthinkofremovingtoothers.

Sofarwaswellenough.Butasitwaseasyformetosee,thathespoketheslighterofthewidow,inordertohaveapretencetolodgeherehimself,Iaskedhimhisintentioninthatrespect.Andhefranklyowned,thatifIchosetostayhere,hecouldnot,asmattersstood,



thinkofleavingmeforsixhourstogether;andhehadpreparedthewidowtoexpect,thatweshouldbeherebutforafewdays;onlytillwecouldfixourselvesinahousesuitabletoourcondition;andthis,thatImightbeunderthelessembarrassment,ifIpleasedtoremove.

Fixour-selvesinahouse,andwe,andour,Mr.Lovelace--Pray,inwhatlight--

Heinterruptedme--Why,mydearestlife,ifyouwillhearmewithpatience--yet,IamhalfafraidthatIhavebeentooforward,asIhavenotconsultedyouuponit--butasmyfriendsintown,accordingtowhatMr.Dolemanhaswritten,intheletteryouhaveseen,concludeustobemarried--

Surely,Sir,youhavenotpresumed--

Hearmeout,mydearestcreature--youhavereceivedwithfavour,myaddresses:youhavemademehopeforthehonourofyourconsentinghand:yet,bydecliningmymostferventtenderofmyselftoyouatMrs.Sorlings's,havegivenmeapprehensionsofdelay:Iwouldnotfortheworldbethoughtsoungenerousawretch,nowyouhavehonouredmewithyourconfidence,astowishtoprecipitateyou.Yetyourbrother'sschemesarenotgivenup.Singleton,Iamafraid,isactuallyintown;hisvesselliesatRotherhithe--yourbrotherisabsentfromHarlowe-

place;indeednotwithSingletonyet,asIcanhear.Ifyouareknowntobemine,orifyouarebutthoughttobeso,therewillprobablybeanendofyourbrother'scontrivances.Thewidow'scharactermaybeasworthyasitissaidtobe.Buttheworthiersheis,themoredanger,ifyourbrother'sagentshouldfindusout;sinceshemaybepersuaded,thatsheoughtinconsciencetotakeaparent'spartagainstachildwhostandsinoppositiontothem.Butifshebelievesusmarried,hergoodcharacterwillstandusinstead,andgiveherareasonwhytwoapartmentsarerequisiteforusatthehourofretirement.

Iperfectlyravedathim.Iwouldhaveflungfromhiminresentment;buthewouldnotletme:andwhatcouldIdo?Whithergo,theeveningadvanced?

Iamastonishedatyou!saidI.--Ifyouareamanofhonour,whatneedofallthisstrangeobliquity?Youdelightincrookedways--letmeknow,sinceImuststayinyourcompany(forheheldmyhand),letmeknowallyouhavesaidtothepeoplebelow.--Indeed,indeed,Mr.Lovelace,youareaveryunaccountableman.

Mydearestcreature,needItohavementionedanythingofthis?andcouldInothavetakenupmylodgingsinthishouseunknowntoyou,ifIhadnotintendedtomakeyouthejudgeofallmyproceedings?--ButthisiswhatIhavetoldthewidowbeforeherkinswomen,andbeforeyournewservant--'ThatindeedwewereprivatelymarriedatHertford;butthatyouhadpreliminarilyboundmeunderasolemnvow,whichIammost

religiouslyresolvedtokeep,tobecontentedwithseparateapartments,andevennottolodgeunderthesameroof,tillacertainreconciliationshalltakeplace,whichisofhighconsequencetoboth.'AndfurtherthatImightconvinceyouofthepurityofmyintentions,andthatmywholeviewinthiswastopreventmischief,Ihaveacquaintedthem,'thatIhavesolemnlypromisedtobehavetoyoubeforeeverybody,asifwewereonlybetrothed,andnotmarried;notevenofferingtotakeanyofthoseinnocentfreedomswhicharenotrefusedinthemostpunctiliousloves.'



Andthenhesolemnlyvowedtomethestrictestobservanceofthesamerespectfulbehaviourtome.

Isaid,thatIwasnotbyanymeanssatisfiedwiththetalehehadtold,norwiththenecessityhewantedtolaymeunderofappearingwhatIwasnot:thateverystephetookwasawryone,aneedlesswryone:andsincehethoughtitnecessarytotellthepeoplebelowanythingaboutme,Iinsistedthatheshouldunsayallhehadsaid,andtellthemthetruth.

Whathehadtoldthem,hesaid,waswithsomanycircumstances,thathecouldsoonerdiethancontradictit.Andstillheinsistedupontheproprietyofappearingtobemarried,forthereasonshehadgivenbefore--And,dearestcreature,saidhe,whythishighdispleasurewithmeuponsowell-intendedanexpedient?Youknow,thatIcannotwishtoshunyourbrother,orhisSingleton,butuponyouraccount.ThefirststepIwouldtake,iflefttomyself,wouldbetofindthemout.Ihavealwaysactedinthismanner,whenanybodyhaspresumedtogiveoutthreateningsagainstit.

'TistrueIwouldhaveconsultedyoufirst,andhadyourleave.ButsinceyoudislikewhatIhavesaid,letmeimploreyou,dearestMadam,togivetheonlypropersanctiontoit,bynaminganearlyday.WouldtoHeaventhatweretobeto-morrow!--ForGod'ssake,letitbeto-morrow!But,ifnot,[wasithisbusiness,mydear,beforeIspoke(yetheseemed

tobeafraidofme)tosay,ifnot?]letmebeseechyou,Madam,ifmybehaviourshallnotbetoyourdislike,thatyouwillnotto-morrow,atbreakfast-time,discreditwhatIhavetoldthem.ThemomentIgiveyoucausetothinkthatItakeanyadvantageofyourconcession,thatmomentrevokeit,andexposeme,asIshalldeserve.--Andoncemore,letmeremindyou,thatIhavenovieweithertoserveorsavemyselfbythisexpedient.Itisonlytopreventaprobablemischief,foryourownmind'ssake;andforthesakeofthosewhodeservenottheleastconsiderationfromme.

WhatcouldIsay?WhatcouldIdo?--Iverilythink,thathadheurgedmeagain,inapropermanner,Ishouldhaveconsented(littlesatisfiedasIamwithhim)togivehimameetingto-morrowmorningatamoresolemn

placethanintheparlourbelow.

ButthisIresolve,thatheshallnothavemyconsenttostayanightunderthisroof.HehasnowgivenmeastrongerreasonforthisdeterminationthanIhadbefore.

***

Alas!mydear,howvainathingtosay,whatwewill,orwhatwewillnotdo,whenwehaveputourselvesintothepowerofthissex!--Hewentdowntothepeoplebelow,onmydesiringtobelefttomyself;andstaidtill

theirsupperwasjustready;andthen,desiringamoment'saudience,ashecalledit,hebesoughtmyleavetostaythatonenight,promisingtosetouteitherforLordM.'s,orforEdgeware,tohisfriendBelford's,inthemorning,afterbreakfast.ButifIwereagainstit,hesaid,hewouldnotstaysupper;andwouldattendmeabouteightnextday--yetheadded,thatmydenialwouldhaveaveryparticularappearancetothepeoplebelow,fromwhathehadtoldthem;andthemore,ashehadactuallyagreedforallthevacantapartments,(indeedonlyforamonth,)forthereasonshebeforehintedat:butIneednotstayheretwodays,if,uponconversingwiththewidowandherniecesinthemorning,I



shouldhaveanydisliketothem.

Ithought,notwithstandingmyresolutionabove-mentioned,thatitwouldseemtoopunctilioustodenyhim,underthecircumstanceshehadmentioned:having,besides,noreasontothinkhewouldobeyme;forhelookedasifheweredeterminedtodebatethematterwithme.Andnow,asIseenolikelihoodofareconciliationwithmyfriends,andasIhaveactuallyreceivedhisaddresses,IthoughtIwouldnotquarrelwithhim,ifIcouldhelpit,especiallyasheaskedtostaybutforonenight,andcouldhavedonesowithoutmyknowingit;andyoubeingofopinion,thattheproudwretch,distrustinghisownmeritswithme,oratleastmyregardforhim,willprobablybringmetosomeconcessionsinhisfavour--forallthesereasons,Ithoughtpropertoyieldthispoint:yetIwassovexedwithhimontheother,thatitwasimpossibleformetocomplywiththatgracewhichaconcessionshouldbemadewith,ornotmadeatall.

ThiswaswhatIsaid--Whatyouwilldo,youmustdo,Ithink.Youareveryreadytopromise;veryreadytodepartfromyourpromise.Yousay,however,thatyouwillsetoutto-morrowforthecountry.YouknowhowillIhavebeen.Iamnotwellenoughnowtodebatewithyouuponyourencroachingways.Iamutterlydissatisfiedwiththetaleyouhavetoldbelow.NorwillIpromisetoappeartothepeopleofthehouseto-morrowwhatIamnot.

Hewithdrewinthemostrespectfulmanner,beseechingmeonlytofavourhimwithsuchameetinginthemorningasmightnotmakethewidowandherniecesthinkhehadgivenmereasontobeoffendedwithhim.

Iretiredtomyownapartment,andDorcascametomesoonaftertotakemycommands.Itoldher,thatIrequiredverylittleattendance,andalwaysdressedandundressedmyself.

Sheseemedconcerned,asifshethoughtIhadrepulsedher;andsaid,itshouldbeherwholestudytoobligeme.

Itoldher,thatIwasnotdifficulttobepleased:andshouldlether

knowfromtimetotimewhatassistanceIshouldexpectfromher.ButforthatnightIhadnooccasionforherfurtherattendance.

Sheisnotonlygenteel,butiswellbred,andwellspoken--shemusthavehadwhatisgenerallythoughttobethepolitepartofeducation:butitisstrange,thatfathersandmothersshouldmakesolight,astheygenerallydo,ofthatpreferablepart,ingirls,whichwouldimprovetheirminds,andgiveagracetoalltherest.

Assoonasshewasgone,Iinspectedthedoors,thewindows,thewainscot,thedarkclosetaswellasthelightone;andfindingverygoodfasteningstothedoor,andtoallthewindows,Iagainhadrecoursetomypen.

***

Mrs.Sinclairisjustnowgonefromme.Dorcas,shetoldme,hadacquaintedher,thatIhaddismissedherforthenight.ShecametoaskmehowIlikedmyapartment,andtowishmegoodrest.Sheexpressedherconcern,thattheycouldnothavemycompanyatsupper.Mr.Lovelace,shesaid,hadinformedthemofmyloveofretirement.Sheassuredme,



thatIshouldnotbebrokeninupon.Shehighlyextolledhim,andgavemeashareinthepraiseastoperson.Butwassorry,shesaid,thatshewaslikelytoloseussosoonasMr.Lovelacetalkedof.

Iansweredherwithsuitablecivility;andshewithdrewwithgreattokensofrespect.Withgreater,Ithink,thanshouldbefromdistanceofyears,asshewasthewifeofagentleman;andastheappearanceofeverythingabouther,aswellhouseasdress,carriesthemarksofsuchgoodcircumstances,asrequirenotabasement.

If,mydear,youwillwrite,againstprohibition,bepleasedtodirect,ToMissLaetitiaBeaumont;tobelefttillcalledfor,atMr.Wilson's,inPallMall.

Mr.Lovelaceproposedthisdirectiontome,notknowingofyourdesirethatyourlettersshouldpassbyathirdhand.Ashismotiveforitwas,thatmybrothermightnottraceoutwhereweare,Iamglad,aswellfromthisinstanceasfromothers,thatheseemstothinkhehasdonemischiefenoughalready.

DoyouknowhowmypoorHannahdoes?

Mr.Lovelaceissofullofhiscontrivancesandexpedients,thatIthinkitmaynotbeamisstodesireyoutolookcarefullytothesealsofmy

letters,asIshalltothoseofyours.IfIfindhimbaseinthisparticular,Ishallthinkhimcapableofanyevil;andwillflyhimasmyworstenemy.

LETTERII

MISSHOWE,TOMISSCLARISSAHARLOWE[WITHHERTWOLASTLETTERS,NO.LVIII.LIX.OFVOL.III.,ENCLOSED.]THURSDAYNIGHT,APRIL27.

Ihaveyour's;justbroughtme.Mr.Hickmanhashelpedmetoaluckyexpedient,which,withtheassistanceofthepost,willenablemetocorrespondwithyoueveryday.Anhonesthigler,[SimonCollinshisname,]bywhomIshallsendthis,andthetwoenclosed,(nowIhaveyourdirectionwhither,)goestotownconstantlyonMondays,Wednesdays,andFridays;andcanbringbacktomefromMr.Wilson'swhatyoushallhavecausedtobeleftforme.

Icongratulateyouonyourarrivalintown,somuchamendedinspirits.Imustbebrief.Ihopeyou'llhavenocausetorepentreturningmyNorris.Itisforthcomingondemand.

IamsorryyourHannahcan'tbewithyou.Sheisveryillstill;butnot

dangerously.

Ilongforyouraccountofthewomenyouarewith.Iftheyarenotrightpeople,youwillfindthemoutinonebreakfasting.

Iknownotwhattowriteuponhisreportingtothemthatyouareactuallymarried.Hisreasonsforitareplausible.Buthedelightsinoddexpedientsandinventions.

Whetheryoulikethepeopleornot,donot,byyournoblesincerityand



plaindealing,makeyourselfenemies.Youareintherealworldnowyouknow.

Iamgladyouhadthoughtsoftakinghimathisoffer,ifhehadre-urgedit.Iwonderhedidnot.Butifhedonotsoon,andinsuchawayasyoucanacceptofit,don'tthinkofstayingwithhim.

Dependuponit,mydear,hewillnotleaveyou,eithernightorday,ifhecanhelpit,nowhehasgotfooting.

Ishouldhaveabhorredhimforhisreportofyourmarriage,hadhenotmadeitwithsuchcircumstancesasleaveitstillinyourpowertokeephimatdistance.Ifonceheofferattheleastfamiliarity--butthisisneedlesstosaytoyou.Hecanhave,Ithink,nootherdesignbutwhatheprofesses;becausehemustneedsthink,thathisreportofbeingmarriedtoyoumustincreaseyourvigilance.

Youmaydependuponmylookingnarrowlyintothesealingsofyourletters.If,asyousay,hebebaseinthatpoint,hewillbesoineverything.Buttoapersonofyourmerit,ofyourfortune,ofyourvirtue,hecannotbebase.Themanisnofool.Itishisinterest,aswellwithregardtohisexpectationsfromhisownfriends,asfromyou,tobehonest.WouldtoHeaven,however,youwerereallymarried!Thisisnowthepredominantwishof

YourANNAHOWE.

LETTERIII

MISSCLARISSAHARLOWE,TOMISSHOWETHURSDAYMORNING,EIGHTO'CLOCK.

IammoreandmoredispleasedwithMr.Lovelace,onreflection,forhis

boldnessinhopingtomakeme,thoughbutpassively,asImaysay,testifytohisgreatuntruth.AndIshalllikehimstilllessforit,ifhisviewinitdoesnotcomeouttobethehopeofacceleratingmyresolutioninhisfavour,bythedifficultyitwilllaymeunderastomybehaviourtohim.HehassentmehiscomplimentsbyDorcas,witharequestthatIwillpermithimtoattendmeinthedining-room,--meethimingoodhumour,ornot:butIhaveanswered,thatasIshallseehimatbreakfast-timeIdesiredtobeexcused.

TENO'CLOCK.

Itriedtoadjustmycountenance,beforeIwentdown,toaneasierair

thanIhadaheart,andwasreceivedwiththehighesttokensofrespectbythewidowandhertwonieces:agreeableyoungwomenenoughintheirpersons;buttheyseemedtoputonanairofreserve;whileMr.Lovelacewaseasyandfreetoall,asifhewereoflongacquaintancewiththem:gracefullyenough,Icannotbutsay;anadvantagewhichtravelledgentlemenhaveoverotherpeople.

Thewidow,intheconversationwehadafterbreakfast,gaveusanaccountofthemilitarymeritoftheColonelherhusband,and,uponthisoccasion,putherhandkerchieftohereyestwiceorthrice.Ihopefor



thesakeofhersincerity,shewettedit,becauseshewouldbethoughttohavedoneso;butIsawnotthatshedid.ShewishedthatImightneverknowthelossofahusbandsodeartome,asherbelovedColonelwastoher:andsheagainputthehandkerchieftohereyes.

Itmust,nodoubt,beamostaffectingthingtobeseparatedfromagoodhusband,andtobeleftindifficultcircumstancesbesides,andthatnotbyhisfault,andexposedtotheinsultsofthebaseandungrateful,assherepresentedhercasetobeathisdeath.Thismovedmeagooddealinherfavour.

Youknow,mydear,thatIhaveanopenandfreeheart;andnaturallyhaveasopenandfreeacountenance;atleastmycomplimentershavetoldmeso.Atonce,whereIlike,Iminglemindswithoutreserve,encouragingreciprocalfreedoms,andamforwardtodissipatediffidences.ButwiththesetwoniecesofthewidowInevercanbeintimate--Idon'tknowwhy.

Onlythatcircumstances,andwhatpassedinconversation,encouragednotthenotion,orIshouldhavebeenapttothink,thattheyoungladiesandMr.Lovelacewereoflongeracquaintancethanofyesterday.Forhe,bystealthasitwere,castglancessometimesatthem,whentheyreturned;and,onmyocularnotice,theireyesfell,asImaysay,undermyeye,asiftheycouldnotstanditsexamination.

Thewidowdirectedallhertalktome,astoMrs.Lovelace;andI,withaveryillgraceboreit.AndoncesheexpressedmoreforwardlythanIthankedherfor,herwonderthatanyvow,anyconsideration,howeverweighty,couldhaveforceenoughwithsocharmingacouple,asshecalledhimandme,tomakeuskeepseparatebeds.

Theireyes,uponthishint,hadtheadvantageofmine.YetwasInotconsciousofguilt.HowknowIthen,uponrecollection,thatmycensuresupontherearenottoorash?Thereare,nodoubt,manytrulymodestpersons(puttingmyselfoutofthequestion)who,byblushesataninjuriouscharge,havebeensuspected,bythosewhocannotdistinguishbetweentheconfusionwhichguiltwillbeattendedwith,andthenobleconsciousnessthatoverspreadsthefaceofafinespirit,tobethought

butcapableofanimputedevil.

ThegreatRoman,asweread,whotookhissurnamefromonepartinthree(thefourthnotthendiscovered)oftheworldhehadtriumphedover,beingchargedwithagreatcrimetohissoldiery,choserathertosufferexile(thepunishmentduetoit,hadhebeenfoundguilty)thantohaveitsaid,thatScipiowasquestionedinpublic,onsoscandalousacharge.Andthinkyou,mydear,thatScipiodidnotblushwithindignation,whenthechargewasfirstcommunicatedtohim?

Mr.Lovelace,whenthewidowexpressedherforwardwonder,lookedslyandleering,asiftoobservehowItookit:andsaid,theymighttakenoticethathisregardformywillandpleasure(callingmehisdearcreature)

hadgreaterforceuponhimthantheoathbywhichhehadboundhimself.

Rebukingbothhimandthewidow,Isaid,itwasstrangetometohearanoathorvowsolightlytreated,astohaveitthoughtbutofsecondconsideration,whateverwerethefirst.

Theobservationwasjust,MissMartinsaid;forthatnothingcouldexcusethebreakingofasolemnvow,betheoccasionofmakingitwhatitwould.

Iaskedherafterthenearestchurch;forIhavebeentoolongastranger



tothesacredworship.TheynamedSt.James's,St.Anne's,andanotherinBloomsbury;andthetwoniecessaidtheyoftenestwenttoSt.James'schurch,becauseofthegoodcompany,aswellasfortheexcellentpreaching.

Mr.Lovelacesaid,theRoyalChapelwastheplaceheoftenestwentto,whenhewasintown.Poorman!littledidIexpecttohearhewenttoanyplaceofdevotion.Iasked,ifthepresenceofthevisiblekingof,comparatively,butasmallterritory,didnottakeoff,toogenerally,therequisiteattentiontotheserviceoftheinvisibleKingandMakerofathousandworlds?

Hebelievedthismightbesowithsuchascameforcuriosity,whentheroyalfamilywerepresent.Butotherwise,hehadseenasmanycontritefacesattheRoyalChapel,asanywhereelse:andwhynot?Sincethepeopleaboutcourthaveasdeepscorestowipeoff,asanypeoplewhatsoever.

Hespokethiswithsomuchlevity,thatIcouldnothelpsaying,thatnobodyquestionedbutheknewhowtochoosehiscompany.

Yourservant,mydear,bowing,werehiswords;andturningtothem,youwillobserveuponnumberlessoccasions,ladies,aswearefurtheracquainted,thatmybelovedneversparesmeuponthesetopics.ButI

admireherasmuchinherreproofs,asIamfondofherapprobation.MissHortonsaid,therewasatimeforeverything.Shecouldnotbutsay,thatshethoughtinnocentmirthwasmightybecominginyoungpeople.

Verytrue,joinedinMissMartin.AndShakespearesayswell,thatyouthisthespringoflife,thebloomofgaudyyears[withatheatricalair,shespokeit:]andforherpart,shecouldnotbutadmireinmyspousethatcharmingvivacitywhichsowellsuitedhistimeoflife.

Mr.Lovelacebowed.Themanisfondofpraise.Morefondofit,Idoubt,thanofdeservingit.Yetthissortofpraisehedoesdeserve.Hehas,youknow,aneasyfreemanner,andnobadvoice:andthispraise

soexpandedhisgayheart,thathesungthefollowinglinesfromCongreve,ashetoldustheywere:

Youthdoesathousandpleasuresbring,Whichfromdecrepidagewillfly;Sweetsthatwantoninthebosomofthespring,Inwinter'scoldembracesdie.

Andthisforacompliment,ashesaid,tothetwonieces.Norwasitthrownawayuponthem.Theyencoredit;andhiscompliancefixedtheminmymemory.

Wehadsometalkaboutmeals,andthewidowverycivillyofferedto

conformtoanyrulesIwouldsether.ItoldherhoweasilyIwaspleased,andhowmuchIchosetodinebymyself,andthatfromaplatesentmefromanysingledish.ButIwillnottroubleyou,mydear,withsuchparticulars.

Theythoughtmeverysingular;andwithreason:butasIlikedthemnotsoverywellastoforegomyownchoiceincomplimenttothem,Iwasthelessconcernedforwhattheythought.--Andstilltheless,asMr.Lovelacehadputmeverymuchoutofhumourwithhim.



They,however,cautionedmeagainstmelancholy.Isaid,IshouldbeaveryunhappycreatureifIcouldnotbearmyowncompany.

Mr.Lovelacesaid,thathemustlettheladiesintomystory,andthentheywouldknowhowtoallowformyways.But,mydear,asyouloveme,saidtheconfidentwretch,giveaslittlewaytomelancholyaspossible.Nothingbutthesweetnessofyourtemper,andyourhighnotionsofadutythatnevercanbedeservedwhereyouplaceit,canmakeyousouneasyasyouare.--Benotangry,mydearlove,forsayingso,[seeingmefrown,Isuppose:]andsnatchedmyhandandkissedit.--Ilefthimwiththem;andretiredtomyclosetandmypen.

JustasIhavewrittenthusfar,Iaminterruptedbyamessagefromhim,thatheissettingoutonajourney,anddesirestotakemycommands.--SohereIwillleaveoff,togivehimameetinginthedining-room.

Iwasnotdispleasedtoseehiminhisriding-dress.

HeseemeddesiroustoknowhowIlikedthegentlewomenbelow.Itoldhim,thatalthoughIdidnotthinkthemveryexceptionable;yetasIwantednot,inmypresentsituation,newacquaintance,Ishouldnotbefondofcultivatingtheirs.

Heurgedmestillfartheronthishead.

Icouldnotsay,Itoldhim,thatIgreatlylikedeitheroftheyounggentlewomen,anymorethantheiraunt:andthat,weremysituationeversohappy,theyhadmuchtoogayaturnforme.

Hedidnotwonder,hesaid,tohearmesayso.Heknewnotanyofthesex,whohadbeenaccustomedtoshowthemselvesatthetowndiversionsandamusements,thatwouldappeartolerabletome.Silencesandblushes,Madam,arenownograceswithourfineladiesintown.Hardenedbyfrequentpublicappearances,theywouldbeasmuchashamedtobefoundguiltyoftheseweaknesses,asmen.

Doyoudefendthesetwogentlewomen,Sir,byreflectionsuponhalfthesex?Butyoumustsecondme,Mr.Lovelace,(andyetIamnotfondofbeingthoughtparticular,)inmydesireofbreakfastingandsupping(whenIdosup)bymyself.

IfIwouldhaveitso,tobesureitshouldbeso.Thepeopleofthehousewerenotofconsequenceenoughtobeapologizedto,inanypointwheremypleasurewasconcerned.AndifIshoulddislikethemstillmoreonfurtherknowledgeofthem,hehopedIwouldthinkofsomeotherlodgings.

Heexpressedagooddealofregretatleavingme,declaring,thatitwas

absolutelyinobediencetomycommands:butthathecouldnothaveconsentedtogo,whilemybrother'sschemeswereonfoot,ifIhadnotdonehimthecreditofmycountenanceinthereporthehadmadethatweweremarried;which,hesaid,hadboundallthefamilytohisinterest,sothathecouldleavemewiththegreatersecurityandsatisfaction.

Hehoped,hesaid,thatonhisreturnIwouldnamehishappyday;andtherather,asImightbeconvinced,bymybrother'sprojects,thatnoreconciliationwastobeexpected.



Itoldhim,thatperhapsImightwriteonelettertomyuncleHarlowe.Heoncelovedme.IshouldbeeasierwhenIhadmadeonedirectapplication.Imightpossiblyproposesuchterms,inrelationtomygrandfather'sestate,asmightprocuremetheirattention;andIhopedhewouldbelongenoughabsenttogivemetimetowritetohim,andreceiveananswerfromhim.

That,hemustbegmypardon,hecouldnotpromise.HewouldinformhimselfofSingleton'sandmybrother'smotions;andifonhisreturnhefoundnoreasonforapprehension,hewouldgodirectlyforBerks,andendeavourtobringupwithhimhiscousinCharlotte,who,hehoped,wouldinducemetogivehimanearlierdaythanatpresentIseemedtothinkof.--Iseemedtothinkof,mydear,veryacquiescent,asIshouldimagine!

Itoldhim,thatIshouldtakethatyounglady'scompanyforagreatfavour.

Iwasthemorepleasedwiththismotion,asitcamefromhimself,andwithnoillgrace.

Heearnestlypressedmetoacceptofabanknote:butIdeclinedit.AndthenheofferedmehisservantWilliamformyattendantinhisabsence;who,hesaid,mightbedispatchedtohim,ifanythingextraordinaryfell

out.Iconsentedtothat.Hetookhisleaveofmeinthemostrespectfulmanner,onlykissingmyhand.Heleftthebanknote,unobservedbyme,uponthetable.Youmaybesure,Ishallgiveithimbackathisreturn.

IaminamuchbetterhumourwithhimthanIwas.

Wheredoubtsofanypersonareremoved,amindnotungenerousiswilling,bywayofamendsforhavingconceivedthosedoubts,toconstrueeverythingthathappens,capableofagoodinstruction,inthatperson'sfavour.Particularly,Icannotbutbepleasedtoobserve,thatalthoughhespeaksoftheladiesofhisfamilywiththefreedomofrelationship,

yetitisalwaysoftenderness.Andfromaman'skindnesstohisrelationsofthesex,awomanhassomereasontoexpecthisgoodbehaviourtoherself,whenmarried,ifshebewillingtodeserveitfromhim.

Andthus,mydear,amIbroughttositdownsatisfiedwiththisman,whereIfindroomtoinferthatheisnotbynatureasavage.Buthowcouldacreaturewho(treatingherselfunpolitely)gaveamananopportunitytorunawaywithher,expecttobetreatedbythatmanwithaveryhighdegreeofpoliteness?

Butwhy,now,whenfairerprospectsseemtoopen,whythesemelancholyreflections?willmybelovedfriendaskofherClarissa?

Why?Canyouaskwhy,mydearestMissHowe,ofacreature,who,intheworld'seye,hadenrolledhernameamongthegiddyandinconsiderate;wholaboursunderaparent'scurse,andthecrueluncertainties,whichmustarisefromreflecting,that,equallyagainstdutyandprinciple,shehasthrownherselfintothepowerofaman,andthatmananimmoralone?--Mustnotthesenseshehasofherinconsiderationdarkenhermosthopefulprospects?Mustitnotevenrisestrongestuponathoughtfulmind,whenherhopesarethefairest?Evenherpleasures,werethemantoprovebetterthansheexpects,comingtoherwithanabatement,likethatwhich



personswhoareinpossessionofill-gottenwealthmustthenmostpoignantlyexperience(iftheyhavereflectingandunsearedminds)when,alltheirwishesanswered,(ifanswered,)theysitdowninhopestoenjoywhattheyhaveunjustlyobtained,andfindtheirownreflectionstheirgreatesttorment.

Mayyou,mydearfriend,bealwayshappyinyourreflections,prays

YoureveraffectionateCL.HARLOWE.

***

[Mr.Lovelace,inhisnextletter,triumphsonhishavingcarriedhistwogreatpointsofmakingtheLadyyieldtopassforhiswifetothepeopleofthehouse,andtohistakinguphislodginginit,thoughbutforonenight.Heisnow,hesays,inafairway,anddoubtsnotbutthatheshallsoonprevail,ifnotbypersuasion,bysurprise.Yethepretendstohavesomelittleremorse,andcensureshimselfastoactingthepartofthegrandtempter.Buthavingsucceededthusfar,hecannot,hesays,forbeartrying,accordingtotheresolutionhehadbeforemade,whetherhecannotgofarther.

Hegivestheparticularsoftheirdebatesontheabove-mentionedsubjects,tothesameeffectasintheLady'slastletters.

Itwillbythistimebeseenthathiswholemerit,withregardtotheLady,liesindoingjusticetoherexcellenciesbothofmindandperson,thoughtohisowncondemnation.Thushebeginshissucceedingletter:]

Andnow,Belford,willIgivetheeanaccountofourfirstbreakfast-conversation.

Allsweetlysereneandeasywasthelovelybrowandcharmingaspectofmy

goddess,onherdescendingamongus;commandingreverencefromeveryeye,acourtesyfromeveryknee,andsilence,awfulsilence,fromeveryquiveringlip:whileshe,armedwithconsciousworthinessandsuperiority,lookedandbehavedasanempresswouldlookandbehaveamonghervassals;yetwithafreedomfromprideandhaughtiness,asifborntodignity,andtoabehaviourhabituallygracious.

[Hetakesnoticeofthejealousy,pride,andvanityofSallyMartinandPollyHorton,onhisrespectfulbehaviourtotheLady:creatureswho,broughtuptoohighfortheirfortunes,andtoatasteofpleasure,andthepublicdiversions,hadfallenaneasypreytohisseducingarts(aswillbeseenintheconclusionofthiswork:)andwho,ashe

observed,'hadnotyetgotoverthatdistinctionintheirlove,whichmakesawomanpreferonemantoanother.']

Howdifficultisit,sayshe,tomakeawomansubscribetoapreferenceagainstherself,thougheversovisible;especiallywhereloveisconcerned!Thisviolent,thispartiallittledevil,Sally,hastheinsolencetocompareherselfwithmyangel--yetownshertobeanangel.Ichargeyou,Mr.Lovelace,sayshe,shownoneofyourextravagantactsofkindnessbeforemetothissullen,thisgloomybeauty--Icannotbearit.ThenwasIremindedofherfirstsacrifice.



Whataroutdothesewomenmakeaboutnothingatall!WereitnotforwhatthelearnedBishop,inhisLetterfromItaly,callstheentanglementsofamour,andIthedelicaciesofintrigue,whatisthere,Belford,inalltheycandoforus?

Howdothesecreaturesendeavourtostimulateme!Afallenwomanisaworsedevilthaneveraprofligateman.Theformerisincapableofremorse:thatamnotI--norevershalltheyprevailuponme,thoughaidedbyallthepowersofdarkness,totreatthisadmirablecreaturewithindignity--sofar,Imean,asindignitycanbeseparatedfromthetrialswhichwillprovehertobeeitherwomanorangel.

YetwiththemIamacraven.Imighthavehadherbeforenow,ifIwould.IfIwouldtreatherasfleshandblood,Ishouldfindhersuch.TheythoughtIknew,ifanymanlivingdid,thatifamanmadeagoddessofawoman,shewouldassumethegoddess;thatifpowerweregiventoher,shewouldexertthatpowertothegiver,iftonobodyelse.AndD----r'swifeisthrownintomydish,who,thouknowest,keptherceremonioushusbandathaughtydistance,andwhinedinprivatetoherinsultingfootman.OhowIcursedtheblasphemouswretches!Theywillmakeme,asItellthem,hatetheirhouse,andremovefromit.Andbymysoul,Jack,IamreadyattimestothinkthatIshouldnothavebroughtherhither,wereitbutonSally'saccount.Andyet,withoutknowing

eitherSally'sheart,orPolly's,thedearcreatureresolvesagainsthavinganyconversationwiththembutsuchasshecanavoid.Iamnotsorryforthis,thoumayestthink;sincejealousyinawomanisnottobeconcealedfromwoman.AndSallyhasnocommandofherself.

Whatdostthink!--HerethislittledevilSally,notbeingable,asshetoldme,tosupportlifeundermydispleasure,wasgoingintoafit:butwhenIsawherpreparingforit,Iwentoutoftheroom;andsoshethoughtitwouldnotbeworthherwhiletoshowaway.

[InthismannerhementionswhathismeaningwasinmakingtheLadythecomplimentofhisabsence:]

Astoleavingher:ifIgobutforonenight,Ihavefulfilledmypromise:andifshethinknot,Icanmutterandgrumble,andyieldagain,andmakeameritofit;andthen,unabletoliveoutofherpresence,soonreturn.Norarewomeneverangryatbottomforbeingdisobeyedthroughexcessoflove.Theylikeanuncontroulablepassion.Theyliketohaveeveryfavourravishedfromthem,andtobeeatenanddrunkquiteupbyavoraciouslover.Don'tIknowthesex?--Notso,indeed,asyet,myClarissa:but,however,withhermyfrequentegresseswillmakemelooknewtoher,andcreatelittlebusyscenesbetweenus.Attheleast,Imaysurely,withoutexception,saluteheratparting,andatreturn;andwillnotthoseoccasionalfreedoms(whichcivilitywillwarrant)bydegreesfamiliarizemycharmertothem?

Buthere,Jack,whatshallIdowithmyuncleandaunts,andallmylovingcousins?ForIunderstandthattheyaremoreinhastetohavememarriedthanIammyself.

LETTERIV

MISSCLARISSAHARLOWE,TOMISSHOWE



FRIDAY,APRIL28.

Mr.Lovelaceisreturnedalready.Mybrother'sprojectswerehispretence.Icouldnotbutlookuponthisshortabsenceasanevasionofhispromise;especiallyashehadtakensuchprecautionswiththepeoplebelow;andasheknewthatIproposedtokeepclosewithin-doors.Icannotbeartobedealtmeanlywith;andangrilyinsistedthatheshoulddirectlysetoutforBerkshire,inordertoengagehiscousin,ashehadpromised.

Omydearestlife,saidhe,whywillyoubanishmefromyourpresence?IcannotleaveyouforsolongatimeasyouseemtoexpectIshould.IhavebeenhoveringabouttowneversinceIleftyou.EdgwarewasthefarthestplaceIwentto,andthereIwasnotabletostaytwohours,forfear,atthiscrisis,anythingshouldhappen.Whocanaccountfortheworkingsofanapprehensivemind,whenallthatisdearandvaluabletoitisatstake?Youmayspareyourselfthetroubleofwritingtoanyofyourfriends,tillthesolemnityhaspassedthatshallentitlemetogiveweighttoyourapplication.Whentheyknowwearemarried,yourbrother'splotswillbeatanend;andyourfatherandmother,anduncles,mustbereconciledtoyou.Whythenshouldyouhesitateamomenttoconfirmmyhappiness?Why,oncemore,wouldyoubanishmefromyou?Whywillyounotgivethemanwhohasbroughtyouintodifficulties,and

whosohonourablywishestoextricateyoufromthem,thehappinessofdoingso?

Hewassilent.MyvoicefailedtosecondtheinclinationIhadtosaysomethingnotwhollydiscouragingtoapointsowarmlypressed.

I'lltellyou,myangel,resumedhe,whatIproposetodo,ifyouapproveofit.Iwillinstantlygoouttoviewsomeofthehandsomenewsquaresorfinestreetsroundthem,andmakeareporttoyouofanysuitablehouseIfindtobelet.Iwilltakesuchaoneasyoushallchoose,andsetupanequipagebefittingourcondition.Youshalldirectthewhole.Andonsomeearlyday,eitherbefore,orafterwefix,[itmustbeatyourownchoice],bepleasedtomakemethehappiestofmen.Andthen

willeverythingbeinadesirabletrain.Youshallreceiveinyourownhouse(ifitcanbesosoonfurnishedasIwish)thecomplimentsofallmyrelations.Charlotteshallvisityouintheinterim:andifittakeuptime,youshallchoosewhomyouwillhonourwithyourcompany,first,second,orthird,inthesummermonths;andonyourreturnyoushallfindallthatwaswantinginyournewhabitationsupplied,andpleasuresinaconstantroundshallattendus.Omyangel,takemetoyou,insteadofbanishingmefromyou,andmakemeyour'sforever.

Yousee,mydear,thatherewasnodaypressedfor.Iwasnotuneasyaboutthat,andthesoonerrecoveredmyself,astherewasnot.But,however,Igavehimnoreasontoupbraidmeforrefusinghisofferofgoinginsearchofahouse.

Heisaccordinglygoneoutforthispurpose.ButIfindthatheintendstotakeuphislodgingheretonight;andifto-night,nodoubtonothernights,whileheisintown.Asthedoorsandwindowsofmyapartmenthavegoodfastenings;ashehasnot,inallthistime,givenmecauseforapprehension;ashehasthepretenceofmybrother'sschemestoplead;asthepeoplebelowareverycourteousandobliging,MissHortonespecially,whoseemstohavetakenagreatlikingtome,andtobeofagentlertemperandmannersthanMissMartin;andaswearenowinatolerableway;Iimagineitwouldlookparticulartothemall,andbringmeintoa



debatewithaman,who(lethimbesetuponwhathewill)hasalwaysagreatdealtosayforhimself,ifIweretoinsistuponhispromise:onalltheseaccounts,Ithink,Iwilltakenonoticeofhislodginghere,ifhedon't.--Letmeknow,mydear,yourthoughtsofeverything.

YoumaybelieveIgavehimbackhisbanknotethemomentIsawhim.

FRIDAYEVENING.

Mr.Lovelacehasseentwoorthreehouses,butnonetohismind.Buthehasheardofonewhichlookspromising,hesays,andwhichheistoinquireaboutinthemorning.

SATURDAYMORNING.

Hehasmadehisinquiries,andactuallyseenthehousehewastoldoflastnight.Theownerofitisayoungwidowlady,whoisinconsolableforthedeathofherhusband;Fretchvillehername.Itisfurnishedquiteintaste,everythingbeingnewwithinthesesixmonths.Hebelieves,ifIlikenotthefurniture,theuseofitmaybeagreedfor,withthehouse,foratimecertain:but,ifIlikeit,hewillendeavourtotaketheone,andpurchasetheother,directly.

Theladyseesnobody;norarethebestapartmentsabove-stairstobeviewed,tillsheiseitherabsent,orgoneintothecountry;whichshetalksofdoinginafortnight,orthreeweeks,atfarthest,andtolivethereretired.

WhatMr.Lovelacesawofthehouse(whichwerethesaloonandtwoparlours)wasperfectlyelegant;andhewasassuredallisofapiece.Theofficesarealsoveryconvenient;coach-houseandstablesathand.

Heshallbeveryimpatient,hesays,tillIseethewhole;norwillhe,ifhefindshecanhaveit,lookfarthertillIhaveseenit,exceptanythingelseoffertomyliking.Thepricehevaluesnot.

Henowdoesnothingbuttalkoftheceremony,butnotindeedoftheday.Idon'twanthimtourgethat--butIwonderhedoesnot.

HehasjustnowreceivedaletterfromLadyBettyLawrance,byaparticularhand;thecontentsprincipallyrelatingtoanaffairshehasinchancery.Butinthepostscriptsheispleasedtosayveryrespectfulthingsofme.

Theyareallimpatient,shesays,forthehappydaybeingover;whichtheyflatterthemselveswillensurehisreformation.

Hehoped,hetoldme,thatIwouldsoonenablehimtoanswertheirwishes

andhisown.

But,mydear,althoughtheopportunitywassoinviting,heurgednotfortheday.Whichisthemoreextraordinary,ashewassopressingformarriagebeforewecametotown.

Hewasveryearnestwithmetogivehim,andfourofhisfriends,mycompanyonMondayevening,atalittlecollation.MissMartinandMissHortoncannot,hesays,bethere,beingengagedinapartyoftheirown,withtwodaughtersofColonelSolcombe,andtwoniecesofSirAnthony



Holmes,uponanannualoccasion.ButMrs.Sinclairwillbepresent,andshegavehimhopeofthecompanyofayoungladyofverygreatfortuneandmerit(MissPartington),anheiresstowhomColonelSinclair,itseems,inhislifetimewasguardian,andwhothereforecallsMrs.SinclairMamma.

Idesiredtobeexcused.Hehadlaidme,Isaid,underamostdisagreeablenecessityofappearingasamarriedperson,andIwouldseeasfewpeopleaspossiblewhoweretothinkmeso.

Hewouldnoturgeit,hesaid,ifIweremuchaverse:buttheywerehisselectfriends;menofbirthandfortune,wholongedtoseeme.Itwastrue,headded,thatthey,aswellashisfriendDoleman,believedweweremarried:buttheythoughthimundertherestrictionsthathehadmentionedtothepeoplebelow.Imightbeassured,hetoldme,thathispolitenessbeforethemshouldbecarriedintothehighestdegreeofreverence.

Whenheissetuponanything,thereisnoknowing,asIhavesaidheretofore,whatonecando.*ButIwillnot,ifIcanhelpit,bemadeashowof;especiallytomenofwhosecharacterandprinciplesIhavenogoodopinion.Iam,mydearestfriend,

Youreveraffectionate

CL.HARLOWE.

*SeeLetterI.ofthisvolume.SeealsoVol.II.LetterXX.

***

[Mr.Lovelace,inhisnextletter,givesanaccountofhisquickreturn:ofhisreasonstotheLadyforit:ofherdispleasureuponit:andofherurginghisabsencefromthesafetyshewasinfromthesituationofthehouse,exceptsheweretobetracedoutbyhisvisits.]

Iwasconfoundedlypuzzled,sayshe,onthisoccasion,andonherinsistingupontheexecutionofatoo-readyofferwhichImadehergodowntoBerks,tobringupmycousinCharlottetovisitandattendher.Imademiserableexcuses;andfearingthattheywouldbemortallyresented,asherpassionbegantoriseuponmysayingCharlottewasdelicate,whichshetookstrangelywrong,Iwasobligedtoscreenmyselfbehindthemostsolemnandexplicitdeclarations.

[Hethenrepeatsthosedeclarations,tothesameeffectwiththeaccountshegivesofthem.]

Ibegan,sayshe,withanintentiontokeepmylifeofhonourinview,inthedeclarationImadeher;but,asithasbeensaidofacertainoratorintheHouseofCommons,whomorethanonce,inalongspeech,convincedhimselfashewentalong,andconcludedagainstthesidehesetoutintendingtofavour,soIinearnestpressedwithoutreserveformatrimonyintheprogressofmyharangue,whichstateIlittlethoughtofurginguponherwithsomuchstrengthandexplicitness.

[Hethenvalueshimselfuponthedelaythathisproposaloftakingand



furnishingahousemustoccasion.

Hewaversinhisresolutionswhethertoacthonourableornotbyameritsoexalted.

Hevalueshimselfuponhisowndelicacy,inexpressinghisindignationagainstherfriends,forsupposingwhathepretendshisheartrisesagainstthemforpresumingtosuppose.]

ButhaveInotreason,sayshe,tobeangrywithherfornotpraisingmeforthismydelicacy,whensheissoreadytocallmetoaccountfortheleastfailureinpunctilio?--However,IbelieveIcanexcusehertoo,uponthisgenerousconsideration,[forgenerousIamsureitis,becauseitisagainstmyself,]thathermindbeingtheessenceofdelicacy,theleastwantofitshocksher;whilethemeetingwithwhatissoveryextraordinarytome,istoofamiliartohertoobtainhernotice,asanextraordinary.

[Hegloriesinthestoryofthehouse,andoftheyoungwidowpossessorofit,Mrs.Fretchvillehecallsher;andleavesitdoubtfultoMr.Belford,whetheritbearealorafictitiousstory.

Hementionshisdifferentproposalsinrelationtotheceremony,whichhe

soearnestlypressedfor;andownshisartfulintentioninavoidingtonametheday.]

Andnow,sayshe,Ihopesoontohaveanopportunitytobeginmyoperations;sinceallishalcyonandsecurity.

Itisimpossibletodescribethedearcreature'ssweetandsilentconfusion,whenItoucheduponthematrimonialtopics.

Shemaydoubt.Shemayfear.Thewiseinallimportantcaseswilldoubt,andwillfear,tilltheyaresure.Butherapparentwillingnesstothinkwellofaspiritsoinventive,andsomachinating,isahappyprognosticforme.Othesereasoningladies!--HowIlovethesereasoning

ladies!--'Tisalloverwiththem,whenoncelovehascreptintotheirhearts:forthenwilltheyemployalltheirreasoningpowerstoexcuseratherthantoblametheconductofthedoubtedlover,letappearancesagainsthimbeeversostrong.

Mowbray,Belton,andTourville,longtoseemyangel,andwillbethere.Shehasrefusedme;butmustbepresentnotwithstanding.Sogenerousaspiritasmineiscannotenjoyitshappinesswithoutcommunication.IfIraisenotyourenvyandadmirationbothatonce,buthalf-joywillbethejoyofhavingsuchacharmingflyentangledinmyweb.Shethereforemustcomply.Andthoumustcome.AndthenwillshowtheetheprideandgloryoftheHarlowefamily,myimplacableenemies;andthoushaltjoinwithmeinmytriumphoverthemall.

Iknownotwhatmaystillbetheperversebeauty'sfate:Iwantthee,therefore,toseeandadmireher,whilesheissereneandfullofhope:beforeherapprehensionsarerealized,ifrealizedtheyaretobe;andifevilapprehensionsofmeshereallyhas;beforeherbeamyeyeshavelosttheirlustre;whileyethercharmingfaceissurroundedwithallitsvirginglories;andbeforetheploughofdisappointmenthasthrownupfurrowsofdistressuponeverylovelyfeature.

IfIcanprocureyouthishonouryouwillbereadytolaughout,asI



haveoftenmuchadotoforbear,atthepuritanicalbehaviourofthemotherbeforethislady.Notanoath,notacurse,northeleastfreeword,escapesherlips.Shemincesinhergait.Sheprimsupherhorse-mouth.Hervoice,which,whenshepleases,isthevoiceofthunder,issunkintoanhumblewhine.Herstiffhams,thathavenotbeenbenttoacivilityfortenyearspast,arenowlimberedintocourtesiesthreedeepateverword.Herfatarmsarecrossedbeforeher;andshecanhardlybeprevailedupontositinthepresenceofmygoddess.

IamdrawingupinstructionsforyealltoobserveonMondaynight.

SATURDAYNIGHT.

Mostconfoundedlyalarmed!--Lord,Sir,whatdoyouthink?criedDorcas--Myladyisresolvedtogotochurchto-morrow!Iwasatquadrillewiththewomenbelow.--Tochurch!saidI,anddownIlaidmycards.Tochurch!repeatedthey,eachlookingupontheother.Wehaddoneplayingforthatnight.

Whocouldhavedreamtofsuchawhimasthis?--Withoutnotice,withoutquestions!Herclothesnotcome!Noleaveasked!--Impossiblesheshouldthinkofbeingmywife!--Besides,shedon'tconsider,ifshegoto

church,Imustgotoo!--Yetnottoaskformycompany!HerbrotherandSingletonreadytosnapherup,asfarassheknows!--Knownbyherclothes--herperson,herfeatures,sodistinguished!--NotsuchanotherwomaninEngland!--Tochurchofallplaces!Isthedevilinthegirl?saidI,assoonasIcouldspeak.

Well,buttoleavethissubjecttillto-morrowmorning,IwillnowgiveyoutheinstructionsIhavedrawnupforyour'sandyourcompanions'behaviouronMondaynight.

***

InstructionstobeobservedbyJohnBelford,RichardMowbray,ThomasBelton,andJamesTourville,EsquiresoftheBodytoGeneralRobertLovelace,ontheiradmissiontothepresenceofhisGoddess.

Yemustbesuretoletitsinkdeepintoyourheavyheads,thatthereisnosuchladyintheworldasMissClarissaHarlowe;andthatsheisneithermorenorlessthanMrs.Lovelace,thoughatpresent,tomyshamebeitspoken,avirgin.

Bemindfulalso,thatyouroldmother'sname,afterthatofhermotherwhenamaid,isSinclair:thatherhusbandwasalieutenant-colonel,andallthatyou,Belford,knowfromhonestDoleman'sletterofher,*that

letyourbrethrenknow.

*SeeLetterXXXVIII.Vol.III.

MowbrayandTourville,thetwogreatestblunderersofthefour,Iallowtobeacquaintedwiththewidowandnieces,fromtheknowledgetheyhadofthecolonel.Theywillnotforbearfamiliaritiesofspeechtothemother,asoflongeracquaintancethanaday.SoIhavesuitedtheir



partstotheircapacities.

Theymaypraisethewidowandthecolonelforpeopleofgreathonour--butnottoogrossly;nortolabourthepointsoastorenderthemselvessuspected.

Themotherwillleadyeintoherownandthecolonel'spraises!andTourvilleandMowbraymaybebothhervouchers--I,andyou,andBelton,mustbeonlyhearsayconfirmers.

Aspovertyisgenerallysuspectible,thewidowmustbegothandsomelyaforehand;andnodoubtbutsheis.Theeleganceofherhouseandfurniture,andherreadinesstodischargealldemandsuponher,whichshedoeswithostentationenough,andwhichmakesherneighbours,Isuppose,likeherthebetter,demonstratethis.Shewillproposetodohandsomethingsbyhertwonieces.Sallyisnearmarriage--withaneminentwoollen-draperintheStrand,ifyehaveamindtoit;fortherearefiveorsixofthemthere.

Theniecesmaybeinquiredafter,sincetheywillbeabsent,aspersonsrespectedbyMowbrayandTourville,fortheirlateworthyuncle'ssake.

Watchyediligentlyeveryturnofmycountenance,everymotionofmyeye;forinmyeye,andinmycountenancewillyefindasovereignregulator.

Ineednotbidyourespectmemightily:yourallegianceobligesyoutothat:Andwhothatseesme,respectsmenot?

PriscillaPartington(forherlookssoinnocent,anddiscretionsodeep,yetseemingsosoftly)maybegreatlyreliedupon.Shewillaccompanythemother,gorgeouslydressed,withallherJew'sextravaganceflamingoutuponher;andfirstinduce,thencountenance,thelady.Shehashercue,andIhopewillmakeheracquaintancecovetedbymycharmer.

MissPartington'shistoryisthis:thedaughterofColonelSinclair'sbrother-in-law:thatbrother-in-lawmayhavebeenaTurkey-merchant,oranymerchant,whodiedconfoundedlyrich:thecoloneloneofherguardians[collateralcreditinthattotheoldone:]whenceshealways

callsMrs.SinclairMamma,thoughnotsucceedingtothetrust.

Sheisjustcometopassadayortwo,andthentoreturntohersurvivingguardian'satBarnet.

MissPartingtonhassuitorsalittlehundred(hergrandmother,analderman'sdowager,havingleftheragreatadditionalfortune,)andisnottrustedoutofherguardian'shousewithoutanoldgovernante,notedfordiscretion,excepttoherMammaSinclair,withwhomnow-and-thensheispermittedtobeforaweektogether.

Pris.willMamma-upMrs.Sinclair,andwillundertaketocourtherguardiantoletherpassadelightfulweekwithher--SirEdwardHoldenhe

mayaswellbe,ifyourshallowpateswillnotbecloggedwithtoomanycircumstantials.LadyHolden,perhaps,willcomewithher;forshealwaysdelightedinherMammaSinclair'scompany,andtalksofher,andhergoodmanagement,twentytimesaday.

Beitprincipallythypart,Jack,whoartaparadingfellow,andaimestatwisdom,tokeepthybrother-varletsfromblundering;for,asthoumusthaveobservedfromwhatIhavewritten,wehavethemostwatchfulandmostpenetratingladyintheworldtodealwith;aladyworthdeceiving!butwhoseeyeswillpiecetothebottomofyourshallowsoulsthemoment



shehearsyouopen.DoyouthereforeplacethyselfbetweenMowbrayandTourville:theirtoestobeplayeduponandcommandedbythine,iftheygowrong:thyelbowstobetheministersofapprobation.

Astoyourgeneralbehaviour;nohypocrisy!--Ihateit:sodoesmycharmer.IfIhadstudiedforit,IbelieveIcouldhavebeenanhypocrite:butmygeneralcharacterissowellknown,thatIshouldhavebeensuspectedatonce,hadIaimedatmakingmyselftoowhite.Butwhatnecessitycantherebeforhypocrisy,unlessthegeneralityofthesexweretorefuseusforourimmoralities?Thebestofthemlovetohavethecreditforreformingus.Letthesweetsoulstryforit:iftheyfail,theirintentwasgood.Thatwillbeaconsolationtothem.Andastous,ourworkwillbetheeasier;oursinsthefewer:sincetheywilldrawthemselvesinwithaverylittleofourhelp;andweshallsaveaparcelofcursedfalsehoods,andappeartobewhatwearebothtoangelsandmen.--Meantimetheirverygrandmotherswillacquitus,andreproachthemwiththeirself-do,self-have,andashavingerredagainstknowledge,andventuredagainstmanifestappearances.Whatfolly,therefore,formenofourcharactertobehypocrites!

Besuretoinstructtherest,anddothouthyselfremember,nottotalkobscenely.YouknowIneverpermittedanyofyoutotalkobscenely.Timeenoughforthat,whenyegrowold,andcanONLYtalk.Besides,yemustconsiderPrisc.'saffectedcharacter,mygoddess'srealone.Far

fromobscenity,therefore,donotsomuchastouchuponthedoubleentendre.What!asIhaveoftensaid,cannotyoutouchalady'sheartwithoutwoundingherear?

Itisnecessarythatyeshouldappearworsementhanmyself.Youcannothelpappearingso,you'llsay.Well,then,therewillbethelessrestraintuponyou--thelessrestraint,thelessaffectation.--AndifBeltonbeginshisfavouritesubjectinbehalfofkeeping,itmaymakemetakeuponmyselftoopposehim:butfearnot;Ishallnotgivetheargumentallmyforce.

Shemusthavesomecuriosity,Ithink,toseewhatsortofmenmycompanionsare:shewillnotexpectanyofyoutobesaints.Areyou

notmenborntoconsiderablefortunes,althoughyearenotallofyoumenofparts?Whoisitinthismortallifethatwealthdoesnotmislead?Andasitgivespeoplethepowerofbeingmischievous,doesitnotrequiregreatvirtuetoforbeartheuseofthatpower?Isnotthedevilsaidtobethegodofthisworld?Arewenotchildrenofthisworld?Well,then!letmetelltheemyopinion--Itisthis,thatwereitnotforthepoorandthemiddling,theworldwouldprobably,longago,havebeendestroyedbyfirefromHeaven.Ungratefulwretchestherest,thouwiltbeapttosay,tomakesuchsorryreturns,astheygenerallydomake,tothepoorandthemiddling!

Thisdearladyisprodigiouslylearnedintheories.Butastopractices,astoexperimentals,mustbe,asyouknowfromhertenderyears,amere

novice.Tillsheknewme,Idaresay,shedidnotbelieve,whatevershehadread,thatthereweresuchfellowsintheworld,asshewillseeinyoufour.Ishallhavemuchpleasureinobservinghowshe'llstareathercompany,whenshefindsmethepolitestmanofthefive.

AndsomuchforinstructionsgeneralandparticularforyourbehaviouronMondaynight.

Andletmeadd,thatyoumustattendtoeveryminutecircumstance,whetheryouthinktherebereasonforit,ornot.Deep,likegoldenore,



frequentlyliesmymeaning,andrichlyworthdiggingfor.Thehintofleastmoment,asyoumayimagineit,isoftenpregnantwitheventsofthegreatest.Beimplicit.AmInotyourgeneral?DidIeverleadyouonthatIbroughtyounotoffwithsafetyandsuccess?--Sometimestoyourownstupidastonishment.

Andnow,methinks,thouartcurioustoknow,whatcanbemyviewinrisquingthedispleasureofmyfair-one,andalarmingherfears,afterfourorfivehalcyondayshavegoneoverourheads?I'llsatisfythee.

Thevisitersofthetwonieceswillcrowdthehouse.--Bedswillbescarce:--MissPartington,asweet,modest,genteelgirl,willbeprodigiouslytakenwithmycharmer;--willwanttobeginafriendshipwithher--ashareinherbed,foronenightonly,willberequested.Whoknows,butonthatveryMondaynightImaybesounhappyastogivemortaloffencetomybeloved?Theshyestbirdsmaybecaughtnapping.Shouldsheattempttoflymeuponit,cannotIdetainher?Shouldsheactuallyfly,cannotIbringherback,byauthorityciviloruncivil,ifIhaveevidenceuponevidencethatsheacknowledged,thoughbuttacitly,hermarriage?AndshouldI,orshouldInotsucceed,andsheforgiveme,orifshebutdescendtoexpostulate,orifshebearmeinhersight,thenwillshebeallmyown.Alldelicacyismycharmer.Ilongtoseehowsuchadelicacy,onanyoftheseoccasions,willbehave,andinmysituationitbehovesmetoprovideagainsteveryaccident.

Imusttakecare,knowingwhataneelIhavetodowith,thatthelittlerigglingroguedoesnotslipthroughmyfingers.HowsillyshouldIlook,staringafterher,whenshehadshotfrommeintothemuddyriver,herfamily,fromwhichwithsomuchdifficultyIhavetakenher!

Wellthen,hereare--letmesee--Howmanypersonsaretherewho,afterMondaynight,willbeabletoswearthatshehasgonebymyname,answeredtomyname,hadnootherviewinleavingherfriendsbuttogobymyname?herownrelationsneitherablenorwillingtodenyit.--First,herearemyservants,herservant,Dorcas,Mrs.Sinclair,Mrs.Sinclair'stwonieces,andMissPartington.

Butforfeartheseevidencesshouldbesuspected,herecomesthejetofthebusiness--'Nolessthanfourworthygentlemenoffortuneandfamily,whowereallincompanysuchanightparticularly,atacollationtowhichtheywereinvitedbyRobertLovelace,ofSandoun-hall,inthecountyofLancaster,esquire,incompanywithMagdalenSinclair,widow,andPriscillaPartington,spinster,andtheladycomplainant,whenthesaidRobertLovelaceaddressedhimselftothesaidlady,onamultitudeofoccasions,ashiswife;astheyandothersdid,asMrs.Lovelace;everyonecomplimentingandcongratulatingheruponhernuptials;andthatshereceivedsuchtheircomplimentsandcongratulationswithnoothervisibledispleasureorrepugnance,thansuchasayoungbride,fullofblushesandprettyconfusion,mightbesupposedtoexpressuponsuchcontemplativerevolvingsasthosecomplimentswouldnaturallyinspire.'

Nordothouraveatme,Jack,norrebel.DostthinkIbroughtthedearcreaturehitherfornothing?

Andhere'safaintsketchofmyplot.--Standby,varlets--tanta-ra-ra-ra!--Veilyourbonnets,andconfessyourmaster!

LETTERV



MR.LOVELACE,TOJOHNBELFORD,ESQ.SUNDAY.

Havebeenatchurch,Jack--behavedadmirablywelltoo!Mycharmerispleasedwithmenow:forIwasexceedinglyattentivetothediscourse,andveryreadyintheauditor'spartoftheservice.--Eyesdidnotmuchwander.Howcouldthey,whentheloveliestobject,infinitelytheloveliestinthewholechurch,wasinmyview!

Dearcreature!howfervent,howamiable,inherdevotions!Ihavegothertoownthatsheprayedforme.Ihopeaprayerfromsoexcellentamindwillnotbemadeinvain.

Thereis,afterall,somethingbeautifullysolemnindevotion.TheSabbathisacharminginstitutiontokeeptheheartright,whenitisright.Onedayinseven,howreasonable!--IthinkI'llgotochurchonceadayoften.Ifancyitwillgoagreatwaytowardsmakingmeareformedman.Toseemultitudesofwell-appearingpeoplealljoininginonereverendact.Anexercisehowworthyofarationalbeing!Yetitaddsastingortwotomyformerstings,whenIthinkofmyprojectswithregardtothischarmingcreature.Inmyconscience,Ibelieve,ifIweretogoconstantlytochurch,Icouldnotpursuethem.

Ihadaschemecomeintomyheadwhilethere;butIwillrenounceit,becauseitobtrudeditselfuponmeinsogoodaplace.Excellentcreature!Howmanyruinshasshepreventedbyattachingmetoherself--byengrossingmywholeattention.

Butletmetelltheewhatpassedbetweenusinmyfirstvisitofthismorning;andthenIwillacquainttheemorelargelywithmygoodbehaviouratchurch.

Icouldnotbeadmittedtillaftereight.Ifoundherreadypreparedtogoout.Ipretendedtobeignorantofherintention,havingchargedDorcasnottoownthatshehadtoldmeofit.

Goingabroad,Madam?--withanairofindifference.

Yes,Sir:Iintendtogotochurch.

Ihope,Madam,Ishallhavethehonourtoattendyou.

No:shedesignedtotakeachair,andgotothenextchurch.

Thisstartledme:--AchairtocarryhertothenextchurchfromMrs.Sinclair's,herrightnamenotSinclair,andtobringherbackhitherinthefaceofpeoplewhomightnotthinkwellofthehouse!--Therewasnopermittingthat.YetIwastoappearindifferent.Butsaid,Ishouldtakeitforafavour,ifshewouldpermitmetoattendherinacoach,as

therewastimeforit,toSt.Paul's.

Shemadeobjectionstothegaietyofmydress;andtoldme,thatifshewenttoSt.Paul's,shecouldgoinacoachwithoutme.

IobjectedSingletonandherbrother,andofferedtodressintheplainestsuitIhad.

Ibegthefavourofattendingyou,dearMadam,saidI.Ihavenotbeenatchurchagreatwhile;weshallsitindifferentstalls,andthenext



timeIgo,IhopeitwillbetogivemyselfatitletothegreatestblessingIcanreceive.

Shemadesomefurtherobjections:butatlastpermittedmethehonourofattendingher.

Igotmyselfplacedinhereye,thatthetimemightnotseemtedioustome,forwewerethereearly.AndIgainedhergoodopinion,asImentionedabove,bymybehaviour.

Thesubjectofthediscoursewasparticularenough:Itwasaboutaprophet'sstoryorparableofanewe-lambtakenbyarichmanfromapoorone,whodearlylovedit,andwhoseonlycomfortitwas:designedtostrikeremorseintoDavid,onhisadulterywithUriah'swifeBathsheba,andhismurderofthehusband.Thesewomen,Jack,havebeentheoccasionofallmannerofmischieffromthebeginning!Now,whenDavid,fullofindignation,swore[KingDavidwouldswear,Jack:ButhowshouldstthouknowwhoKingDavidwas?--ThestoryisintheBible,]thattherichmanshouldsurelydie;Nathan,whichwastheprophet'sname,andagoodingeniousfellow,criedout,(whichwerethewordsofthetext,)Thouarttheman!BymysoulIthoughttheparsonlookeddirectlyatme;andatthatmomentIcastmyeyefullonmyewe-lamb.--ButImusttelltheetoo,that,thatIthoughtagooddealofmyRosebud.--AbettermanthanKingDavid,inthatpoint,however,thoughtI!

Whenwecamehomewetalkeduponthesubject;andIshowedmycharmermyattentiontothediscourse,bylettingherknowwheretheDoctormadethemostofhissubject,andwhereitmighthavebeentouchedtogreateradvantage:foritisreallyaveryaffectingstory,andhasasprettyacontrivanceinitaseverIread.AndthisIdidinsuchagraveway,thatsheseemedmoreandmorepleasedwithme;andIhavenodoubt,thatIshallgethertofavourmeto-morrownightwithhercompanyatmycollation.

SUNDAYEVENING.

WealldinedtogetherinMrs.Sinclair'sparlour:--Allexcessivelyright!Thetwonieceshavetoppedtheirparts--Mrs.Sinclairher's.Neverwassoeasyasnow!--'Shereallythoughtalittleoddlyofthesepeopleatfirst,shesaid!Mrs.Sinclairseemedveryforbidding!Hernieceswerepersonswithwhomshecouldnotwishtobeacquainted.Butreallyweshouldnotbetoohastyinourcensures.Somepeopleimproveuponus.Thewidowseemstolerable.'Shewentnofartherthantolerable.--'MissMartinandMissHortonareyoungpeopleofgoodsense,andhavereadagreatdeal.WhatMissMartinparticularlysaidofmarriage,andofherhumbleservant,wasverysolid.Shebelieveswithsuchnotionsshecannotmakeabadwife.'IhavesaidSally'shumbleservantisawoolen-draperofgreatreputation;andsheissoontobemarried.

Ihavebeenlettingherintothycharacter,andintothecharactersofmyotherthreeesquires,inhopestoexcitehercuriositytoseeyouto-morrownight.Ihavetoldhersomeoftheworst,aswellasbestpartsofyourcharacters,inordertoexaltmyself,andtoobviateanysuddensurprizes,aswellastoteachherwhatsortofmenshemayexpecttosee,ifshewillobligemewithhercompany.

Byherafter-observationuponeachofyou,IshalljudgewhatImayormaynotdotoobtainorkeephergoodopinion;whatshewilllike,orwhatnot;andsopursuetheoneoravoidtheother,asIseeproper.So,



whilesheispenetratingintoyourshallowheads,Ishallenterherheart,andknowwhattobidmyowntohopefor.

Thehouseistobetakeninthreeweeks.--Allwillbeoverinthreeweeks,orbadwillbemyluck!--Whoknowsbutinthreedays?--HaveInotcarriedthatgreatpointofmakingherpassformywifetothepeoplebelow?Andthatothergreatone,offixingmyselfherenightandday?--Whatwomaneverescapedme,wholodgedunderoneroofwithme?--Thehousetoo,THEhouse;thepeople--peopleaftermyownheart;herservants,Will.andDorcas,bothmyservants.--Threedays,didIsay!Pho!Pho!Pho!--threehours!

***

Ihavecarriedmythirdpoint:butsoextremelytothedislikeofmycharmer,thatIhavebeenthreatened,forsufferingMissPartingtontobeintroducedtoherwithoutherleave.Whichlaidherunderanecessitytodenyorcomplywiththeurgentrequestofsofineayounglady;whohadengagedtohonourmeatmycollation,onconditionthatmybelovedwouldbepresentatit.

Tobeobligedtoappearbeforemyfriendsaswhatshewasnot!Shewas

forinsisting,thatIshouldacquaintthewomenherewiththetruthofthematter;andnotgoonpropagatingstoriesforhertocountenance,makingherasharerinmyguilt.

Butwhatpointswillnotperseverancecarry?especiallywhenitiscoveredoverwiththefaceofyieldingnow,and,Parthian-like,returningtothechargeanon.Donotthesexcarryalltheirpointswiththeirmenbythesamemethods?HaveIconversedwiththemsofreelyasIhavedone,andlearntnothingofthem?Didstthoueverknowthatawoman'sdenialofanyfavour,whethertheleastorthegreatest,thatmyheartwassetupon,stoodherinanystead?Themoreperverseshe,themoresteadyI--thatismyrule.

Butthepointthussomuchagainstherwillcarried,Idoubtthouwillseeinhermoreofasullenthanofanobligingcharmer:for,whenMissPartingtonwaswithdrawn,'WhatwasMissPartingtontoher?Inhersituationshewantednonewacquaintances.Andwhatweremyfourfriendstoherinherpresentcircumstances?Shewouldassureme,ifeveragain'--Andthereshestopped,withatwirlofherhand.

Whenwemeet,Iwill,inherpresence,tippingtheeawink,showtheethemotion,foritwasaveryprettyone.Quitenew.YethaveIseenanhundredprettypassionatetwirlstoo,inmytime,fromotherfair-ones.Howuniversallyengagingisittoputawomanofsense,towhomamanisnotmarried,inapassion,letthereceptiongiventoeveryrantingsceneinourplaystestify.Takecare,mycharmer,nowthouartcometo

delightmewiththyangrytwirls,thatthoutemptestmenottoprovokeavarietyofthemfromone,whoseeverymotion,whoseeveryair,carriesinitsomuchsenseandsoul.

But,angryorpleased,thischarmingcreaturemustbeallloveliness.Herfeaturesareallharmony,andmadeforoneanother.Nootherfeaturecouldbesubstitutedintheplaceofanyoneofher'sbutmostabateofherperfection:AndthinkyouthatIdonotlongtohaveyouropinionofmyfairprize?



Ifyoulovetoseefeaturesthatglow,thoughtheheartisfrozen,andneveryetwasthawed;ifyoulovefinessense,andadagesflowingthroughteethofivoryandlipsofcoral;aneyethatpenetratesallthings;avoicethatisharmonyitself;anairofgrandeur,mingledwithasweetnessthatcannotbedescribed;apolitenessthat,ifeverequaled,wasneverexcelled--you'llseealltheseexcellencies,andtentimesmore,inthismyGLORIANA.

Markhermajesticfabric!--She'satemple,Sacredbybirth,andbuiltbyhandsdivine;Hersoulthedeitythatlodgesthere:Noristhepileunworthyofthegod.

Or,todescribeherinasofterstylewithRowe,

Thebloomofop'ningflow'rs,unsully'dbeauty,Softness,andsweetestinnocenceshewears,Andlookslikenatureintheworld'sfirstspring.

Adieu,varletsfour!--Atsix,onMondayevening,Iexpectyeall.

LETTERVI

MISSCLARISSAHARLOWE,TOMISSHOWESUNDAY,APRIL30.

[Mr.Lovelace,inhislastletters,havingtakennoticeofthemostmaterialpassagescontainedinthisletter,thefollowingextractsfromitareonlyinserted.

Shegivesprettynearthesameaccountthathedoesofwhatpassedbetweenthemonherresolutiontogotochurch;andofhisproposalofSt.Paul's,anddesireofattendingher.--Shepraiseshisgoodbehaviourthere;asalsothediscourse,andthepreacher.--Ispleased

withitsseasonableness.--Givesparticularsoftheconversationbetweenthemafterwards,andcommendsthegoodobservationshemakesuponthesermon.]

Iamwilling,saysshe,tohavehopesofhim:butamsounabletoknowhowtodependuponhisseriousnessforanhourtogether,thatallmyfavourableaccountsofhiminthisrespectmustbetakenwithallowance.

Beingverymuchpressed,Icouldnottellhowtorefusediningwiththewidowandherniecesthisday.IambetterpleasedwiththemthanIeverthoughtIshouldbe.Icannothelpblamingmyselfformyreadinesstogiveseverecensureswherereputationisconcerned.People'sways,humours,constitutions,education,andopportunitiesallowedfor,my

dear,manypersons,asfarasIknow,mayappearblameless,whomothers,ofdifferenthumoursandeducations,aretooapttoblame;andwho,fromthesamefault,maybeasreadytoblamethem.Iwillthereforemakeitaruletomyselfforthefuture--Nevertojudgeperemptorilyonfirstappearances:butyetImustobservethatthesearenotpeopleIshouldchoosetobeintimatewith,orwhosewaysIcanlike:although,forthestationstheyarein,theymaygothroughtheworldwithtolerablecredit.

Mr.Lovelace'sbehaviourhasbeensuchasmakesmecallthis,sofaras



itispassed,anagreeableday.Yet,wheneasiestastohim,mysituationwithmyfriendstakesplaceinmythoughts,andcausesmemanyatear.

Iamthemorepleasedwiththepeopleofthehouse,becauseofthepersonsofranktheyareacquaintedwith,andwhovisitsthem.

SUNDAYEVENING.

IamstillwellpleasedwithMr.Lovelace'sbehaviour.Wehavehadagooddealofseriousdiscoursetogether.Themanhasreallyjustandgoodnotions.Heconfesseshowmuchheispleasedwiththisday,andhopesformanysuch.Nevertheless,heingenuouslywarnedme,thathisunluckyvivacitymightreturn:but,hedoubtednot,thatheshouldbefixedatlastbymyexampleandconversation.

Hehasgivenmeanentertainingaccountofthefourgentlemenheistomeetto-morrownight.--Entertaining,Imeanforhishumourousdescriptionoftheirpersons,manners,&c.butsuchadescriptionasisfarfrombeingtotheirpraise.Yetheseemedrathertodesigntodivertmymelancholybyitthantodegradethem.Ithinkatbottom,mydear,thathemustbeagood-naturedman;butthathewasspoiledyoung,forwantofcheckorcontroul.

Icannotbutcallthis,mycircumstancesconsidered,anhappydaytotheendofit.Indeed,mydear,IthinkIcouldpreferhimtoallthemenIeverknew,werehebuttobealwayswhathehasbeenthisday.YouseehowreadyIamtoownallyouhavechargedmewith,whenIfindmyselfout.Itisadifficultthing,Ibelieve,sometimes,forayoungcreaturethatisabletodeliberatewithherself,toknowwhensheloves,orwhenshehates:butIamresolved,asmuchaspossible,tobedeterminedbothinmyhatredandlovebyactions,astheymakethemanworthyorunworthy.

[ShedatesagainMonday,anddeclaresherselfhighlydispleasedatMissPartington'sbeingintroducedtoher:andstillmoreforbeingobliged

topromisetobepresentatMr.Lovelace'scollation.Sheforesees,shesays,amurder'devening.]

LETTERVII

MISSCLARISSAHARLOWE,TOMISSHOWEMONDAYNIGHT,MAY1.

IhavejustescapedfromaverydisagreeablecompanyIwasobliged,somuchagainstmywill,tobein.Asaveryparticularrelationofthis

evening'sconversationwouldbepainfultome,youmustcontentyourselfwithwhatyoushallbeabletocollectfromtheoutlines,asImaycallthem,ofthecharactersofthepersons;assistedbythelittlehistoriesMr.Lovelacegavemeofeachyesterday.

ThenamesofthegentlemenareBelton,Mowbray,Tourville,andBelford.Thesefour,withMrs.Sinclair,MissPartington,thegreatheiressmentionedinmylast,Mr.Lovelace,andmyself,madeupthecompany.

IgaveyoubeforethefavourablesideofMissPartington'scharacter,



suchasitwasgiventomebyMrs.Sinclair,andhernieces.Iwillnowaddafewwordsfrommyownobservationuponherbehaviourinthiscompany.

Inbettercompanyperhapsshewouldhaveappearedtolessdisadvantage:but,notwithstandingherinnocentlooks,whichMr.Lovelacealsohighlypraised,heisthelastpersonwhosejudgmentIwouldtakeuponrealmodesty.ForIobserved,that,uponsometalkfromthegentlemen,notfreeenoughtobeeasilycensured,yettooindecentinitsimplicationtocomefromwell-bredpersons,inthecompanyofvirtuousprople[sic],thisyoungladywasveryreadytoapprehend;andyet,bysmilesandsimperings,toencourage,ratherthandiscourage,theculpablefreedomsofpersons,who,inwhattheywentoutoftheirwaytosay,musteitherbeguiltyofabsurdity,meaningnothing,ormeaningsomethingofrudeness.*

*Mr.Belford,inLetterXIII.ofVol.V.remindsMr.Lovelaceofsomeparticulartopicswhichpassedintheirconversation,extremelytotheLady'shonour.

But,indeed,Ihaveseennowomen,ofwhomIhadabetteropinionthanIcansayofMrs.Sinclair,whohaveallowedgentlemen,andthemselvestoo,

ingreaterlibertiesofthissortthanIhadthoughtconsistentwiththatpurityofmannerswhichoughttobethedistinguishingcharacteristicofoursex:Forwhatarewords,butthebodyanddressofthought?Andisnotthemindofapersonstronglyindicatedbyoutwarddress?

Buttothegentlemen--astheymustbecalledinrightoftheirancestors,itseems;fornootherdotheyappeartohave:--

Mr.BELTONhashaduniversityeducation,andwasdesignedforthegown;butthatnotsuitingwiththegaietyofhistemper,andanuncledying,whodevisedtohimagoodestate,hequittedthecollege,cameuptotown,andcommencedfinegentleman.Heissaidtobeamanofsense.--Mr.Beltondressesgaily,butnotquitefoppishly;drinkshard;keepsall

hours,andgloriesindoingso;games,andhasbeenhurtbythatperniciousdiversion:heisaboutthirtyyearsofage:hisfaceisafieryred,somewhatbloatedandpimply;andhisirregularitiesthreatenabriefdurationtothesensualdreamheisin:forhehasashortconsumptioncough,whichseemstodenotebadlungs;yetmakeshimselfandhisfriendsmerrybyhisstupidandinconsideratejestsuponverythreateningsymptomswhichoughttomakehimmoreserious.

Mr.MOWBRAYhasbeenagreattraveller;speaksasmanylanguagesasMr.Lovelacehimself,butnotsofluently:isofagoodfamily:seemstobeaboutthirty-threeorthirty-four:tallandcomelyinhisperson:boldanddaringinhislook:isalarge-boned,strongman:hasagreatscarinhisforehead,withadent,asifhisskullhadbeenbeateninthere,and

aseamedscarinhisrightcheek:helikewisedressesverygaily:hashisservantsalwaysabouthim,whomheiscontinuallycallingupon,andsendingonthemosttriflingmessages--halfadozeninstancesofwhichwehadinthelittletimeIwasamongthem;whiletheyseemtowatchtheturnofhisfierceeye,tobereadytorun,beforetheyhavehalfhismessage,andservehimwithfearandtrembling.Yettohisequalsthemanseemstolerable:hetalksnotamissuponpublicentertainmentsanddiversions,especiallyuponthoseabroad:yethasaromancingair,andaversthingsstronglywhichseemquiteimprobable.Indeedhedoubtsnothingbutwhatheoughttobelieve;forhejestsuponsacredthings;



andprofessestohatetheclergyofallreligions.Hehashighnotionsofhonour,aworldhardlyeveroutofhismouth;butseemstohavenogreatregardtomorals.

Mr.TOURVILLEoccasionallytoldhisage;justturnedofthirty-one.Heisalsoofanancientfamily;but,inhispersonandmanners,moreofwhatIcallthecoxcombthananyofhiscompanions.Hedressesrichly;wouldbethoughtelegantinthechoiceandfashionofwhathewears;yet,afterall,appearsrathertawdrythanfine.--Oneseesbythecarehetakesofhisoutside,andthenoticehebespeaksfromeveryonebyhisownnoticeofhimself,thattheinsidetakesuptheleastofhisattention.Hedancesfinely,Mr.Lovelacesays;isamasterofmusic,andsingingisoneofhisprincipalexcellencies.Theyprevaileduponhimtosing,andheobligedthembothinItalianandFrench;and,todohimjustice,hissongsinbothweredecent.Theywereallhighlydelightedwithhisperformance;buthisgreatestadmirerswere,Mrs.Sinclair,MissPartington,andhimself.Tomeheappearedtohaveagreatdealofaffectation.

Mr.Tourville'sconversationandaddressareinsufferablyfullofthosereallygrossaffrontsupontheunderstandingofoursex,whichthemodernscallcompliments,andareintendedtopassforsomanyinstancesofgoodbreeding,thoughthemosthyperbolical,unnaturalstuffthatcanbeconceived,andwhichcanonlyservetoshowtheinsincerityofthe

complimenter,andtheridiculouslightinwhichthecomplimentedappearsinhiseyes,ifhesupposesawomancapableofrelishingtheromanticabsurditiesofhisspeeches.

HeaffectstointroduceintohiscommontalkItalianandFrenchwords;andoftenansweranEnglishquestioninFrench,whichlanguagehegreatlypreferstothebarbarouslyhissingEnglish.Butthenheneverfailstotranslateintothishisodiousnativetonguethewordsandthesentenceshespeaksintheothertwo--lest,perhaps,itshouldbequestionedwhetherheunderstandswhathesays.

Helovestotellstories:alwayscallsthemmerry,facetious,good,orexcellent,beforehebegins,inordertobespeaktheattentionofthe

hearers,butnevergiveshimselfconcernintheprogressorconclusionofthem,tomakegoodwhathepromisesinhispreface.Indeedheseldombringsanyofthemtoaconclusion;forifhiscompanyhavepatiencetohearhimout,hebreaksinuponhimselfbysomanyparentheticalintrusions,asonemaycallthem,andhassomanyincidentsspringinginuponhim,thathefrequentlydropshisownthread,andsometimessitsdownsatisfiedhalfway;or,ifatothertimeshewouldresumeit,heappliestohiscompanytohelphiminagain,withaDevilfetchhimifherememberswhathewasdrivingat--butenough,andtoomuchofMr.Tourville.

Mr.BELFORDisthefourthgentleman,andoneofwhomMr.Lovelaceseemsmorefondthananyoftherest;forheisamanoftriedbravery,it

seems;andthispairoffriendscameacquainteduponoccasionofaquarrel,(possiblyaboutawoman,)whichbroughtonachallenge,andameetingatKensingtonGravel-pits;whichendedwithoutunhappyconsequences,bythemediationofthreegentlemenstrangers,justaseachhadmadeapassattheother.

Mr.Belford,itseems,isaboutsevenoreightandtwenty.Heistheyoungestofthefive,exceptMr.Lovelace,andtheyareperhapsthewickedest;fortheyseemtoleadtheotherthreeastheyplease.Mr.Belford,astheothers,dressesgaily;buthasnotthoseadvantagesof



person,norfromhisdress,whichMr.Lovelaceistooproudof.Hehas,however,theappearanceandairofagentleman.Heiswellreadinclassicalauthors,andinthebestEnglishpoetsandwriters;and,byhismeans,theconversationtooknowandthenamoreagreeableturn.AndI,whoendeavouredtoputthebestfaceIcoulduponmysituation,asIpassedforMrs.Lovelacewiththem,madeshifttojoininit,atsuchtimes,andreceivedabundanceofcomplimentsfromallthecompany,ontheobservationsImade.*

*SeeLetterXIII.ofVol.V.abovereferredto.

Mr.Belfordseemsgood-naturedandobliging;andalthoughverycomplaisant,notsofulsomelysoasMr.Tourville;andhasapoliteandeasymannerofexpressinghissentimentsonalloccasions.Heseemstodelightinalogicalwayofargumentation,asalsodoesMr.Belton.Thesetwoattackedeachotherinthisway;andbothlookedatuswomen,asiftoobservewhetherwedidnotadmirethislearning,orwhentheyhadsaidasmartthing,theirwit.ButMr.Belfordhadvisiblytheadvantageoftheother,havingquickerparts,andbytakingtheworstsideoftheargument,seemedtothinkhehad.Uponthewholeofhisbehaviourandconversation,heputmeinmindofthatcharacterofMilton:--

--------HistongueDroptmanna,andcouldmaketheworseappearThebetterreason,toperplexanddashMaturestcounsels;forhisthoughtswerelow;Toviceindustrious:buttonoblerdeedsTim'rousandslothful:yethepleasedtheear.

Howlittlesoevermattersingeneralmaybetoourliking,weareapt,whenhopeisstrongenoughtopermitit,toendeavourtomakethebestwecanofthelotwehavedrawn;andIcouldnotbutobserveoften,howmuchMr.Lovelaceexcelledallhisfourfriendsineverythingtheyseemeddesiroustoexcelin.Butastowitandvivacity,hehadnoequalthere.

Alltheothersgaveuptohim,whenhislipsbegantoopen.ThehaughtyMowbraywouldcalluponthepratingTourvilleforsilence,whenLovelacewasgoingtospeak.Andwhenhehadspoken,thewords,Charmingfellow!withafreewordofadmirationorenvy,fellfromeverymouth.

Hehasindeedsomanyadvantagesinhispersonandmanner,thatwhatwouldbeinexcusableinanother,would,ifonewatchednotoverone'sself,anddidnotendeavourtodistinguishwhatistheessenceofrightandwrong,lookbecominginhim.

Mr.Belford,tomynosmallvexationandconfusion,withtheforwardnessofafavouredandintrustedfriend,singledmeout,onMr.Lovelace'sbeingsentfordown,tomakemecongratulatorycomplimentsonmysupposed

nuptials;whichhedidwithacaution,nottoinsisttoolongontherigorousvowIhadimposeduponamansouniversallyadmired--

'Seehimamongtwentymen,'saidhe,'allofdistinction,andnobodyisregardedbutMr.Lovelace.'

Itmust,indeed,beconfessed,thatthereis,inhiswholedeportment,anaturaldignity,whichrendersallinsolentorimperativedemeanourasunnecessaryasinexcusable.Thenthatdeceivingsweetnesswhichappearsinhissmiles,inhisaccent,inhiswholeaspect,andaddress,whenhe



thinksitworthhiswhiletooblige,orendeavourtoattract,howdoesthisshowthathewasborninnocent,asImaysay;thathewasnotnaturallythecruel,theboisterous,theimpetuouscreature,whichthewickedcompanyhemayhavefallenintohavemadehim!Forhehas,besides,asopen,and,Ithink,anhonestcountenance.Don'tyouthinkso,mydear?Onallthesespeciousappearances,haveIfoundedmyhopesofseeinghimareformedman.

Butitisamazingtome,Iown,thatwithsomuchofthegentleman,suchageneralknowledgeofbooksandmen,suchaskillinthelearnedaswellasmodernlanguages,hecantakesomuchdelightashedoesinthecompanyofsuchpersonsasIhavedescribed,andinsubjectsoffrothyimpertinence,unworthyofhistalents,andhisnaturalandacquiredadvantages.Icanthinkbutofonereasonforit,andthatmustargueaverylowmind,--hisvanity;whichmakeshimdesirousofbeingconsideredastheheadofthepeopleheconsortswith.--Amantolovepraise,yettobecontenttodrawitfromsuchcontaminatedsprings!

OnecomplimentpassedfromMr.BelfordtoMr.Lovelace,whichhastenedmyquittingtheshockingcompany--'Youareahappyman,Mr.Lovelace,'saidhe,uponsomefinespeechesmadehimbyMrs.Sinclair,andassentedtobyMissPartington:--'Youhavesomuchcourage,andsomuchwit,thatneithermannorwomancanstandbeforeyou.'

Mr.Belfordlookedatmewhenhespoke:yes,mydear,hesmilinglylookedatme;andhelookeduponhiscomplimentedfriend;andalltheirassenting,andthereforeaffrontingeyes,bothmen'sandwomen's,wereturneduponyourClarissa;atleast,myself-reproachingheartmademethinkso;forthatwouldhardlypermitmyeyetolookup.

Oh!mydear,werebutawoman,whogivesreasontotheworldtothinkhertobeinlovewithaman,[Andthismustbebelievedtobemycase;ortowhatcanmysupposedvoluntarygoingoffwithMr.Lovelacebeimputed?]toreflectonemomentontheexaltationshegiveshim,andthedisgraceshebringsuponherself,--thelowpity,thesilentcontempt,theinsolentsneersandwhispers,towhichshemakesherselfobnoxiousfromacensuringworldofbothsexes,--howwouldshedespiseherself!andhow

muchmoreeligiblewouldshethinkdeathitselfthansuchadiscovereddebasement!

WhatIhavethusingeneraltouchedupon,willaccounttoyouwhyIcouldnotmoreparticularlyrelatewhatpassedinthisevening'sconversation:which,asmaybegatheredfromwhatIhavewritten,aboundedwithapprobatoryaccusations,andsupposedwittyretorts.

LETTERVIII


MONDAYMIDNIGHT.

Iamverymuchvexedanddisturbedatanoddincident.Mrs.Sinclairhasjustnowleftme;Ibelieveindispleasure,onmydecliningtocomplywitharequestshemademe:whichwas,toadmitMissPartingtontoashareinmybed,herhousebeingcrowdedbyhernieces'sguestsandbytheirattendants,aswellasbythoseofMissPartington.

Theremightbenothinginit;andmydenialcarriedastiffandill-



naturedappearance.Butinstantly,uponhermakingtherequest,itcameintomythought,'thatIwasinamannerastrangertoeverybodyinthehouse:notsomuchasaservantIcouldcallmyown,orofwhomIhadanygreatopinion:thattherewerefourmenoffreemannersinthehouse,avowedsupportersofMr.Lovelaceinmattersofoffence;himselfamanofenterprise;all,asfarasIknew,(andasIhadreasontothinkbytheirnoisymirthafterIleftthem,)drinkingdeeply:thatMissPartingtonherselfisnotsobashfulapersonasshewasrepresentedtometobe:thatofficiouspainsweretakentogivemeagoodopinionofher:andthatMrs.Sinclairmadeagreaterparadeinprefacingtherequest,thansucharequestneeded.Todeny,thoughtI,cancarryonlyanappearanceofsingularitytopeoplewhoalreadythinkmesingular.Toconsentmaypossibly,ifnotprobably,beattendedwithinconveniencies.Theconsequencesofthealternativesoverydisproportionate,Ithoughtitmoreprudenttoincurthecensure,thantorisquetheinconvenience.'

ItoldherthatIwaswritingalongletter:thatIshouldchoosetowritetillIweresleepy,andthatacompanionwouldbearestraintuponme,andIuponher.

Shewasloth,shesaid,thatsodelicateayoungcreature,andsogreatafortuneasMissPartington,shouldbeputtoliewithDorcasinapress-bed.Sheshouldbeverysorry,ifshehadaskedanimproperthing.Shehadneverbeensoputtoitbefore.AndMisswouldstayupwithher

tillIhaddonewriting.Alarmedatthisurgency,anditbeingeasiertopersistinadenialgiven,thantogiveitatfirst,Isaid,MissPartingtonshouldbewelcometomywholebed,andIwouldretireintothedining-room,andthere,lockingmyselfin,writeallthenight.

Thepoorthing,shesaid,wasafraidtoliealone.TobesureMissPartingtonwouldnotputmetosuchaninconvenience.

Shethenwithdrew,--butreturned--beggedmypardonforreturning,butthepoorchild,shesaid,wasintears.--MissPartingtonhadneverseenayoungladyshesomuchadmired,andsomuchwishedtoimitateasme.The

deargirlhopedthatnothinghadpassedinherbehaviourtogivemedisliketoher.--Shouldshebringhertome?

Iwasverybusy,Isaid:theletterIwaswritingwasuponaveryimportantsubject.Ihopedtoseetheyoungladyinthemorning,whenIwouldapologizetoherformyparticularity.AndthenMrs.Sinclairhesitating,andmovingtowardsthedoor,(thoughsheturnedroundtomeagain,)Idesiredher,(lightingher,)totakecarehowshewentdown.

Pray,Madam,saidshe,onthestairs-head,don'tgiveyourselfallthistrouble.Godknowsmyheart,Imeantnoaffront:but,sinceyouseemtotakemyfreedomamiss,IbegyouwillnotacquaintMr.Lovelacewithit;forheperhapswillthinkmeboldandimpertinent.

Now,mydear,isnotthisaparticularincident,eitherasIhavemadeit,orasitwasdesigned?Idon'tlovetodoanuncivilthing.Andifnothingweremeantbytherequest,myrefusaldeservestobecalleduncivil.ThenIhaveshownasuspicionoffoulusagebyit,whichsurelydarenotbemeant.Ifjust,Ioughttoapprehendeverything,andflythehouseandthemanasIwouldaninfection.Ifnotjust,andifIcannotcontrivetoclearmyselfofhavingentertainedsuspicions,byassigningsomeotherplausiblereasonformydenial,theverystayingherewillhaveanappearancenotatallreputabletomyself.



Iamnowoutofhumourwithhim,--withmyself,--withalltheworld,butyou.Hiscompanionsareshockingcreatures.Why,againIrepeat,shouldhehavebeendesiroustobringmeintosuchcompany?OncemoreIlikehimnot.--IndeedIdonotlikehim!

LETTERIX

MISSCLARISSAHARLOWE,TOMISSHOWETUESDAY,MAY2.

WithinfiniteregretIamobligedtotellyou,thatIcannolongerwritetoyou,orreceivelettersfromyou.--YourmotherhassentmealetterenclosedinacovertoMr.Lovelace,directedforhimatLordM.'s,(andwhichwasbroughthimjustnow,)reproachingmeonthissubjectinveryangryterms,andforbiddingme,'asIwouldnotbethoughttointendtomakeherandyouunhappy,towritetoyouwithoutherleave.'

This,therefore,isthelastyoumustreceivefromme,tillhappierdays.Andasmyprospectsarenotverybad,Ipresumeweshallsoonhaveleavetowriteagain;andeventoseeeachother:sinceanalliancewitha

familysohonourableasMr.Lovelace'siswillnotbeadisgrace.Sheispleasedtowrite,'ThatifIwouldwishtoinflameyou,Ishouldletyouknowherwrittenprohibition:butifotherwise,findsomewayofmyownaccord(withoutbringingherintothequestion)todeclineacorrespondence,whichImustknowshehasforsometimepastforbidden.'ButallIcansayis,tobegofyounottobeinflamed:tobegofyounottoletherknow,orevenbyyourbehaviourtoher,onthisoccasion,guess,thatIhaveacquaintedyouwithmyreasonfordecliningtowritetoyou.Forhowelse,afterthescruplesIhaveheretoforemadeonthisverysubject,yetproceedingtocorrespond,canIhonestlysatisfyyouaboutmymotivesforthissuddenstop?So,mydear,Ichoose,yousee,rathertorelyuponyourdiscretion,thantofeignreasonswithwhichyou

wouldnotbesatisfied,butwithyourusualactivepenetration,sifttothebottom,andatlastfindmetobeameanandlowqualifier;andthatwithanimplicationinjurioustoyou,thatIsupposedyouhadnotprudenceenoughtobetrustedwiththenakedtruth.

Irepeat,thatmyprospectsarenotbad.'Thehouse,Ipresume,willsoonbetaken.Thepeoplehereareveryrespectful,notwithstandingmynicetyaboutMissPartington.MissMartin,whoisnearmarriagewithaneminenttradesmanintheStrand,justnow,inaveryrespectfulmanner,askedmyopinionofsomepatternsofrichsilksfortheoccasion.Thewidowhasalessforbiddingappearancethanatfirst.Mr.Lovelace,onmydeclareddislikeofhisfourfriends,hasassuredmethatneithertheynoranybodyelseshallbeintroducedtomewithoutmyleave.'

ThesecircumstancesImention(asyouwillsuppose)thatyourkindheartmaybeateaseaboutme;thatyoumaybeinducedbythemtoacquiescewithyourmother'scommands,(cheerfullyacquiesce,)andthatformysake,lestIshouldbethoughtaninflamer;whoam,withverycontraryintentions,mydearestandbestbelovedfriend,

Youreverobligedandaffectionate,CLARISSAHARLOWE.



LETTERX

MISSHOWE,TOMISSCLARISSAHARLOWEWEDN.MAY3.

Iamastonishedthatmymothershouldtakesuchastep--purelytoexerciseanunreasonableactofauthority;andtoobligethemostremorselessheartsintheworld.IfIfindthatIcanbeofusetoyou,eitherbyadviceorinformation,doyouthinkIwillnotgiveit!--Wereittoanyotherperson,muchlessdeartomethanyouare,doyouthink,insuchacase,Iwouldforbeargivingit?

Mr.Hickman,whopretendstoalittlecasuistryinsuchnicematters,isofopinionthatIoughtnottodeclinesuchacorrespondencethuscircumstanced.Anditiswellheis;formymotherhavingsetmeup,Imusthavesomebodytoquarrelwith.

ThisIwillcomeintoifitwillmakeyoueasy--Iwillforbeartowritetoyouforafewdays,ifnothingextraordinaryhappen,andtilltherigourofherprohibitionisabated.ButbeassuredthatIwillnotdispensewithyourwritingtome.Myheart,myconscience,myhonour,

willnotpermitit.ButhowwillIhelpmyself?--How!--easilyenough.ForIdoassureyouthatIwantbutverylittlefartherprovocationtoflyprivatelytoLondon.AndifIdo,IwillnotleaveyoutillIseeyoueitherhonourablymarried,orabsolutelyquitofthewretch:and,inthislastcase,Iwilltakeyoudownwithme,indefianceofthewholeworld:or,ifyourefusetogowithme,staywithyou,andaccompanyyouasyourshadowwhithersoeveryougo.

Don'tbefrightenedatthisdeclaration.Thereisbutoneconsideration,andbutonehope,thatwithholdme,watchedasIaminallmyretirements;obligedtoreadtoherwithoutavoice;toworkinher

presencewithoutfingers;andtoliewithhereverynightagainstmywill.Theconsiderationis,lestyoushouldapprehendthatastepofthisnaturewouldlooklikeadoublingofyourfault,intheeyesofsuchasthinkyourgoingawayafault.Thehopeis,thatthingswillstillendhappily,andthatsomepeoplewillhavereasontotakeshametothemselvesforthesorryparttheyhaveacted.NeverthelessIamoftenbalancing--butyourresolvingtogiveupthecorrespondenceatthiscrisiswillturnthescale.Write,therefore,ortaketheconsequence.

Afewwordsuponthesubjectofyourlastletters.Iknownotwhetheryourbrother'swiseprojectbegivenupornot.Adeadsilencereignsinyourfamily.Yourbrotherwasabsentthreedays;thenathomeone;andisnowabsent:butwhetherwithSingleton,ornot,Icannotfindout.

Byyouraccountofyourwretch'scompanions,Iseenotbuttheyareasetofinfernals,andhetheBeelzebub.Whatcouldhemean,asyousay,byhisearnestnesstobringyouintosuchcompany,andtogiveyousuchanopportunitytomakehimandthemreflecting-glassestooneanother?Theman'safool,tobesure,mydear--asillyfellow,atleast--thewretchesmustputontheirbestbeforeyou,nodoubt--Lordsofthecreation!--noblefellowsthese!--Yetwhoknowshowmanypoordespicablesoulsofoursextheworstofthemhashadtowhineafterhim!



Youhavebroughtaninconvenienceuponyourself,asyouobserve,byyourrefusalofMissPartingtonforyourbedfellow.Pityyouhadnotadmittedher!watchfulasyouare,whatcouldhavehappened?Ifviolencewereintended,hewouldnotstayforthenight.Youmighthavesatupafterher,ornotgonetobed.Mrs.Sinclairpressedittoofar.Youwasover-scrupulous.

Ifanythinghappentodelayyournuptials,Iwouldadviseyoutoremove:but,ifyoumarry,perhapsyoumaythinkitnogreatmattertostaywhereyouaretillyoutakepossessionofyourownestate.Theknotoncetied,andwithsoresoluteaman,itismyopinionyourrelationswillsoonresignwhattheycannotlegallyhold:and,wereevenalitigationtofollow,youwillnotbeable,noroughtyoutobewilling,tohelpit:foryourestatewillthenbehisright;anditwillbeunjusttowishittobewithheldfromhim.

OnethingIwouldadviseyoutothinkof;andthatis,ofpropersettlements:itwillbetothecreditofyourprudenceandofhisjustice(andthemoreasmattersstand)thatsomethingofthisshouldbedonebeforeyoumarry.Badasheis,nobodyaccountshimasordidman.AndIwonderhehasbeenhithertosilentonthatsubject.

Iamnotdispleasedwithhisproposalaboutthewidowlady'shouse.Ithinkitwilldoverywell.Butifitmustbethreeweeksbeforeyoucan

becertainaboutit,surelyyouneednotputoffhisdayforthatspace:andhemaybespeakhisequipages.Surprisingtome,aswellastoyou,thathecouldbesoacquiescent!

Irepeat--continuetowritetome.Iinsistuponit;andthatasminutelyaspossible:or,taketheconsequence.Isendthisbyaparticularhand.Iam,andeverwillbe,

Yourmostaffectionate,ANNAHOWE.

LETTERXI

MISSCLARISSAHARLOWE,TOMISSHOWETHURSDAY,MAY4.

Iforegoeveryotherengagement,Isuspendeverwish,Ibanisheveryotherfear,totakeupmypen,tobegofyouthatyouwillnotthinkofbeingguiltyofsuchanactofloveasIcanneverthankyoufor;butmustforeverregret.IfImustcontinuetowritetoyou,Imust.Iknowfullwellyourimpatienceofcontrol,whenyouhavetheleastimaginationthatyourgenerosityorfriendshipislikelytobewonderedat.

Mydearest,dearestcreature,wouldyouincuramaternal,asIhaveapaternal,malediction?Wouldnottheworldthinktherewasaninfectioninmyfault,ifitweretobefollowedbyMissHowe?Therearesomepointssoflagrantlywrongthattheywillnotbeartobearguedupon.Thisisoneofthem.Ineednotgivereasonsagainstsucharashness.Heavenforbidthatitshouldbeknownthatyouhaditbutonceinyourthought,beyourmotiveseversonobleandgenerous,tofollowsobadanexample,therather,asthatyouwould,insuchacase,wanttheextenuationsthatmightbepleadedinmyfavour;andparticularlythat



oneofbeingsurprisedintotheunhappystep!

Therestraintyourmotherlaysyouunderwouldnothaveappearedheavytoyoubutonmyaccount.Wouldyouhadoncethoughtitahardshiptobeadmittedtoapartofherbed?--HowdidIusetobedelightedwithsuchafavourfrommymother!howdidIlovetoworkinherpresence!--Sodidyouinthepresenceofyour'sonce.AndtoreadtoherinwintereveningsIknowwasoneofyourjoys.--Donotgivemecausetoreproachmyselfonthereasonthatmaybeassignedforthechangeinyou.

Learn,mydear,Ibeseechyou,learntosubdueyourownpassions.Bethemotiveswhattheywill,excessisexcess.Thosepassionsinoursex,whichwetakepainstosubdue,mayhaveoneandthesamesourcewiththoseinfinitely-blackerpassions,whichweusedsooftentocondemnintheviolentandheadstrongoftheothersex;andwhichmayonlybeheightenedinthembycustom,andtheirfreereducation.Letusboth,mydear,ponderwellthisthought:lookintoourselves,andfear.

IfIwrite,asIfindImust,Iinsistuponyourforbearingtowrite.Yoursilencetothisshallbethesigntomethatyouwillnotthinkoftherashnessyouthreatenmewith:andthatyouwillobeyyourmotherastoyourownpartofthecorrespondence,however;especiallyasyoucaninformoradvisemeineveryweightycasebyMr.Hickman'spen.

Mytremblingwritingwillshowyou,mydearimpetuouscreature,whatatremblingheartyouhavegivento

Youreverobliged,Or,ifyoutakesorashastep,Yourforeverdisobliged,CLARISSAHARLOWE.

Myclotheswerebroughttomejustnow.Butyouhavesomuchdiscomposedme,thatIhavenohearttolookintothetrunks.Why,why,mydear,willyoufrightmewithyourflaminglove?discomposuregivesdistresstoaweakheart,whetheritarisefromfriendshiporenmity.

AservantofMr.LovelacecarriesthistoMr.Hickmanfordispatch-sake.Letthatworthyman'spenrelievemyheartfromthisnewuneasiness.

LETTERXII

MR.HICKMAN,TOMISSCLARISSAHARLOWE[SENTTOWILSON'SBYAPARTICULARHAND.]FRIDAY,MAY5.

MADAM,

IhavethehonourofdearMissHowe'scommandstoacquaintyou,withoutknowingtheoccasion,'Thatsheisexcessivelyconcernedfortheconcernshehasgivenyouinherlastletter:andthat,ifyouwillbutwritetoher,undercoverasbefore,shewillhavenothoughtsofwhatyouaresoveryapprehensiveabout.'--Yetshebidmewrite,'Thatifshehadbittheleastimaginationthatshecanserveyou,andsaveyou,'thoseareherwords,'allthecensuresoftheworldwillbebutofsecondconsiderationwithher.'Ihavegreattemptations,onthisoccasion,toexpressmyown



resentmentsuponyourpresentstate;butnotbeingfullyapprizedofwhatthatis--onlyconjecturingfromthedisturbanceuponthemindofthedearestladyintheworldtome,andthemostsincereoffriendstoyou,thatthatisnotaltogethersohappyasweretobewished;andbeing,moreover,forbidtoenterintothecruelsubject;Icanonlyoffer,asIdo,mybestandfaithfullestservices!andwishyouahappydeliverancefromallyourtroubles.ForIam,

Mostexcellentyounglady,Yourfaithfulandmostobedientservant,CH.HICKMAN.

LETTERXIII

MR.LOVELACE,TOJOHNBELFORD,ESQ.TUESDAY,MAY2.

Mercury,asthefabulisttellsus,havingthecuriositytoknowtheestimationhestoodinamongmortals,descendedindisguise,andinastatuary'sshopcheapenedaJupiter,thenaJuno,thenone,thenanother,ofthediimajores;and,atlast,asked,Whatpricethatsamestatueof

Mercurybore?OSir,saystheartist,buyoneoftheothers,andI'llthrowyouinthatfornothing.

Howsheepishmustthegodofthieveslookuponthisrebufftohisvanity!

Sothou!athousandpoundswouldstthougiveforthegoodopinionofthissinglelady--tobeonlythoughttolerablyof,andnotquiteunworthyofherconversation,wouldmaketheehappy.Andatpartinglastnight,orratherthismorning,thoumadestmepromiseafewlinestoEdgware,tolettheeknowwhatshethinksofthee,andofthybrethren.

Thythousandpounds,Jack,isallthyown:formostheartilydoesshedislikeyeall--theeasmuchasanyoftherest.

Iamsorryforittoo,astothypart;fortworeasons--one,thatIthinkthymotiveforthycuriositywasfearofconsciousness:whereasthatofthearch-thiefwasvanity,intolerablevanity:andhewasthereforejustlysentawaywithablushuponhischeekstoheaven,andcouldnotbrag--theother,thatIamafraid,ifshedislikesthee,shedislikesme:forarewenotbirdsofafeather?

Imustnevertalkofreformation,shetoldme,havingsuchcompanions,andtakingsuchdelight,asIseemedtotake,intheirfrothyconversation.

I,nomorethanyou,Jack,imaginedshecouldpossiblylikeye:butthen,

asmyfriends,Ithoughtapersonofhereducationwouldhavebeenmoresparingofhercensures.

Idon'tknowhowitis,Belford;butwomenthinkthemselvesentitledtotakeanyfreedomswithus;whileweareunpolite,forsooth,andIcan'ttellwhat,ifwedon'ttellapackofcursedlies,andmakeblackwhite,intheirfavour--teachingustobehypocrites,yetstigmatizingus,atothertimes,fordeceivers.

IdefendedyeallaswellasIcould:butyouknowtherewasno



attemptingaughtbutapalliativedefence,tooneofherprinciples.

Iwillsummarilygivetheeafewofmypleas.

'Tothepure,everylittledeviationseemedoffensive:yetIsawnot,thattherewasanythingamissthewholeevening,eitherinthewordsorbehaviourofanyofmyfriends.Somepeoplecouldtalkbutupononeortwosubjects:sheuponeveryone:nowonder,therefore,theytalkedtowhattheyunderstoodbest;andtomereobjectsofsense.Hadshehonoureduswithmoreofherconversation,shewouldhavebeenlessdisgustedwithours;forshesawhoweveryonewaspreparedtoadmireher,wheneversheopenedherlips.You,inparticular,hadsaid,whensheretired,thatvirtueitselfspokewhenshespoke,butthatyouhadsuchanaweuponyou,aftershehadfavoureduswithanobservationortwoonasubjectstarted,thatyoushouldeverbeafraidinhercompanytobefoundmostexceptionable,whenyouintendedtobeleastso.'

Plainly,shesaid,sheneitherlikedmycompanionsnorthehouseshewasin.

Ilikednotthehouseanymorethanshe:thoughthepeoplewereveryobliging,andshehadownedtheywerelessexceptionabletoherselfthanatfirst:Andwerewenotaboutanotherofourown?

ShedidnotlikeMissPartington--letherfortunebewhatitwould,andshehadheardagreatdealsaidofherfortune,sheshouldnotchooseanintimacywithher.Shethoughtitwasahardshiptobeputuponsuchadifficultyasshewasputupontheprecedingnight,whentherewerelodgersinthefront-house,whomtheyhadreasontobefreerwith,than,uponsoshortanacquaintance,withher.

Ipretendedtobeanutterstrangerastothisparticular;and,whensheexplainedherselfuponit,condemnedMrs.Sinclair'srequest,andcalleditaconfidentone.

She,artfully,madelighterofherdenialofthegirlforabedfellow,thanshethoughtofit,Icouldseethat;foritwasplain,shesupposed

therewasroomformetothinkshehadbeeneitherover-nice,orover-cautious.

IofferedtoresentMrs.Sinclair'sfreedom.

No;therewasnogreatmatterinit.Itwasbesttoletitpass.Itmightbethoughtmoreparticularinhertodenysucharequest,thaninMrs.Sinclairtomakeit,orinMissPartingtontoexpectittobecompliedwith.Butasthepeoplebelowhadalargeacquaintance,shedidnotknowhowoftenshemightindeedhaveherretirementsinvaded,ifshegaveway.Andindeedtherewerelevitiesinthebehaviourofthatyounglady,whichshecouldnotsofarpassoverastowishanintimacywithher.

Isaid,IlikedMissPartingtonaslittleasshecould.MissPartingtonwasasillyyoungcreature;whoseemedtojustifythewatchfulnessofherguardiansoverher.--Butnevertheless,astoherown,thatIthoughtthegirl(forgirlshewas,astodiscretion)notexceptionable;onlycarryingherselflikeafreegood-naturedcreaturewhobelievedherselfsecureinthehonourofhercompany.

Itwasverywellsaidofme,shereplied:butifthatyoungladyweresowellsatisfiedwithhercompany,shemustneedssay,thatIwasverykind



tosupposehersuchaninnocent--forherownpart,shehadseennothingoftheLondonworld:butthought,shemusttellmeplainly,thatsheneverwasinsuchcompanyinherlife;noreveragainwishedtobeinsuch.

There,Belford!--WorseoffthanMercury!--Artthounot?

Iwasnettled.Hardwouldbethelotofmorediscreetwomen,asfarasIknew,thatMissPartington,weretheytobejudgedbysorigidavirtueashers.

Notso,shesaid:butifIreallysawnothingexceptionabletoavirtuousmind,inthatyoungperson'sbehaviour,myignoranceofbetterbehaviourwas,shemustneedstellme,aspitiableashers:anditweretobewished,thatmindssopaired,fortheirownsakesshouldneverbeseparated.

See,Jack,whatIgetbymycharity!

Ithankedherheartily.Butsaid,thatImusttakethelibertytoobserve,thatgoodfolksweregenerallysouncharitable,that,deviltakeme,ifIwouldchoosetobegood,weretheconsequencetobethatImustthinkhardlyofthewholeworldbesides.

Shecongratulatedmeuponmycharity;buttoldme,thattoenlargeherown,shehopeditwouldnotbeexpectedofhertoapproveofthelowcompanyIhadbroughtherintolastnight.

Noexceptionforthee,Belford!--Safeisthythousandpounds.

Isawnot,Isaid,beggingherpardon,thatshelikedanybody.--[Plaindealingforplaindealing,Jack!--Whythendidsheabusemyfriends?]However,letmebutknowwhomandwhatshedidordidnotlike;and,ifpossible,Iwouldlikeanddisliketheverysamepersonsandthings.

Shebidmethen,inapet,dislikemyself.

Cursedsevere!--Doesshethinkshemustnotpayforitoneday,oronenight?--Andifone,many;that'smycomfort.

Iwasinsuchatrainofbeinghappy,Isaid,beforemyearnestnesstoprocurehertofavourmyfriendswithhercompany,thatIwishedthedevilhadhadaswellmyfriendsasMissPartington--andyet,Imustsay,thatIsawnothowgoodpeoplecouldanswerhalftheirend,whichistoreformthewickedbypreceptaswellasexample,weretheytoaccompanyonlywiththegood.

Ihadtheliketohavebeenblastedbytwoorthreeflashesoflightningfromherindignanteyes;andsheturnedscornfullyfromme,andretiredtoherownapartment.

Oncemore,Jack,safe,asthouseest,isthythousandpounds.

Shesays,Iamnotapoliteman.Butisshe,intheinstancebeforeus,morepoliteforawoman?

Andnow,dostthounotthinkthatIowemycharmersomerevengeforhercrueltyinobligingsuchafineyoungcreature,andsovastafortune,asMissPartington,tocrowdintoapress-bedwithDorcasthemaid-servantoftheproudrefuser?--MissPartingtontoo(withtears)declared,byMrs.



Sinclair,thatwouldMrs.LovelacedoherthehonourofavisitatBarnet,thebestbedandbestroominherguardian'shouseshouldbeatherservice.ThinkestthouthatIcouldnotguessatherdishonourablefearsofme?--thatsheapprehended,thatthesupposedhusbandwouldendeavourtotakepossessionofhisown?--andthatMissPartingtonwouldbewillingtocontributetosuchapieceofjustice?

Thus,then,thoubothremindest,anddefiestme,charmer!--Andsincethoureliestmoreonthyownprecautionthanuponmyhonour;beituntothee,fairone,asthouapprehendest.

Andnow,Jack,letmeknow,whatthyopinion,andtheopinionsofthybrothervarlets,areofmyGloriana.

Ihavejustnowheard,thatHannahhopestobesoonwellenoughtoattendheryounglady,wheninLondon.Itseemsthegirlhashadnophysician.Imustsendherone,outofpureloveandrespecttohermistress.Whoknowsbutmedicinemayweakennature,andstrengthenthedisease?--Ashermaladyisnotafever,verylikelyitmaydoso.--Butperhapsthewench'shopesaretooforward.Blusteringweatherinthismonthyet.--Andthatisbadforrheumaticcomplaints.

LETTERXIVMR.LOVELACE,TOJOHNBELFORD,ESQ.TUESDAY,MAY2.

JustasIhadsealeduptheenclosed,comesalettertomybeloved,inacovertome,directedtoLordM.'s.Fromwhom,thinkestthou?--FromMrs.Howe!

Andwhatthecontents?

HowshouldIknow,unlessthedearcreaturehadcommunicatedthemtome?

ButaverycruelletterIbelieveitis,bytheeffectithaduponher.Thetearsrandownhercheeksasshereadit;andhercolourchangedseveraltimes.Noendofherpersecutions,Ithink!

'Whatacrueltyinmyfate!'saidthesweetlamenter.--'Nowtheonlycomfortofmylifemustbegivenup!'

MissHowe'scorrespondence,nodoubt.

Butshouldshebesomuchgrievedatthis?Thiscorrespondencewasprohibitedbefore,andthat,tothedaughter,inthestrongestterms:butyetcarriedonbyboth;althoughabraceofimpeccables,an'tpleaseye.Couldtheyexpect,thatamotherwouldnotvindicateherauthority?

--andfindingherprohibitionineffectualwithherperversedaughter,wasitnotreasonabletosupposeshewouldtrywhateffectitwouldhaveuponherdaughter'sfriend?--AndnowIbelievetheendwillbeeffectuallyanswered:formybeloved,Idaresay,willmakeapointofconscienceofit.

Ihatecruelty,especiallyinwomen;andshouldhavebeenmoreconcernedforthisinstanceofitMrs.Howe,hadInothadastrongerinstanceofthesameinmybelovedtoMissPartington:Forhowdidsheknow,sinceshewassomuchafraidforherself,whomDorcasmightletintothat



innocentandlesswatchfulyounglady?ButneverthelessImustneedsown,thatIamnotverysorryforthisprohibition,letitoriginallycomefromtheHarlowes,orfromwhomitwill;becauseImakenodoubt,thatitisowingtoMissHowe,inagreatmeasure,thatmybelovedissomuchuponherguard,andthinkssohardlyofme.Andwhocantell,ascharactersherearesotender,andsomedisguisessoflimsy,whatconsequencesmightfollowthisundutifulcorrespondence?--Isay,therefore,Iamnotsorryforit:nowwillshenothaveanybodytocomparenoteswith:anybodytoalarmher:andImaybesavedtheguiltanddisobligationofinspectingintoacorrespondencethathaslongmademeuneasy.

Howeverytingworksforme!--Whywillthischarmingcreaturemakesuchcontrivancesnecessary,aswillincreasemytrouble,andmyguilttoo,assomewillaccountit?Butwhy,ratherIshouldask,willshefightagainstherstars?

LETTERXV

MR.BELFORD,TOROBERTLOVELACE,ESQ.EDGWARE,TUESDAYNIGHT,MAY2.

Withoutstayingforthepromisedletterfromyoutoinformuswhattheladysaysofus,Iwritetotellyou,thatweareallofoneopinionwithregardtoher;whichis,thatthereisnotofherageafinerwomanintheworld,astoherunderstanding.Asforherperson,sheisattheageofbloom,andanadmirablecreature;aperfectbeauty:butthispoorerpraise,aman,whohasbeenhonouredwithherconversation,canhardlydescendtogive;andyetshewasbroughtamongstuscontrarytoherwill.

Permitme,dearLovelace,tobeameanofsavingthisexcellentcreaturefromthedangersshehourlyrunsfromthemostplottingheartintheworld.Inaformer,Ipleadedyourownfamily,LordM.'swishesparticularly;andthenIhadnotseenher:butnow,Ijoinhersake,

honour'ssake,motivesofjustice,generosity,gratitude,andhumanity,whichareallconcernedinthepreservationofsofineawoman.ThouknowestnottheanguishIshouldhavehad,(whencearising,Icannotdevise,)hadInotknownbeforeIsetoutthismorning,thattheincomparablecreaturehaddisappointedtheeinthycursedviewofgettinghertoadmitthespeciousPartingtonforabed-fellow.

IhavedonenothingbuttalkofthisladyeversinceIsawher.Thereissomethingsoawful,andyetsosweet,inheraspect,thatwereItohavethevirtuesandthegracesalldrawninonepiece,theyshouldbetaken,everyoneofthem,fromdifferentairsandattributesinher.Shewasborntoadorntheageshewasgivento,andwouldbeanornamenttothefirstdignity.Whatapiercing,yetgentleeye;everyglanceIthought

mingledwithloveandfearofyou!Whatasweetsmiledartingthroughthecloudthatoverspreadherfairface,demonstratingthatshehadmoreapprehensionsandgriefatherheartthanshecaredtoexpress!

YoumaythinkwhatIamgoingtowritetooflighty:but,bymyfaith,Ihaveconceivedsuchaprofoundreverenceforhersenseandjudgment,that,farfromthinkingthemanexcusablewhoshouldtreatherbasely,Iamreadytoregretthatsuchanangelofawomanshouldevenmarry.Sheisinmyeyeallmind:andwereshetomeetwithamanallmindlikewise,whyshouldthecharmingqualitiessheismistressofbe



endangered?Whyshouldsuchanangelbeplungedsolowasintothevulgarofficesofadomesticlife?Wereshemine,Ishouldhardlywishtoseeheramother,unlesstherewereakindofmoralcertainty,thatmindslikeherscouldbepropagated.Forwhy,inshort,shouldnottheworkofbodiesbelefttomerebodies?Iknow,thatyouyourselfhaveanopinionofherlittlelessexalted.Belton,Mowbray,Tourville,areallofmymind;arefullofherpraises;andswear,itwouldbeamillionofpitiestoruinawomaninwhosefallnonebutdevilscanrejoice.

Whatmustthatmeritandexcellencebewhichcanextortthisfromus,freelivers,likeyourself,andallofyourjustresentmentsagainsttherestofherfamily,andofferedourassistancetoexecuteyourvengeanceonthem?Butwecannotthinkitreasonablethatyoushouldpunishaninnocentcreature,wholovesyousowell,andwhoisyourprotection,andhassufferedsomuchforyou,forthefaultsofherrelations.

Andhereletmeputaseriousquestionortwo.Thinkestthou,trulyadmirableasthisladyis,thattheendthouproposesttothyself,ifobtained,isanswerabletothemeans,tothetroublethougivestthyself,andtotheperfidies,tricks,stratagems,andcontrivancesthouhasalreadybeenguiltyof,andstillmeditatest?Ineveryrealexcellenceshesurpassesallhersex.Butinthearticlethouseekesttosubdueherfor,ameresensualist,aPartington,aHorton,aMartin,wouldmakeasensualistathousandtimeshappierthansheeitherwillorcan.

Sweetarethejoysthatcomewithwillingness.

Andwouldstthoumakeherunhappyforherwholelife,andthyselfnothappyforasinglemoment?

Hitherto,itisnottoolate;andthatperhapsisasmuchascanbesaid,ifthoumeanesttopreserveheresteemandgoodopinion,aswellasperson;forIthinkitisimpossibleshecangetoutofthyhandsnowsheisinthisaccursedhouse.OthatdamnedhypocriticalSinclair,asthoucallesther!Howwasitpossiblesheshouldbehavesospeciouslyasshedidallthetimetheladystaidwithus!--Behonest,andmarry;andbethankfulthatshewillcondescendtohavethee.Ifthoudostnot,thou

wiltbetheworstofmen;andwiltbecondemnedinthisworldandthenext:asIamsurethououghtest,andshouldesttoo,wertthoutobejudgedbyone,whoneverbeforewassomuchtouchedinawoman'sfavour;andwhomthouknowesttobe

Thypartialfriend,J.BELFORD.

OurcompanionsconsentedthatIshouldwithdrawtowritetotheaboveeffect.Theycanmakenothingofthecharacterswewritein;andsoIreadthistothem.Theyapproveofit;andoftheirownmotioneachmanwouldsethisnametoit.Iwouldnotdelaysendingit,forfearofsome

detestableschemetakingplace.THOMASBELTON,RICHARDMOWBRAY,JAMESTOURVILLE.

Justnowarebroughtmebothyours.Ivarynotmyopinion,norforbearmyearnestprayerstoyouinherbehalf,notwithstandingherdislikeofme.



LETTERXVI

MR.LOVELACE,TOJOHNBELFORD,ESQ.WEDNESDAY,MAY3.

WhenIhavealreadytakenpainstoacquainttheeinfullwithregardtomyviews,designs,andresolutions,withregardtothisadmirablewoman,itisveryextraordinarythatthoushouldstvapourasthoudostinherbehalf,whenIhavemadenotrial,noattempt:andyet,givestitasthyopinioninaformerletter,thatadvantagemaybetakenofthesituationsheisin;andthatshemaybeovercome.

Mostofthyreflections,particularlythatwhichrespectsthedifferenceastothejoystobegivenbythevirtuousandlibertineofhersex,arefittertocomeinasafter-reflectionsthanasantecedencies.

Iownwiththee,andwiththepoet,thatsweetarethejoysthatcomewithwillingness--Butisittobeexpected,thatawomanofeducation,andaloverofforms,willyieldbeforesheisattacked?AndhaveIsomuchassummonedthistosurrender?IdoubtnotbutIshallmeetwithdifficulty.Imustthereforemakemyfirsteffortbysurprise.Theremaypossiblybesomecrueltynecessary:buttheremaybeconsentin

struggle;theremaybeyieldinginresistance.Butthefirstconflictover,whetherthefollowingmaynotbeweakerandweaker,tillwillingnessensue,isthepointtobetried.IwillillustratewhatIhavesaidbythesimileofabirdnewcaught.Webegin,whenboys,withbirds;andwhengrownup,goontowomen;andbothperhaps,inturn,experienceoursportivecruelty.

Hastthounotobserved,thecharminggradationsbywhichtheensnaredvolatilehasbeenbroughttobearwithitsnewcondition?how,atfirst,refusingallsustenance,itbeatsandbruisesitselfagainstitswires,tillitmakesitsgayplumageflyabout,andover-spreaditswell-securedcage.Nowitgetsoutitshead;stickingonlyatitsbeautifulshoulders:then,withdifficulty,drawingbackitshead,itgaspsfor

breath,anderectlyperched,withmeditatingeyes,firstsurveys,andthenattempts,itswiredcanopy.Asitgetsitsprettyheadandsides,bitesthewires,andpecksatthefingersofitsdelightedtamer.Tillatlast,findingitseffortsineffectual,quitetiredandbreathless,itlaysitselfdown,andpantsatthebottomofthecage,seemingtobemoanitscruelfateandforfeitedliberty.Andafterafewdays,itsstrugglestoescapestilldiminishingasitfindsittonopurposetoattemptit,itsnewhabitationbecomesfamiliar;andithopsaboutfromperchtoperch,resumesitswontedcheerfulness,andeverydaysingsasongtoamuseitselfandrewarditskeeper.

Nowlemetellthee,thatIhaveknownabirdactuallystarveitself,anddiewithgrief,atitsbeingcaughtandcaged.ButneverdidImeetwith

awomanwhowassosilly.--YethaveIheardthedearsoulsmostvehementlythreatentheirownlivesonsuchanoccasion.Butitissayingnothinginawoman'sfavour,ifwedonotallowhertohavemoresensethanabird.Andyetwemustallown,thatitismoredifficulttocatchabirdthanalady.

Topursuethecomparison--Ifthedisappointmentofthecaptivatedladybeverygreat,shewillthreaten,indeed,asIsaid:shewillevenrefusehersustenanceforsometime,especiallyifyouentreathermuch,andshethinksshegivesyouconcernbyherrefusal.Butthenthestomachofthe



dearsullenonewillsoonreturn.'Tisprettytoseehowshecomestobydegrees:pressedbyappetite,shewillfirststeal,perhaps,aweepingmorselbyherself;thenbebroughttopiddleandsigh,andsighandpiddlebeforeyou;now-and-then,ifherviandsbeunsavoury,swallowingwiththemarelishingtearortwo:thenshecomestoeatanddrink,toobligeyou:thenresolvestoliveforyoursake:herexclamationswill,inthenextplace,beturnedintoblandishments;hervehementupbraidingsintogentlemurmuring--howdareyou,traitor!--intohowcouldyou,dearest!Shewilldrawyoutoher,insteadofpushingyoufromher:nolonger,withunsheathedclaws,willsheresistyou;but,likeapretty,playful,wantonkitten,withgentlepaws,andconcealedtalons,tapyourcheek,andwithintermingledsmiles,andtears,andcaresses,imploreyourconsiderationforher,andyourconstancy:allthefavourshethenhastoaskofyou!--Andthisisthetime,wereitgiventomantoconfinehimselftooneobject,tobehappiereverydaythananother.

Now,Belford,wereItogonofartherthanIhavegonewithmybelovedMissHarlowe,howshallIknowthedifferencebetweenherandanotherbird?Toletherflynow,whataprettyjestwouldthatbe!--HowdoIknow,exceptItry,whethershemaynotbebroughttosingmeafinesong,andtobeaswellcontentedasIhavebroughtotherbirdstobe,andveryshyonestoo?

Butnowletusreflectalittleupontheconfoundedpartialityofus

humancreatures.Icangivetwoorthreefamiliar,andiftheywerenotfamiliar,theywouldbeshocking,instancesofthecrueltybothofmenandwomen,withrespecttoothercreatures,perhapsasworthyas(atleastmoreinnocentthan)themselves.Bymysoul,Jack,thereismoreofthesavageonhumannaturethanwearecommonlyawareof.Norisit,afterall,somuchamiss,thatwesometimesavengethemoreinnocentanimalsuponourownspecies.

Toparticulars:

Howusualathingisitforwomenaswellasmen,withouttheleastremorse,toensnare,tocage,andtorment,andevenwithburningknitting-needlestoputouttheeyesofthepoorfeather'dsongster[thou

seestIhavenotyetdonewithbirds];whichhowever,inproportiontoitsbulk,hasmorelifethanthemselves(forabirdisallsoul;)andofconsequencehasasmuchfeelingasthehumancreature!whenatthesametime,ifanhonestfellow,bythegentlestpersuasion,andthesoftestarts,hasthegoodlucktoprevailuponamew'd-uplady,tocountenanceherownescape,andsheconsentstobreakcage,andbesetaflyingintotheall-cheeringairofliberty,mercyonus!whatanoutcryisgenerallyraisedagainsthim!

JustlikewhatyouandIoncesawraisedinapaltryvillagenearChelmsford,afterapoorhungryfox,who,watchinghisopportunity,hadseizedbytheneck,andshoulderedasleek-featheredgoose:atwhattimewebeheldthewholevicinageofboysandgirls,oldmen,andoldwomen,

allthefurrowsandwrinklesofthelatterfilledupwithmaliceforthetime;theoldmenarmedwithprongs,pitch-forks,clubs,andcatsticks;theoldwomenwithmops,brooms,fire-shovels,tongs,andpokers;andtheyoungerfrywithdirt,stones,andbrickbats,gatheringastheyranlikeasnowball,inpursuitofthewind-outstrippingprowler;allthemongrelcursofthecircumjacenciesyelp,yelp,yelp,attheirheels,completingthehorridchorus.

Rememebrestthounotthisscene?Surelythoumust.Myimagination,inflamedbyatendersympathyforthedangeroftheadventurousmarauder,



representsittomyeyeasifitwerebutyesterday.Anddostthounotrecollecthowgenerouslygladwewere,asifourowncase,thathonestreynard,bythehelpofaluckystile,overwhichbotholdandyoungtumbledupononeanother,andawindingcourse,escapedtheirbrutalfury,andflyingcatsticks;andhow,infancy,wefollowedhimtohisundiscoveredretreat;andimaginedwebeheldtheintrepidthiefenjoyinghisdear-earnedpurchasewithadelightproportionedtohispastdanger?

Ioncemadeacharminglittlesavageseverelyrepentthedelightshetookinseeinghertabbyfavouritemakecruelsportwithaprettysleekbead-eyedmouse,beforeshedevouredit.Egad,mylove,saidItomyself,asIsatmeditatingthescene,Iamdeterminedtolieinwaitforafitopportunitytotryhowthouwiltliketobetostovermyhead,andbecaughtagain:howthouwiltliketobepartedfromme,andpulledtome.YetwillIrathergivelifethantakeitaway,asthisbarbarousquadrupedhasatlastdonebyherprey.Andafterallwasoverbetweenmygirlandme,Iremindedheroftheincidenttowhichmyresolutionwasowing.

NorhadIatanothertimeanymercyuponthedaughterofanoldepicure,whohadtaughtthegirl,withouttheleastremorse,toroastlobstersalive;tocauseapoorpigtobewhipttodeath;toscrapecarpthecontrarywayofthescales,makingthemleapinthestew-pan,anddressingthemintheirownbloodforsauce.Andthisforluxury-sake,

andtoprovokeanappetite;whichIhadwithoutstimulation,inmyway,andthatIcantelltheeaveryravenousone.

ManymoreinstancesofthelikenaturecouldIgive,wereItoleavenothingtothyself,toshewthatthebesttakethesameliberties,andperhapsworse,withsomesortofcreatures,thatwetakewithothers;allcreaturesstill!andcreaturestoo,asIhaveobservedabove,repletewithstronglife,andsensiblefeeling!--Ifthereforepeoplepretendtomercy,letmercygothroughalltheiractions.Ihaveheardsomewhere,thatamercifulmanismercifultohisbeast.

Somuchatpresentforthosepartsofthyletterinwhichthouurgesttomemotivesofcompassionforthelady.

ButIguessatthyprincipalmotiveinthisthyearnestnessinbehalfofthischarmingcreature.IknowthatthoucorrespondestwithLordM.whoisimpatient,andhaslongbeendesiroustoseemeshackled.Andthouwantesttomakeameritwiththeuncle,withaviewtooneofhisnieces.Butknowestthounot,thatmyconsentwillbewantingtocompletethywishes?--AndwhatacommendationwillitbeoftheetosuchagirlasCharlotte,whenIshallacquaintherwiththeaffrontthouputtestuponthewholesex,byasking,WhetherIthinkmyreward,whenIhavesubduedthemostcharmingwomanintheworld,willbeequaltomytrouble?--Which,thinkestthou,willawomanofspiritsoonestforgive;theundervaluingvarletwhocanputsuchaquestion;orhim,whoprefersthepursuitandconquestofafinewomantoallthejoysoflife?HaveInot

knownevenavirtuouswoman,asshewouldbethought,voweverlastingantipathytoamanwhogaveoutthatshewastoooldforhimtoattempt?AnddidnotEssex'spersonalreflectiononQueenElizabeth,thatshewasoldandcrooked,contributemoretohisruinthanhistreason?

Butanotherwordortwo,astothyobjectionrelatingtomytroubleandreward.

Doesnotthekeenfox-hunterendangerhisneckandhisbonesinpursuitofavermin,which,whenkilled,isneitherfitfoodformennordogs?



Donotthehuntersofthenoblegamevaluethevenisonlessthanthesport?

WhythenshouldIbereflectedupon,andthesexaffronted,formypatienceandperseveranceinthemostnobleofallchases;andfornotbeingapoacherinlove,asthyquestionbemadetoimply?

Learnofthymaster,forthefuture,totreatmorerespectfullyasexthatyieldsusourprincipaldiversionsanddelights.

Proceedanon.

LETTERXVII

MR.LOVELACE[INCONTINUATION.]

Wellsayestthou,thatmineisthemostplottingheartintheworld.Thoudostmehonour;andIthanktheeheartily.Thouartnobadjudge.HowlikeBoileau'sparsonIstrutbehindmydoublechin!AmInot

obligedtodeservethycompliment?AndwouldstthouhavemerepentofamurderbeforeIhavecommittedit?

'TheVirtuesandGracesarethisLady'shandmaids.Shewascertainlyborntoadorntheageshewasgivento.'--Wellsaid,Jack--'Andwouldbeanornamenttothefirstdignity.'Butwhatpraiseisthat,unlessthefirstdignitywereadornedwiththefirstmerit?--Dignity!gew-gaw!--Firstdignity!thouidiot!--Artthou,whoknowestme,sotakenwithermineandtinsel?--I,whohavewonthegold,amonlyfittowearit.Forthefuturethereforecorrectthystyle,andproclaimhertheornamentofthehappiestman,and(respectingherselfandsex)thegreatestconquerorintheworld.

Then,thatshelovesme,asthouimaginest,bynomeansappearscleartome.Herconditionalofferstorenounceme;thelittleconfidencesheplacesinme;entitlemetoask,Whatmeritcanshehavewithaman,whowonherinspiteofherself;andwhofairly,insetandobstinatebattle,tookherprisoner?

Astowhatthouinferrestfromhereyewhenwithus,thouknowestnothingofherheartfromthat,ifthouimaginesttherewasoneglanceofloveshotfromit.WelldidInotehereye,andplainlydidIsee,thatitwasallbutjustcivildisgusttomeandtothecompanyIhadbroughtherinto.Herearlyretiringthatnight,againstallentreaty,mighthaveconvincedthee,thattherewasverylittleofthegentleinherheartforme.Andhereyeneverknewwhatitwastocontradictherheart.

Sheis,thousayest,allmind.SosayI.Butwhyshouldstthouimaginethatsuchamindashers,meetingwithsuchaoneasmine,and,todwellupontheword,meetingwithaninclinationinhers,shouldnotpropagatemindslikeherown?

WereItotakethystupidadvice,andmarry;whatafigureshouldImakeinrakishannals!Theladyinmypower:yetnothaveintendedtoputherselfinmypower:declaringagainstlove,andarebeltoit:somuchopen-eyedcaution:noconfidenceinmyhonour:herfamilyexpectingthe



worsthathpassed:herselfseemingtoexpectthattheworstwillbeattempted:[PriscillaPartingtonforthat!]What!wouldstthounothavemeactincharacter?

Butwhycallestthoutheladyinnocent?Andwhysayestthoushelovesme?

Byinnocent,withregardtome,andnottakenasageneralcharacter,Imustinsistuponitsheisnotinnocent.Canshebeinnocent,who,bywishingtoshacklemeintheprimeandgloryofmyyouth,withsuchacapacityasIhavefornoblemischief,*wouldmakemyperditionmorecertain,wereItobreak,asIdoubtIshould,themostsolemnvowIcouldmake?Isaynomanoughttotakeevenacommonoath,whothinkshecannotkeepit.Thisisconscience!Thisishonour!--AndwhenIthinkIcankeepthemarriage-vow,thenwillitbetimetomarry.

*SeeVol.III.LetterXXIII.Paragr.4.

Nodoubtofit,asthousayest,thedevilswouldrejoiceinthefallofsuchawoman.Butthisismyconfidence,thatIshallhaveitinmypowertomarrywhenIwill.AndifIdoherthisjustice,shallInothaveaclaimofhergratitude?Andwillshenotthinkherselfthe

obliged,ratherthantheobliger?Thenletmetellthee,Belford,itisimpossiblesofartohurtthemoralsofthislady,asthouandthybrothervarletshavehurtothersofthesex,whonowarecastingaboutthetownfirebrandsanddoubledeath.Takeyethatthistletomumbleupon.

***

Ashortinterruption.Inowresume.

Thatthemoralsofthisladycannotfail,isaconsiderationthatwill

lessentheguiltonbothsides.Andif,whensubdued,sheknowsbuthowtomiddlethematterbetweenvirtueandlove,thenwillshebeawifeforme:foralreadyIamconvincedthatthereisnotawomanintheworldthatislove-proofandplot-proof,ifshebenottheperson.

Andnowimagine(thecharmerovercome)thouseestmesittingsupinelycross-kneed,recliningonmysofa,thegodoflovedancinginmyeyes,andrejoicingineverymantlingfeature;thesweetrogue,latesuchaproudrogue,whollyinmypower,movingupslowlytome,atmybeck,withheavingsighs,half-pronouncedupbraidingsfrommurmuringlips,herfingerinhereye,andquickeningherpaceatmyComehither,dearest!

Onehandstuckinmyside,theotherextendedtoencourageherbashful

approach--Kissme,love!--sweet,asJackBelfordsays,arethejoysthatcomewithwillingness.

Shetendersherpurplemouth[hercorallipswillbepurplethen,Jack!]:sighnotsodeeply,mybeloved!--Happierhoursawaitthyhumblelove,thandidthyproudresistance.

Oncemorebenttomyardentlipstheswannyglossinessofanecklatesostately.--



There'smyprecious!

Again!

Obligingloveliness!

Omyever-bloomingglory!Ihavetriedtheeenough.To-morrow'ssun--

ThenIrise,andfoldtomyalmost-talkingheartthethrobbing-bosom'dcharmer.

Andnowshallthyhumbleprideconfessitsobligationtome!

To-morrow'ssun--andthenIdisengagemyselffromthebashfulpassive,andstalkabouttheroom--to-morrow'ssunshallgildthealtaratwhichmyvowsshallbepaidthee!

Then,Jack,therapture!thenthedartedsun-beamsfromhergladdenedeye,drinkingup,atonesip,thepreciousdistillationfromthepearl-droptcheek!Thenhandsardentlyfolded,eyesseemingtopronounce,GodblessmyLovelace!tosupplythejoy-lockedtongue:hertransportstoostrong,andexpressiontooweak,togiveutterancetohergratefulmeanings!--All--allthestudies--allthestudiesofherfuturelifevowedanddevoted(whenshecanspeak)toacknowledgeandreturntheperpetual

obligation!IfIcouldbringmycharmertothis,woulditnotbetheeligibleofeligibles?--Isitnotworthtryingfor?--AsIsaid,IcanmarryherwhenIwill.Shecanbenobody'sbutmine,neitherforshame,norbychoice,noryetbyaddress:forwho,thatknowsmycharacter,believesthattheworstshedreadsisnowtobedreaded?

Ihavethehighestopinionthatmancanhave(thouknowestIhave)ofthemeritandperfectionsofthisadmirablewoman;ofhervirtueandhonourtoo,althoughthou,inaformer,artofopinionthatshemaybeovercome.*AmInotthereforeobligedtogofurther,inordertocontradictthee,and,asIhaveoftenurged,tobesurethatsheiswhat

Ireallythinkhertobe,and,ifIamevertomarryher,hopetofindher?

*SeeVol.III.LetterLI.Paragr.9.

Thenthisladyisamistressofourpassions:nooneeverhadtosomuchperfectiontheartofmoving.Thisallherfamilyknow,andhaveequallyfearedandreveredherforit.ThisIknowtoo;anddoubtnotmoreandmoretoexperience.Howcharminglymustthisdivinecreaturewarbleforth(ifaproperoccasionbegiven)hermelodiouselegiacs!--Infinitebeautiesarethereinaweepingeye.Ifirsttaughtthetwonymphsbelow

todistinguishtheseveralaccentsofthelamentableinanewsubject,andhowadmirablysome,morethanothers,becometheirdistresses.

Buttoreturntothyobjections--Thouwiltperhapstellme,inthenamesofthybrethren,aswellasinthyownname,that,amongalltheobjectsofyourrespectiveattempts,therewasnotoneoftherankandmeritofmycharmingMissHarlowe.

Butletmeask,Hasitnotbeenaconstantmaximwithus,thatthegreaterthemeritonthewoman'sside,thenoblerthevictoryonthe



man's?Andastorank,senseofhonour,senseofshame,prideoffamily,maymakerifledrankgetup,andshakeitselftorights:andifanythingcomeofit,suchaonemaysufferonlyinherpride,bybeingobligedtotakeupwithasecond-ratematchinsteadofafirst;and,asitmayfallout,bethehappier,aswellasthemoreuseful,forthemisadventure;since(takenoffofherpublicgaddings,anddomesticatedbyherdisgrace)shewillhavereasontothinkherselfobligedtothemanwhohassavedherfromfurtherreproach;whileherfortuneandalliancewilllayanobligationuponhim;andherpastfall,ifshehaveprudenceandconsciousness,willbehispresentandfuturesecurity.

Butapoorgirl[suchaoneasmyRosebudforinstance]havingnorecallsfromeducation;beingdrivenoutofeveryfamilythatpretendstoreputation;persecutedmostperhapsbysuchashaveonlykepttheirsecretbetter;andhavingnorefugetoflyto--thecommon,thestews,thestreet,isthefateofsuchapoorwretch;penury,want,anddisease,hersureattendants;andanuntimelyendperhapsclosesthemiserablescene.

Andwillyounotnowalljointosay,thatitismoremanlytoattachalionthanasheep?--Thouknowest,thatIalwaysillustratedmyeagleship,byaimingatthenoblestquarries;andbydisdainingtomakeastoopatwrens,phyl-tits,*andwag-tails.

*Phyl-tits,q.d.Phyllis-tits,inoppositiontoTom-tits.Itneedsnotnowbeobserved,thatMr.Lovelace,inthiswantongaietyofhisheart,oftentakeslibertiesofcoiningwordsandphrasesinhisletterstothishisfamiliarfriend.SeehisludicrousreasonforitinVol.III.LetterXXV.Paragr.antepenult.

Theworstrespectingmyself,inthecasebeforeme,isthatmytriumph,whencompleted,willbesogloriousaone,thatIshallneverbeabletokeepuptoit.Allmyfutureattemptsmustbepoortothis.Ishallbeasunhappy,afterawhile,frommyreflectionsuponthisconquest,asDonJuanofAustriawasinhis,ontherenownedvictoryofLepanto,whenhefoundthatnoneoffutureachievementscouldkeeppacewithhisearlyglory.

Iamsensiblethatmypleasandmyreasoningmaybeeasilyanswered,andperhapsjustlycensured;Butbywhomcensured?Notbyanyoftheconfraternity,whoseconstantcourseoflife,evenlongbeforeIbecameyourgeneral,tothishour,hasjustifiedwhatyenowinafitofsqueamishness,andthroughenvy,condemn.Having,therefore,vindicatedmyselfandmyintentionstoYOU,thatisallIamatpresentconcernedfor.

Beconvinced,then,thatI(accordingtoourprinciples)amright,thouwrong;or,atleast,besilent.ButIcommandtheetobeconvinced.Andinthynextbesuretotellmethatthouart.

LETTERXVIII

MR.BELFORD,TOROBERTLOVELACE,ESQ.EDGEWARE,THURSDAY,MAY4.

Iknowthatthouartsoabandonedaman,thattogivetheethebestreasonsintheworldagainstwhatthouhastonceresolveduponwillbe



butactingthemadmanwhomoncewesawtryingtobuffetdownahurricanewithhishat.Ihope,however,thatthelady'smeritwillstillavailherwiththee.But,ifthoupersistest;ifthouwiltavengethyselfonthissweetlambwhichthouhastsingledoutfromaflockthouhatest,forthefaultsofthedogswhokeptit:ifthouartnottobemovedbybeauty,bylearning,byprudence,byinnocence,allshiningoutinonecharmingobject;butshemustfall,fallbythemanwhomshehaschosenforherprotector;Iwouldnotforathousandworldshavethycrimetoanswerfor.

Uponmyfaith,Lovelace,thesubjectstickswithme,notwithstandingIfindIhavenothehonourofthelady'sgoodopinion.Andthemore,whenIreflectuponherfather'sbrutalcurse,andthevillainoushard-heartednessofallherfamily.But,nevertheless,Ishouldbedesiroustoknow(ifthouwiltproceed)bywhatgradations,arts,andcontrivancesthoueffectestthyingratefulpurpose.And,OLovelace,Iconjurethee,ifthouartaman,letnotthespeciousdevilsthouhasbroughtheramongbesufferedtotriumphoverher;yieldtofairseductions,ifImaysoexpressmyself!ifthoucanstraiseaweaknessinherbylove,orbyartsnotinhuman;Ishallthelesspityher:andshallthenconclude,thatthereisnotawomanintheworldwhocanresistaboldandresolutelover.

Amessengerisjustnowarrivedfrommyuncle.Themortification,it

seems,isgottohisknee;andthesurgeonsdeclarethathecannotlivemanydays.Hethereforesendsformedirectly,withtheseshockingwords,thatIwillcomeandclosehiseyes.Myservantorhismustofnecessitybeintowneverydayonhiscase,orotheraffairs;andoneofthemshallregularlyattendyouforanyletterorcommands.Itwillbecharitytowritetomeasoftenasyoucan.ForalthoughIamlikelytobeaconsiderablegainerbythepoorman'sdeath,yetIcannotsaythatIatalllovethesescenesofdeathandthedoctorsonearme.ThedoctoranddeathIshouldhavesaid;forthatisthenaturalorder,andgenerallyspeaking,theoneisbuttheharbingertotheother.

If,therefore,youdeclinetoobligeme,Ishallthinkyouaredispleasedwithmyfreedom.Butletmetellyou,atthesame,thatnomanhasa

righttobedispleasedatfreedomstakenwithhimforfaultsheisnotashamedtobeguiltyof.

J.BELFORD.

LETTERXIX


IthankyouandMr.Hickmanforhisletter,sentmewithsuchkind

expedition;andproceedtoobeymydearmenacingtyranness.

[ShethengivestheparticularsofwhatpassedbetweenherselfandMr.LovelaceonTuesdaymorning,inrelationtohisfourfriends,andtoMissPartington,prettymuchtothesameeffectasinMr.Lovelace'sLetter,No.XIII.Andthenproceeds:]

Heisconstantlyaccusingmeofover-scrupulousness.Hesays,'Iamalwaysoutofhumourwithhim:thatIcouldnothavebehavedmore



reservedlytoMr.Solmes:andthatitiscontrarytoallhishopesandnotions,thatheshouldnot,insolongatime,findhimselfabletoinspiretheperson,whomhehopedsosoontohavethehonourtocallhis,withtheleastdistinguishingtendernessforhimbefore-hand.'

Sillyandpartialencroacher!nottoknowtowhattoattributethereserveIamforcedtotreathimwith!Buthispridehaseatenuphisprudence.Itisindeedadirtylowpride,thathasswallowedupthetruepridewhichshouldhavesethimabovethevanitythathasoverrunhim.

Yethepretendsthathehasnopridebutinobligingme:andisalwaystalkingofhisreverenceandhumility,andsuchsortofstuff:butofthisIamsurethathehas,asIobservedthefirsttimeIsawhim,*toomuchregardtohisownperson,greatlytovaluethatofhiswife,marryhewhomhewill:andImustbeblind,ifIdidnotseethatheisexceedinglyvainofhisexternaladvantages,andofthataddress,which,ifithasanymeritinittoanoutwardeye,isperhapsowingmoretohisconfidencethat[sic]toanythingelse.

*SeeVol.I.LetterIII.

Haveyounotbeheldtheman,whenIwasyourhappyguest,ashewalkedto

hischariot,lookingabouthim,asiftoobservewhateyeshisspeciouspersonandairhadattracted?

Butindeedwehadsomehomelycoxcombsasproudasiftheyhadpersonstobeproudof;atthesametimethatitwasapparent,thatthepainstheytookaboutthemselvesbutthemoreexposedtheirdefects.

Themanwhoisfondofbeingthoughtmoreorbetterthanheis,asIhaveoftenobserved,butprovokesascrutinyintohispretensions;andthatgenerallyproducescontempt.Forpride,asIbelieveIhaveheretoforesaid,isaninfalliblesignofweakness;ofsomethingwrongintheheadorinboth.Hethatexaltshimselfinsultshisneighbour;whoisprovokedtoquestioninhimeventhatmerit,which,werehemodest,would

perhapsbeallowedtobehisdue.

YouwillsaythatIamverygrave:andsoIam.Mr.LovelaceisextremelysunkinmyopinionsinceMondaynight:norseeIbeforemeanythingthatcanaffordmeapleasinghope.Forwhat,withamindsounequalashis,canbemybesthope?

IthinkImentionedtoyou,inmyformer,thatmyclotheswerebroughtme.Youflutteredmeso,thatIamnotsureIdid.ButIknowIdesignedtomentionthattheywere.TheywerebroughtmeonThursday;butneithermyfewguineaswiththem,noranyofmybooks,exceptaDrexeliusonEternity,thegoodoldPracticeofPiety,andaFrancisSpira.Mybrother'swit,Isuppose.Hethinkshedoeswelltopointout

deathanddespairtome.Iwishfortheone,andeverynow-and-thenamonthebrinkoftheother.

Youwillthelesswonderatmybeingsoverysolemn,when,addedtotheabove,andtomyuncertainsituation,Itellyou,thattheyhavesentmewiththesebooksaletterformmycousinMorden.IthassetmyheartagainstMr.Lovelace.Againstmyselftoo.Isenditenclosed.Ifyouplease,mydear,youmayreadithere:



COL.MORDEN,TOMISSCLARISSAHARLOWE

Florence,April13.

Iamextremelyconcernedtohearofadifferencebetwixttherestofafamilysonearanddeartome,andyoustilldearertothananyoftherest.

MycousinJameshasacquaintedmewiththeoffersyouhavehad,andwithyourrefusals.Iwondernotateither.SuchcharmingpromisesatsoearlyanageaswhenIleftEngland;andthosepromises,asIhaveoftenheard,sogreatlyexceeded,aswellinyourpersonasmind;howmuchmustyoubeadmired!howfewmusttherebeworthyofyou!

Yourparents,themostindulgentintheworld,toachildthemostdeserving,havegivenwayitseemstoyourrefusalofseveralgentlemen.Theyhavecontentedthemselvesatlasttonameonewithearnestnesstoyou,becauseoftheaddressofanotherwhomtheycannotapprove.

Theyhadnotreason,itseems,fromyourbehaviour,tothinkyougreatlyaverse:sotheyproceeded:perhapstoohastilyforadelicacylikeyour's.Butwhenallwasfixedontheirparts,andmostextraordinarytermsconcludedinyourfavour;terms,whichabundantlyshowthegentleman'sjustvalueforyou;youflewoffwithawarmthandvehemence

littlesuitedtothatsweetnesswhichgavegracetoallyouractions.Iknowverylittleofeitherofthegentlemen:butofMr.LovelaceIknowmorethanofMr.Solmes.IwishIcouldsaymoretohisadvantagethanIcan.Astoeveryqualificationbutone,yourbrotherownsthereisnocomparison.Butthatoneoutweighsalltheresttogether.ItcannotbethoughtthatMissClarissaHarlowewilldispensewithMORALSinahusband.

What,mydearestcousin,shallIpleadfirsttoyouonthisoccasion?Yourduty,yourinterest,yourtemporalandyoureternalwelfare,do,andmayall,dependuponthissinglepoint,themoralityofahusband.Awomanwhohathawickedhusbandmayfinditdifficulttobegood,andout

ofherpowertodogood;andisthereforeinaworsesituationthanthemancanbein,whohathabadwife.Youpreserveallyourreligiousregards,Iunderstand.Iwondernotthatyoudo.Ishouldhavewonderedhadyounot.Butwhatcanyoupromiseyouself,astoperseveranceinthem,withanimmoralhusband?

Ifyourparentsandyoudifferinsentimentonthisimportantoccasion,letmeaskyou,mydearcousin,whooughttogiveway?Iowntoyou,thatIshouldhavethoughttherecouldnotanywherehavebeenamoresuitablematchforyouthanMr.Lovelace,hadhebeenamoralman.Ishouldhaveverylittletosayagainstaman,ofwhoseactionsIamnottosetupmyselfasajudge,didhenotaddressmycousin.But,onthisoccasion,letmetellyou,mydearClarissa,thatMr.Lovelacecannot

possiblydeserveyou.Hemayreform,you'llsay:buthemaynot.Habitisnotsoonoreasilyshakenoff.Libertines,whoarelibertinesindefianceoftalents,ofsuperiorlights,ofconviction,hardlyeverreformbutbymiracle,orbyincapacity.WelldoIknowmineownsex.WellamIabletojudgeoftheprobabilityofthereformationofalicentiousyoungman,whohasnotbeenfasteneduponbysickness,byaffliction,bycalamity:whohasaprosperousrunoffortunebeforehim:hisspiritshigh:hiswilluncontroulable:thecompanyhekeeps,perhapssuchashimself,confirminghiminallhiscourses,assistinghiminallhisenterprises.



Astotheothergentleman,suppose,mydearcousin,youdonotlikehimatpresent,itisfarfrombeingunlikelythatyouwillhereafter:perhapsthemorefornotlikinghimnow.Hecanhardlysinklowerinyouropinion:hemayrise.Veryseldomisitthathighexpectationsaresomuchastolerablyanswered.Howindeedcanthey,whenafineandextensiveimaginationcarriesitsexpectationinfinitelybeyondreality,inthehighestofoursublunaryenjoyments?Awomanadornedwithsuchanimaginationseesnodefectinafavouredobject,(theless,ifshebenotconsciousofanywilfulfaultinherself,)tillitistoolatetorectifythemistakesoccasionedbyhergenerouscredulity.

Butsupposeapersonofyourtalentsweretomarryamanofinferiortalents;Who,inthiscase,canbesohappyinherselfasMissClarissaHarlowe?Whatdelightdoyoutakeindoinggood!Howhappilydoyoudevotetheseveralportionsofthedaytoyourownimprovement,andtotheadvantageofallthatmovewithinyoursphere!--Andthen,suchisyourtaste,suchareyouracquirementsinthepoliterstudies,andinthepoliteramusements;suchyourexcellenceinallthedifferentpartsofeconomyfitforayounglady'sinspectionandpractice,thatyourfriendswouldwishyoutobetakenoffaslittleaspossiblebyregardsthatmaybecalledmerelypersonal.

Butastowhatmaybetheconsequencerespectingyourself,respectinga

youngladyofyourtalents,fromthepreferenceyouaresuspectedtogivetoalibertine,Iwouldhaveyou,mydearcousin,considerwhatthatmaybe.Amindsopure,tominglewithamindimpure!Andwillnotsuchamanasthisengrossallyoursolitudes?Willhenotperpetuallyfillyouwithanxietiesforhimandforyourself?--Thedivineandcivilpowersdefied,andtheirsanctionsbrokenthroughbyhim,oneverynotmerelyaccidentalbutmeditatedoccasion.Tobeagreeabletohim,andtohopetopreserveaninterestinhisaffections,youmustprobablybeobligedtoabandonallyourownlaudablepursuits.Youmustenterintohispleasuresanddistastes.Youmustgiveupyourvirtuouscompanionsforhisprofligateones--perhapsbeforsakenbyyour's,becauseofthescandalhedailygives.Canyouhope,cousin,withsuchamanasthistobelongsogoodasyounoware?Ifnot,considerwhichofyourpresent

laudabledelightsyouwouldchoosetogiveup!whichofhisculpableonestofollowhimin!Howcouldyoubrooktogobackward,insteadofforward,inthosedutieswhichyounowsoexemplarilyperform?andhowdoyouknow,ifyouoncegiveway,whereyoushallbesuffered,whereyoushallbeable,tostop?

YourbrotheracknowledgesthatMr.SolmesisnotnearsoagreeableinpersonasMr.Lovelace.ButwhatispersonwithsuchaladyasIhavethehonourtobenowwritingto?HeownslikewisethathehasnottheaddressofMr.Lovelace:butwhatamerepersonaladvantageisaplausibleaddress,withoutmorals?Awomanhadbettertakeahusbandwhosemannerssheweretofashion,thantofindthemready-fashionedtoherhand,atthepriceofhermorality;apricethatisoftenpaidfor

travellingaccomplishments.Omydearcousin,wereyoubutwithushereatFlorence,oratRome,oratParis,(wherealsoIresidedformanymonths,)toseethegentlemenwhosesupposedroughEnglishmannersatsettingoutaretobepolished,andwhattheirimprovementareintheirreturnthroughthesameplaces,youwouldinfinitelypreferthemaninhisfirststagetothesamemaninhislast.Youfindthedifferenceontheirreturn--afondnessforforeignfashions,anattachmenttoforeignvices,asuperciliouscontemptofhisowncountryandcountrymen;(himselfmoredespicablethanthemostdespicableofthosehedespises;)these,withanunblushingeffrontery,aretoogenerallytheattainments



thatconcurtofinishthetravelledgentleman!

Mr.Lovelace,Iknow,deservestohaveanexceptionmadeinhisfavour;forhereallyisamanofpartsandlearning:hewasesteemedsobothhereandatRome;andafineperson,andagenerousturnofmind,gavehimgreatadvantages.Butyouneednotbetold,thatalibertineofweakpartsisabletodo.AndthisIwilltellyoufurther,thatitwasMr.Lovelace'sownfaultthathewasnotstillmorerespectedthanhewasamongtheliteratihere.Therewere,inshort,somelibertiesinwhichheindulgedhimself,thatendangeredhispersonandhisliberty;andmadethebestandmostworthyofthosewhohonouredhimwiththeirnoticegivehimup,andhisstaybothatFlorenceandatRomeshorterthanhedesigned.

ThisisallIchoosetosayofMr.Lovelace.Ihadmuchratherhavehadreasontogivehimaquitecontrarycharacter.Butastorakesorlibertinesingeneral,I,whoknowthemwell,mustbeallowed,becauseofthemischiefstheyhavealwaysintheirhearts,andtoooftenintheirpower,todoyoursex,toaddstillafewmorewordsuponthistopic.

Alibertine,mydearcousin,aplotting,anintriguinglibertine,mustbegenerallyremorseless--unjusthemustalwaysbe.Thenobleruleofdoingtootherswhathewouldhavedonetohimselfisthefirstrulehebreaks;andeverydayhebreaksit;theoftener,thegreaterhistriumph.Hehas

greatcontemptforyoursex.Hebelievesnowomanchaste,becauseheisaprofligate.Everywomanwhofavourshimconfirmshiminhiswickedincredulity.Heisalwaysplottingtoextendthemischiefshedelightsin.Ifawomanlovessuchaman,howcanshebearthethoughtofdividingherinterestinhisaffectionswithhalfthetown,andthatperhapsthedregsofit?Thensosensual!--Howwillayoungladyofyourdelicacybearwithsosensualaman?amanwhomakesajestofhisvows?andwhoperhapswillbreakyourspiritbythemostunmanlyinsults.Tobealibertine,istocontinuetobeeverythingvileandinhuman.Prayers,tears,andthemostabjectsubmission,arebutfueltohispride:wageringperhapswithlewdcompanions,and,notimprobably,withlewderwomen,uponinstanceswhichheboastoftothemofyourpatientsufferings,andbrokenspirit,andbringingthemhometowitnessboth.

IwritewhatIknowhasbeen.

Imentionnotfortunessquandered,estatesmortgagedorsold,andposterityrobbed--noryetamultitudeofotherevils,toogross,tooshocking,tobementionedtoapersonofyourdelicacy.

Allthese,mydearcousin,tobeshunned,alltheevilsIhavenamedtobeavoided;thepowerofdoingallthegoodyouhavebeenaccustomedto,preserved,nay,increased,bytheseparateprovisionthatwillbemadeforyou:yourcharmingdiversions,andexemplaryemployments,allmaintained;andeverygoodhabitperpetuated:andallbyonesacrifice,thefadingpleasureoftheeye!whowouldnot,(sinceeverythingisnot

tobemetwithinoneman,whowouldnot,)topreservesomanyessentials,giveuptolight,sounpermanentapleasure!

Weighallthesethings,whichImightinsistupontomoreadvantage,didIthinkitneedfultooneofyourprudence--weighthemwell,mybelovedcousin;andifitbenotthewillofyourparentsthatyoushouldcontinuesingle,resolvetoobligethem;andletitnotbesaidthatthepowersoffancyshall(asinmanyothersofyoursex)betoohardforyourdutyandyourprudence.Thelessagreeabletheman,themoreobligingthecompliance.Remember,thatheisasoberman--amanwhohas



reputationtolose,andwhosereputationthereforeisasecurityforhisgoodbehaviourtoyou.

Youhaveanopportunityofferedyoutogivethehighestinstancethatcanbegivenoffilialduty.Embraceit.Itisworthyofyou.Itisexpectedfromyou;however,foryourinclination-sake,wemaybesorrythatyouarecalledupontogiveit.Letitbesaidthatyouhavebeenabletolayanobligationuponyourparents,(aproudword,mycousin!)whichyoucouldnotdo,wereitnotlaidagainstyourinclination!--uponparentswhohavelaidathousanduponyou:whoaresetuponthispoint:whowillnotgiveitup:whohavegivenupmanypointstoyou,evenofthisverynature:andintheirturn,forthesakeoftheirownauthority,aswellasjudgment,expecttobeobliged.

IhopeIshallsoon,inperson,congratulateyouuponthisyourmeritoriouscompliance.Tosettleandgiveupmytrusteeshipisoneoftheprincipalmotivesofmyleavingtheseparts.Ishallbegladtosettleittoeveryone'ssatisfaction;toyoursparticularly.

IfonmyarrivalIfindahappyunion,asformerly,reigninafamilysodeartome,itwillbeanunspeakablepleasuretome;andIshallperhapssodisposemyaffairs,astobenearyouforever.

Ihavewrittenaverylongletter,andwilladdnomore,thanthatIam,

withthegreatestrespect,mydearestcousin,Yourmostaffectionateandfaithfulservant,WM.MORDEN.

***

Iwillsuppose,mydearMissHowe,thatyouhavereadmycousin'sletter.Itisnowinvaintowishithadcomesooner.Butifithad,ImightperhapshavebeensorashastogiveMr.Lovelacethefatalmeeting,asIlittlethoughtofgoingawaywithhim.

ButIshouldhardlyhavegivenhimtheexpectationofsodoing,previoustothemeeting,whichmadehimcomeprepared;andtherevocationofwhichhesoartfullymadeineffectual.

PersecutedasIwas,andlittleexpectingsomuchcondescension,asmyaunt,tomygreatmortification,hastoldme(andyouconfirm)Ishouldhavemetwith,itis,however,hardtosaywhatIshouldorshouldnothavedoneastomeetinghim,haditcomeintime:butthiseffectIverilybelieveitwouldhavehad--tohavemademeinsistwithallmymightongoingover,outofalltheirways,tothekindwriteroftheinstructiveletter,andonmakingafather(aprotector,aswellasafriend)ofakinsman,whoisoneofmytrustees.This,circumstancedas

Iwas,wouldhavebeenanatural,atleastanunexceptionableprotection!--ButIwastobeunhappy!andhowitcutsmetothehearttothink,thatIcanalreadysubscribetomycousin'scharacterofalibertine,sowelldrawnintheletterwhichIsupposeyounowtohaveread!

Thatamanofacharacterwhicheverwasmyabhorrenceshouldfalltomylot!--But,dependingonmyownstrength;havingnoreasontoapprehenddangerfromheadstronganddisgracefulimpulses;ItoolittleperhapscastupmyeyestotheSupremeDirector:inwhom,mistrustingmyself,Ioughttohaveplacedmywholeconfidence--andthemore,whenIsawmyself



Shegivestheparticularsofaconversationthathaspassedbetweenthemonthatsubject,andhisseveralproposals.Buttakesnotice,thathesaysnottheleastwordofthesolemnitywhichhesomuchpressedforbeforetheycametotown;andwhich,assheobserves,wasnecessarytogiveproprietytohisproposals.]

Now,mydear,shesays,IcannotbearthelifeIlive.Iwouldbegladatmyhearttobeoutofhisreach.IfIwere,heshouldsoonfindthedifference.IfImustbehumbled,ithadbetterbebythosetowhomIoweduty,thanbyhim.Myauntwritesinherletter,*thatSHEdarenotproposeanythinginmyfavour.Youtellme,thatuponinquiry,youfind,*that,hadInotbeenunhappilyseducedaway,achangeofmeasureswasactuallyresolvedupon;andthatmymother,particularly,wasdeterminedtoexertherselffortherestorationofthefamilypeace;and,inordertosucceedthebetter,hadthoughtsoftryingtoengagemyuncleHarloweinherparty.

*SeeVol.III.LetterLII.**Ibid.LetterVIII.

Letmebuildonthesefoundations.Icanbuttry,mydear.Itismydutytotryallprobablymethodstorestorethepooroutcasttofavour.

Andwhoknowsbutthatonceindulgentuncle,whohasverygreatweightinthefamily,maybeinducedtointerposeinmybehalf?Iwillgiveupallrightandtitletomygrandfather'sdevisesandbequests,withallmyheartandsoul,towhomtheyplease,inordertomakemyproposalpalatabletomybrother.Andthatmysurrendermaybeeffectual,Iwillengagenevertomarry.

Whatthinkyou,mydear,ofthisexpedient?Surely,theycannotresolvetorenouncemeforever.Iftheylookwithimpartialeyesuponwhathashappened,theywillhavesomethingtoblamethemselvesfor,aswellasme.

Ipresume,thatyouwillbeofopinionthatthisexpedientisworth

trying.Buthereismydifficulty:IfIshouldwrite,myhard-heartedbrotherhassostronglyconfederatedthemallagainstme,thatmyletterwouldbehandedaboutfromonetoanother,tillhehadhardenedeveryonetorefusemyrequest;whereascouldmyunclebeengagedtoespousemycause,asfromhimself,Ishouldhavesomehope,asIpresumetothinkhewouldsoonhavemymotherandmyauntofhisparty.

What,therefore,Iamthinkingof,isthis--'SupposeMr.Hickman,whosegoodcharacterhasgainedhimeverybody'srespect,shouldputhimselfinmyuncleHarlowe'sway?And(asiffromyourknowledgeofthestateofthingsbetweenMr.Lovelaceandme)assurehimnotonlyoftheaboveparticulars,butthatIamundernoobligationsthatshallhindermefromtakinghisdirections?'

Isubmitthewholetoyourconsideration,whethertopursueitatall,orinwhatmanner.Butifitbepursued,andifmyunclerefusestointeresthimselfinmyfavouruponMr.Hickman'sapplicationasfromyou,(forso,forobviousreasons,itmustbeput,)Icanthenhavenohope;andmynextstep,inthemindIamin,shallbetothrowmyselfintotheprotectionoftheladiesofhisfamily.

Itwereanimpietytoadoptthefollowinglines,becauseitwouldbethrowinguponthedecreesofProvidenceafaulttoomuchmyown.But



oftendoIrevolvethem,forthesakeofthegeneralsimilitudewhichtheybeartomyunhappy,yetundersignederror.

Toyou,greatgods!Imakemylastappeal:Orclearmyvirtue,ormycrimesreveal.Ifwand'ringinthemazeoflifeIrun,AndbackwardtreadthestepsIsoughttoshun,Imputemyerrortoyourowndecree:MyFEETareguilty:butmyHEARTisfree.

[TheLadydatesagainonMonday,toletMissHoweknow,thatMr.Lovelace,onobservingheruneasiness,hadintroducedtoherMr.Mennell,Mrs.Fretchville'skinsman,whomanagedallheraffairs.Shecallshimayoungofficerofsenseandpoliteness,whogaveheranaccountofthehouseandfurniture,tothesameeffectthatMr.Lovelacehaddonebefore;*asalsoofthemelancholywayMrs.Fretchvilleisin.

*SeeLetterIV.ofthisvolume.

ShetellsMissHowehowextremelyurgentMr.Lovelacewaswiththe

gentleman,togethisspouse(ashenowalwayscallsherbeforecompany)asightofthehouse:andthatMr.Mennellundertookthatveryafternoontoshowherallofit,excepttheapartmentMrs.Fretchvilleshouldbeinwhenshewent.Butthatshechosenottotakeanothersteptillsheknewhowsheapprovedofherschemetohaveherunclesounded,andwithwhatsuccess,iftried,itwouldbeattended.

Mr.Lovelace,inhishumourousway,giveshisfriendanaccountoftheLady'speevishnessanddejection,onreceivingaletterwithherclothes.Heregretsthathehaslostherconfidence;whichheattributestohisbringingherintothecompanyofhisfourcompanions.Yethethinkshemustexcusethem,andcensureherfor

over-niceness;forthatheneversawmenbehavebetter,atleastnotthem.

MentioninghisintroducingMr.Mennelltoher,]

Now,Jack,sayshe,wasitnotverykindofMr.Mennell[CaptainMennellIsometimescalledhim;foramongthemilitarythereisnosuchofficer,thouknowest,asalieutenant,oranensign--wasitnotverykindinhim]tocomealongwithmesoreadilyashedid,tosatisfymybelovedaboutthevapourishladyandthehouse?

ButwhoisCapt.Mennell?methinksthouaskest:IneverheardofsuchamanasCaptainMennell.

Verylikely.ButknowestthounotyoungNewcomb,honestDoleman'snewphew?

O-ho!Isithe?

Itis.AndIhavechangedhisnamebyvirtueofmyownsingleauthority.Knowestthounot,thatIamagreatname-father?PrefermentIbestow,bothmilitaryandcivil.Igiveestates,andtakethemawayatmypleasure.QualitytooIcreate.Andbyastillmorevaluable



prerogative,Idegradebyvirtueofmyownimperialwill,withoutanyotheractofforfeiturethanmyownconvenience.Whatapoorthingisamonarchtome!

ButMennell,nowhehasseenthisangelofawoman,hasqualms;that'sthedevil!--Ishallhaveenoughtodotokeephimright.Butitisthelesswonder,thatheshouldstagger,whenafewhours'conversationwiththesameladycouldmakefourmuchmorehardenedvarletsfindhearts--only,thatIamconfident,thatIshallatleastrewardhervirtue,ifhervirtueovercomeme,orIshouldfinditimpossibletopersevere--forattimesIhaveconfoundedqualmsmyself.Butsaynotawordofthemtotheconfraternity:norlaughatmeforthemthyself.

Inanotherletter,datedMondaynight,hewritesasfollows:

Thisperverseladykeepsmeatsuchadistance,thatIamsuresomethingisgoingonbetweenherandMissHowe,notwithstandingtheprohibitionfromMrs.Howetoboth:andasIhavethoughtitsomedegreeofmeritinmyselftopunishothersfortheirtransgressions,Iamofopinionthatboththesegirlsarepunishablefortheirbreachofparentalinjunctions.Andastotheirletter-carrier,Ihavebeeninquiringintohiswayofliving;andfindinghimtobeacommonpoacher,adeer-stealer,andwarren-robber,who,underpretenceofhaggling,dealswithasetof

customerswhoconstantlytakeallhebrings,whetherfish,fowl,orvenison,Iholdmyselfjustified(sinceWilson'sconveyancemustatpresentbesacred)tohavehimstrippedandrobbed,andwhatmoneyhehasabouthimgiventothepoor;since,ifItakenotmoneyaswellasletters,Ishallbesuspected.

Toserveone'sself,andpunishavillainatthesametime,isservingpublicandprivate.Thelawwasnotmadeforsuchamanasme.AndImustcomeatcorrespondencessodisobedientlycarriedon.

But,onsecondthoughts,ifIcouldfindoutthatthedearcreaturecarriedanyofherlettersinherpockets,Icangethertoaplayortoaconcert,andshemayhavethemisfortunetoloseherpockets.

ButhowshallIfindthisout;sinceherDorcasknowsnomoreofherdressingandundressingthanherLovelace?Forsheisdressedforthedaybeforesheappearseventoherservant.Vilelysuspicious!Uponmysoul,Jack,asuspicioustemperisapunishabletemper.Ifawomansuspectsarogueinanhonestman,isitnotenoughtomakethehonestmanwhoknowsitarogue?

But,astoherpockets,Ithinkmymindhankersafterthem,asthelessmischievousattempt.ButtheycannotholdallthelettersIshouldwishtosee.Andyetawoman'spocketsarehalfasdeepassheishigh.Tiedroundthesweetlevities,Ipresume,asballast-bags,lestthewind,astheymovewithfullsail,fromwhale-ribbedcanvass,shouldblowawaythe

gypsies.

[Hethen,inapprehensionthatsomethingismeditatingbetweenthetwoladies,orthatsomethingmaybesetonfoottogetMissHarloweoutofhishands,relatesseveralofhiscontrivances,andboastsofhisinstructionsgiveninwritingtoDorcas,andtohisservantWill.Summers;andsays,thathehasprovidedagainsteverypossibleaccident,eventobringherbackifsheshouldescape,orincasesheshouldgoabroad,andthenrefusetoreturn;andhopessotomanage,



asthat,shouldhemakeanattempt,whetherhesucceededinitornot,hemayhaveapretencetodetainher.]

Hethenproceedsasfollows:

IhaveorderedDorcastocultivatebyallmeansherlady'sfavour;tolamentherincapacityastowritingandreading;toshewletterstoherlady,asfrompretendedcountryrelations;tobegheradvicehowtoanswerthem,andtogetthemanswered;andtobealwaysaimingatscrawlingwithapen,lestinkyfingersshouldgivesuspicion.Ihavemoreovergiventhewenchanivory-leafedpocket-book,withasilverpencil,thatshemaymakememorandaonoccasion.

And,letmetellthee,thattheladyhasalready(atMrs.Sinclair'smotion)removedherclothesoutofthetrunkstheycamein,intoanamplemahoganyrepository,wheretheywilllieatfulllength,andwhichhasdrawersinitforlinen.Arepository,thatusedtoholdtherichessuitswhichsomeofthenymphsputon,whentheyaretobedressedout,tocaptivate,ortoapequality.Formanyacountess,thouknowest,hasourmotherequipped;nay,twoorthreeduchesses,wholiveuponquality-termswiththeirlords.Butthistosuchaswillcomeuptoherprice,andcanmakeanappearancelikequalitythemselvesontheoccasion:forthereputationofpersonsofbirthmustnotlieatthemercyofeveryunder-degreedsinner.

Amaster-key,whichwillopeneverylockinthischest,isputintoDorcas'shands;andsheistotakecare,whenshesearchesforpapers,beforesheremovesanything,toobservehowitlies,thatshemayreplacealltoahair.SallyandPollycanoccasionallyhelptotranscribe.SlowandsurewithsuchanArgus-eyedcharmermustbeallmymovements.

Itisimpossiblethatonesoyoungandsoinexperiencedassheiscanhaveallhercautionfromherself;thebehaviourofthewomensounexceptionable;norevellings,nocompanyeveradmittedintothisinner-house;allgenteel,quiet,andeasyinit;thenymphswell-bred,andwell-read;herfirstdisguststotheoldonegotover.--ItmustbeMiss

Howe,therefore,[whooncewasindangerofbeingtakeninbyoneofourclass,byhonestSirGeorgeColmar,asthouhastheard,]thatmakesmyprogressdifficult.

Thouseest,Belford,bytheaboveprecautionaries,thatIforgetnothing.Asthesongsays,itisnottobeimagined

OnwhatslightstringsDependthesethingsOnwhichmenbuildtheirglory!

Sofar,sogood.IshallneverresttillIhavediscoveredinthefirstplace,wherethedearcreatureputsherletters;andinthenexttillI

havegothertoaplay,toaconcert,ortotakeanairingwithmeoutoftownforadayortwo.

***

Igavetheejustnowsomeofmycontrivances.Dorcas,whoiseverattentivetoallherlady'smotions,hasgivenmesomeinstancesofhermistress'sprecautions.Shewafersherletters,itseems,intwoplaces;



pricksthewafers;andthensealsuponthem.Nodoubtbutthesamecareistakenwithregardtothosebroughttoher,forshealwaysexaminesthesealsofthelatterbeforesheopensthem.

Imust,Imustcomeatthem.Thisdifficultyaugmentsmycuriosity.Strange,somuchasshewrites,andatallhours,thatnotonesleepyorforgetfulmomenthasofferedinourfavour!

Afaircontention,thouseest:norpleadthouinherfavourheryouth,herbeauty,herfamily,herfortune,CREDULITY,shehasnone;andwithregardtoherTENDERYEARS,AmInotayoungfellowmyself?AstoBEAUTY;pr'ythee,Jack,dothou,tosparemymodesty,makeacomparisonbetweenmyClarissaforawoman,andthyLovelaceforaman.ForherFAMILY;thatwasnotknowntoitscountryacenturyago:andIhatethemallbuther.HaveInotcause?--ForherFORTUNE;fortune,thouknowest,waseverastimuluswithme;andthisforreasonsnotignoble.Donotgirlsoffortuneadornthemselvesonpurposetoengageourattention?Seektheynottodrawusintotheirsnares?Dependtheynot,generally,upontheirfortunes,intheviewstheyhaveuponus,morethanontheirmerits?Shallwedeprivethemofthebenefitoftheirprincipaldependence?--CanI,inparticular,marryeverygirlwhowishestoobtainmynotice?If,therefore,insupportofthelibertineprinciplesforwhichnoneofthesweetrogueshateus,awomanoffortuneisbroughttoyieldhomagetoheremperor,andanyconsequencesattendthesubjugation,

isnotsuchaoneshieldedbyherfortune,aswellfrominsultandcontempt,asfromindigence--all,then,thatadmitsofdebatebetweenmybelovedandmeisonlythis--whichofthetwohasmorewit,morecircumspection--andthatremainstobetried.

Asadlife,however,thislifeofdoubtandsuspense,forthepoorladytolive,aswellasforme;thatistosay,ifshebenotnaturallyjealous--ifshebe,heruneasinessisconstitutional,andshecannothelpit;norwillit,inthatcase,hurther.Forasuspicioustemperwillmakeoccasionfordoubt,ifnoneweretooffertoitshand.Myfaironetherefore,ifnaturallysuspicious,isobligedtomeforsavingherthetroubleofstudyingfortheseoccasions--but,afterall,theplainestpathsinourjourneysthroughlifearethesafestandbestIbelieve,

althoughitisnotgivenmetochoosethem;Iamnot,however,singularinthepursuitofthemoreintricatepaths;sincetherearethousands,andtenthousands,whohadratherfishintroubledwatersthaninsmooth.

LETTERXXI


Iamaveryunhappyman.Thisladyissaidtobeoneofthesweetest-

temperedcreaturesintheworld:andsoIthoughther.Buttomesheisoneofthemostperverse.Ineverwassupposedtobeanill-naturedmortalneither.Howcanitbe?Iimagined,foralongwhile,thatwewereborntomakeeachotherhappy:butquitethecontrary;wereallyseemtobesenttoplagueeachother.

Iwillwriteacomedy,Ithink:Ihaveatitlealready;andthat'shalfthework.TheQuarrelsomeLovers.'Twilldo.There'ssomethingnewandstrikinginit.Yet,moreorless,allloversquarrel.OldTerencehastakennoticeofthat;andobservesuponit,Thatloversfallingout



occasionsloversfallingin;andabetterunderstandingofcourse.'Tisnaturalthatitshouldbeso.Butwithus,wefalloutsooften,withoutfallinginonce;andasecondquarrelsogenerallyhappensbeforeafirstismadeup;thatitishardtoguesswhateventourloveswillbeattendedwith.Butperseveranceismyglory,andpatiencemyhandmaid,whenIhaveinviewanobjectworthyofmyattempts.Whatisthereinaneasyconquest?Hudibrasquestionswell,

------Whatmadlovereverdy'dTogainasoftandeasybride?Or,foraladytender-hearted,Inpurlingstreams,orhemp,departed?

ButIwillleadtotheoccasionofthispreamble.

Ihadbeenout.Onmyreturn,meetingDorcasonthestairs--Yourladyinherchamber,Dorcas?Inthedining-room,sir:andifeveryouhopeforanopportunitytocomeataletter,itmustbenow.ForatherfeetIsawonelie,which,asmaybeseenbyitsopenfold,shehadbeenreading,withalittleparcelofotherssheisnowbusiedwith--allpulledoutofherpocket,asIbelieve:so,Sir,you'llknowwheretofindthemanothertime.

Iwasreadytoleapforjoy,andinstantlyresolvedtobringforwardan

expedientwhichIhadheldinpetto;andenteringthedining-roomwithanairoftransport,Iboldlyclaspedmyarmsabouther,asshesat;shehuddlingupherpapersinherhandkerchiefallthetime;thedroppedpaperunseen.Omydearestlife,aluckyexpedienthaveMr.MennellandIhituponjustnow.InordertohastenMrs.Fretchvilletoquitthehouse,Ihaveagreed,ifyouapproveofit,toentertainhercook,herhousemaid,andtwomen-servants,(aboutwhomshewasverysolicitous,)tillyouareprovidedtoyourmind.And,thatnoaccommodationsmaybewanted,Ihaveconsentedtotakethehouseholdlinenatanappraisement.

Iamtopaydownfivehundredpounds,andtheremainderassoonasthebillscanbelookedup,andtheamountofthemadjusted.Thuswillyouhaveacharminghouseentirelyreadytoreceiveyou.Someoftheladies

ofmyfamilywillsoonbewithyou:theywillnotpermityoulongtosuspendmyhappyday.Andthatnothingmaybewantingtogratifyyourutmostpunctilio,IwilltillthenconsenttostayhereatMrs.Sinclair'swhileyouresideatyournewhouse;andleavetheresttoyourowngenerosity.Omybelovedcreature,willnotthisbeagreeabletoyou?Iamsureitwill--itmust--andclaspingherclosertome,IgaveheramoreferventkissthaneverIhaddaredtogiveherbefore.Ipermittednotmyardourtoovercomemydiscretion,however;forItookcaretosetmyfootupontheletter,andscrapeditfartherfromher,asitwerebehindherchair.

ShewasinapassionatthelibertyItook.Bowinglow,Ibeggedherpardon;andstoopingstilllower,inthesamemotiontookuptheletter,

andwhiptitintomybosom.

Poxonmeforapuppy,afool,ablockhead,aclumsyvarlet,amereJackBelford!--IthoughtmyselfamuchclevererfellowthanIam!--WhycouldInothavebeenfollowedinbyDorcas,whomighthavetakenitup,whileIaddressedherlady?

Forhere,theletterbeingunfolded,Icouldnotputitinmybosomwithoutalarmingherears,asmysuddenmotiondidhereyes--Upsheflewinamoment:Traitor!Judas!hereyesflashinglightning,anda



perturbationinhereagercountenance,socharming!--Whathaveyoutakenup?--andthen,whatforbothmyearsIdurstnothavedonetoher,shemadenoscrupletoseizethestolenletter,thoughinmybosom.

Whatwastobedoneonsopalpableadetection?--Iclaspedherhand,whichhadholdoftheravishedpaper,betweenmine:Omybelovedcreature!saidI,canyouthinkIhavenotsomecuriosity?Isitpossibleyoucanbethusforeveremployed;andI,lovingnarrativeletter-writingaboveeveryotherspeciesofwriting,andadmiringyourtalentthatway,shouldnot(thusuponthedawnofmyhappiness,asIpresumetohope)burnwithadesiretobeadmittedintososweetacorrespondence?

Letgomyhand!--stampingwithherprettyfoot;Howdareyou,Sir!--Atthisrate,Isee--tooplainlyIsee--Andmoreshecouldnotsay:but,gasping,wasreadytofaintwithpassionandaffright;thedevilabitofheraccustomedgentlenesstobeseeninhercharmingface,ortobeheardinhermusicalvoice.

Havinggonethusfar,loth,veryloth,wasItolosemyprize--oncemoreIgotholdoftherumpled-upletter!--Impudentman!wereherwords:stampingagain.ForGod'ssake,thenitwas.Iletgomyprize,lestsheshouldfaintaway:buthadthepleasurefirsttofindmyhandwithinbothhers,shetryingtoopenmyreluctantfingers.Hownearwasmy

heartatthatmomenttomyhand,throbbingtomyfingers'ends,tobethusfamiliarly,althoughangrily,treatedbythecharmerofmysoul!

Whenshehadgotitinherpossession,sheflewtothedoor.Ithrewmyselfinherway,shutit,and,inthehumblestmanner,besoughthertoforgiveme.AndyetdoyouthinktheHarlowe-heartedcharmer(notwithstandingtheagreeableannunciationIcameinwith)wouldforgiveme?--No,truly;butpushingmerudelyfromthedoor,asifIhadbeennothing,[yetdoIlovetotry,soinnocentlytotry,herstrengthtoo!]shegainedthatforcethroughpassion,whichIhadlostthroughfear,outsheshottoherownapartment;[thankmystarsshecouldflynofarther!]andassoonassheenteredit,inapassionstill,shedouble-lockedanddouble-boltedherselfin.Thismycomfort,onreflection,that,upona

greateroffence,itcannotbeworse.

Iretreatedtomyownapartment,withmyheartfull:and,mymanWillnotbeingnearme,gavemyselfaplaguyknockontheforeheadwithmydoublefist.

Andnowismycharmershutupfromme:refusingtoseeme,refusinghermeals.Sheresolvesnottoseeme;that'smore:--neveragain,ifshecanhelpit;andinthemindsheisin--Ihopeshehassaid.

Thedearcreatures,whenevertheyquarrelwiththeirhumbleservants,shouldalwaysrememberthissavingclause,thattheymaynotbeforsworn.

ButthinkestthouthatIwillnotmakeitthesubjectofoneofmyfirstplotstoinformmyselfofthereasonwhyallthiscommotionwasnecessaryonsoslightanoccasionasthiswouldhavebeen,werenotthelettersthatpassbetweentheseladiesofatreasonablenature?

WEDNESDAYMORNING.

Noadmissiontobreakfast,anymorethantosupper.Iwishthisladyisnotasimpleton,afterall.



IhavesentupinCaptainMennell'sname.

AmessagefromCaptainMennell,Madam.

Itwon'tdo.Sheisofbabyage.Shecannotbe--aSolomon,Iwasgoingtosay,ineverything.Solomon,Jack,wasthewisestman.Butdidsteverhearwhowasthewisestwoman?Iwantacomparisonforthislady.Cunningwomenandwitcheswereadofwithoutnumber.ButIfancywisdomneverenteredintothecharacterofawoman.Itisnotarequisiteofthesex.Women,indeed,makebettersovereignsthanmen:butwhyisthat?--becausethewomen-sovereignsaregovernedbymen;themen-sovereignsbywomen.--Charming,bymysoul!Forhenceweguessattherudderbywhichbotharesteered.

Buttoputtingwisdomoutofthequestion,andtotakecunningin;thatistosay,toconsiderwomanasawoman;whatshallwedo,ifthisladyhassomethingextraordinaryinherhead?RepeatedchargeshasshegiventoWilson,byaparticularmessenger,tosendanyletterdirectedforherthemomentitcomes.

Imustkeepagoodlook-out.Sheisnotnowafraidofherbrother'splot.Ishan'tbeatallsurprised,ifSingletoncallsuponMissHowe,astheonlypersonwhoknows,orislikelytoknow,whereMissHarlowe

is;pretendingtohaveaffairsofimportance,andofparticularservicetoher,ifhecanbutbeadmittedtoherspeech--Ofcompromise,whoknows,fromherbrother?

ThenwillMissHowewarnhertokeepclose.Thenwillmyprotectionbeagainnecessary.Thiswilldo,Ibelieve.AnythingfromMissHowemust.

JosephLemanisavilefellowwithher,andmyimplement.Joseph,honestJoseph,asIcallhim,mayhanghimself.Ihaveplayedhimoffenough,andhaveverylittlefurtheruseforhim.Noneedtowearoneplottothestumps,whenIcanfindnewoneseveryhour.

NorblamemefortheuseImakeofmytalents.Who,thathathsuch,willlet'embeidle?

Well,then,IwillfindaSingleton;that'sallIhavetodo.

Instantlyfindone!--Will!

Sir--

ThismomentcallmehitherthycousinPaulWheatly,justcomefromsea,whomthouwertrecommendingtomyservice,ifIweretomarry,andkeepapleasure-boat.

Presto--Will'sgone--Paulwillbeherepresently.PresentlytoMrs.Howe's.IfPaulbeSingleton'smate,comingfromhiscaptain,itwilldoaswellasifitwereSingletonhimself.

Sally,alittledevil,oftenreproachesmewiththeslownessofmyproceedings.Butinaplaydoesnottheprincipalentertainmentlieinthefirstfouracts?Isnotallinamanneroverwhenyoucometothefifth?Andwhatavultureofamanmusthebe,whosousesuponhisprey,andinthesamemomenttrussesanddevours?



renewallmyvows;andtoreceiveherpardonforthepastoffence:andthen,withwhatpleasureshallIbeginuponanewscore,andafterwardswipeoutthat;andbeginanother,andanother,tillthelastoffencepasses;andtherecanbenoother!Andonce,afterthat,tobeforgiven,willbetobeforgivenforever.

***

Thedoorisagainshut.Dorcastellsme,thatherladydeniestoadmitmetodinewithher;afavourIhadorderedthewenchtobeseechhertograntme,thenexttimeshesawher--notuncivilly,however,denies--coming-tobydegrees!Nothingbutthelastoffence,thehonestwenchtellsme,inthelanguageofherprincipalsbelow,willdowithher.Thelastoffenceismeditating.Yetthisvilerecreantheartofmineplaysmebooty.

ButhereIconclude;thoughthetyrannessleavesmenothingtodobuttoread,write,andfret.

Subscriptionisformalbetweenus.Besides,Iamsomuchher's,thatIcannotsayhowmuchIamthineoranyotherperson's.

LETTERXXII


If,mydear,youapproveoftheapplicationtomyuncleHarlowe,Iwishittobemadeassoonaspossible.Wearequiteoutagain.Ihaveshutmyselfupfromhim.Theoffenceindeednotsoverygreat--andyetitistoo.Hehadliketohavegotaletter.Oneofyour's.ButneverwillIwriteagain,orre-perusemypapers,inanapartmentwherehethinks

himselfentitledtocome.Hedidnotreadalineofit.Indeedhedidnot.Sodon'tbeuneasy.Anddependuponfuturecaution.

Thusitwas.Thesunbeinguponmycloset,andMr.Lovelaceabroad--

ShethengivesMissHoweanaccountofhiscomingbysurpriseuponher:ofhisflutteringspeech:ofhisboldaddress:ofherstrugglewithhimfortheletter,&c.

Andnow,mydear,proceedsshe,Iammoreandmoreconvinced,thatIamtoomuchinhispowertomakeitprudenttostaywithhim.Andifmyfriendswillbutgivemehope,Iwillresolvetoabandonhimforever.

Omydear!heisafierce,afoolish,aninsolentcreature!--And,intruth,Ihardlyexpectthatwecanaccommodate.HowmuchunhappieramIalreadywithhimthanmymothereverwaswithmyfatheraftermarriage!since(andthatwithoutanyreason,anypretenceintheworldforit)heisforbreakingmyspiritbeforeIamhis,andwhileIam,oroughttobe[Omyfolly,thatIamnot!]inmyownpower.

TillIcanknowwhethermyfriendswillgivemehopeornot,ImustdowhatIneverstudiedtodobeforeinanycase;thatis,trytokeepthis



differenceopen:andyetitwillmakemelooklittleinmyowneyes;becauseIshallmeanbyitmorethanIcanown.Butthisisoneoftheconsequencesofallengagements,wherethemindsareunpaired--dispaired,inmycase,Imustsay.

Letthisevermorebemycautiontoindividualsofmysex--Guardyoureye:'twilleverbeinacombinationagainstyourjudgment.Iftherearetwopartstobetaken,itwillbeforever,traitorasitis,takethewrongone.

Ifyouaskme,mydear,howthiscautionbefitsme?letmetellyouasecretwhichIhavebutverylatelyfoundoutuponself-examination,althoughyouseemtohavemadethediscoverylongago:Thathadnotmyfoolisheyebeentoomuchattached,Ihadnottakenthepainstoattempt,soofficiouslyasIdid,thepreventionofmischiefbetweenhimandsomeofmyfamily,whichfirstinducedthecorrespondencebetweenus,andwastheoccasionofbringingtheapprehendedmischiefwithdoubleweightuponhimself.Myvanityandconceit,asfarasIknow,mighthavepartintheinconsideratemeasure:FordoesitnotlookasifIthoughtmyselfmorecapableofobviatingdifficultiesthananybodyelseofmyfamily?

Butyoumustnot,mydear,supposemyhearttobestillaconfederatewithmyeye.Thatdeludedeyenowclearlyseesitsfault,andthemisledheartdespisesitforit.HencetheapplicationIammakingtomyuncle:

henceitis,thatIcansay(Ithinktruly)thatIwouldatoneformyfaultatanyrate,evenbythesacrificeofalimbortwo,ifthatwoulddo.

Adieu,mydearestfriend!--Mayyourheartneverknowthehundredthpartofthepainmineatpresentfeels!prays

YourCLARISSAHARLOWE.

LETTERXXIII

MISSHOWE,TOMISSCLARISSAHARLOWEWEDNESDAY,MAY10.

IWILLwrite!Nomanshallwriteforme.*Nowomanshallhindermefromwriting.SurelyIamofagetodistinguishbetweenreasonandcaprice.Iamnotwritingtoaman,amI?--IfIwerecarryingonacorrespondencewithafellow,ofwhommymotherdisapproved,andwhomitmightbeimproperformetoencourage,myownhonourandmydutywouldengagemyobedience.Butasthecaseissowidelydifferent,notawordmoreonthissubject,Ibeseechyou!

*ClarissaproposesMr.HickmantowriteforMissHowe.SeeLetterXI.ofthisvolume,Paragr.5,&ult.

Imuchapproveofyourresolutiontoleavethiswretch,ifyoucanmakeitupwithyouruncle.

Ihatetheman--mostheartilydoIhatehim,forhisteasingways.Theveryreadingofyouraccountofthemteasesmealmostasmuchastheycan



you.Mayyouhaveencouragementtoflythefoolishwretch!

Ihaveotherreasonstowishyoumay:forIhavejustmadeanacquaintancewithonewhoknowsavastdealofhisprivatehistory.Themanisreallyavillain,mydear!anexecrableone!ifallbetruethatIhaveheard!AndyetIampromisedotherparticulars.Idoassureyou,mydearfriend,that,hadheadozenlives,hemighthaveforfeitedthemall,andbeendeadtwentycrimesago.

Ifeveryoucondescendtotalkfamiliarlywithhimagain,askhimafterMissBetterton,andwhatbecameofher.Andifheshuffleandprevaricateastoher,questionhimaboutMissLockyer.--Omydear,theman'savillain!

Iwillhaveyourunclesounded,asyoudesire,andthatoutofhand.ButyetIamafraidofthesuccess;andthisforseveralreasons.'Tishardtosaywhatthesacrificeofyourestatewoulddowithsomepeople:andyetImustnot,whenitcomestothetest,permityoutomakeit.

AsyourHannahcontinuesill,IwouldadviseyoutotrytoattachDorcastoyourinterest.Haveyounotbeenimpoliticlyshyofher?

Iwishyoucouldcomeatsomeofhisletters.Surelyamanofhisnegligentcharactercannotbealwaysguarded.Ifhebe,andifyou

cannotengageyourservant,Ishallsuspectthemboth.Lethimbecalleduponatashortwarningwhenheiswriting,orwhenhehaspaperslyingabout,andsosurprisehimintonegligence.

Suchinquiries,Iknow,areofthesamenaturewiththosewemakeataninnintraveling,whenwelookintoeverycornerandcloset,forfearofavillain;yetshouldbefrightedoutofourwits,werewetofindone.But'tisbettertodetectsuchaonewhenawakeandup,thantobeattackedbyhimwheninbedandasleep.

Iamgladyouhaveyourclothes.Butnomoney!NobooksbutaSpira,aDrexelius,andaPracticeofPiety!Thosewhosentthelatteroughttohavekeptitforthemselves--ButImusthurrymyselffromthissubject.

Youhaveexceedinglyalarmedmebywhatyouhintofhisattempttogetoneofmyletters.Iamassuredbymynewinformant,thatheistheheadofagangofwretched(thosehebroughtyouamong,nodoubt,weresomeofthem)whojointogethertobetrayinnocentcreatures,andtosupportoneanotherafterwardsbyviolence;andwerehetocomeattheknowledgeofthefreedomsItakewithhim,Ishouldbeafraidtostiroutwithoutaguard.

Iamsorrytotellyou,thatIhavereasontothink,thatyourbrotherhasnotlaidasidehisfoolishplot.Asunburnt,sailor-lookingfellowwaswithmejustnow,pretendinggreatservicetoyoufromCaptainSingleton,couldhebeadmittedtoyourspeech.Ipleadedignoranceas

totheplaceofyourabode.Thefellowwastoowellinstructedformetogetanythingoutofhim.

Iweptfortwohoursincessantlyonreadingyour's,whichenclosedthatfromyourcousinMorden.*Mydearestcreature,donotdesertyourself.LetyourAnnaHoweobeythecallofthatfriendshipwhichhasunitedusasonesoul,andendeavourtogiveyouconsolation.

*SeeLetterXIX.ofthisvolume.



Iwondernotatthemelancholyreflectionsyousooftencastuponyourselfinyourletters,forthestepyouhavebeenforcedupononehand,andtrickedintoontheother.Astrangefatality!Asifitweredesignedtoshowthevanityofallhumanprudence.Iwish,mydear,asyouhint,thatbothyouandIhavenottoomuchpridedourselvesinaperhapstooconscioussuperiorityoverothers.ButIwillstop--howaptareweakmindstolookoutforjudgmentsinanyextraordinaryevent!'Tissofarright,thatitisbetter,andsafer,andjuster,toarraignourselves,orourdearestfriends,thanProvidence;whichmustalwayshavewiseendstoansweritsdispensations.

Butdonottalk,asifoneofyourformer,ofbeingawarningonly*--youwillbeasexcellentanexampleaseveryouhopedtobe,aswellasawarning:andthatwillmakeyourstory,toallthatshallcometoknowit,ofdoubleefficacy:forwereitthatsuchameritasyourscouldnotensuretoherselfnobleandgeneroususagefromalibertineheart,whowillexpectanytolerablebehaviourfrommenofhischaracter?

*SeeVol.III.LetterXXVIII.

Ifyouthinkyourselfinexcusablefortakingastepthatputyouintothewayofdelusion,withoutanyintentiontogooffwithhim,whatmustthosegiddycreaturesthinkofthemselves,who,withouthalfyourprovocationsandinducements,andwithoutanyregardtodecorum,leapwalls,dropfromwindows,andstealawayfromtheirparents'house,totheseducer'sbed,inthesameday?

Again,ifyouaresoreadytoaccuseyourselffordispensingwiththeprohibitionsofthemostunreasonableparents,whichyetwerebuthalf-prohibitionsatfirst,whatoughtthosetodo,whowilfullyshuttheirearstotheadviceofthemostreasonable;andthatperhaps,whereapparentruin,orundoubtedinconvenience,istheconsequenceofthepredeterminedrashness?

Andlastly,toallwhowillknowyourstory,youwillbeanexcellentexampleofwatchfulness,andofthatcautionandreservebywhichaprudentperson,whohasbeensupposedtobealittlemisled,endeavourstomendhererror;and,neveroncelosingsightofherduty,doesallinherpowertorecoverthepathshehasbeenratherdrivenoutofthanchosentoswervefrom.

Come,come,mydearestfriend,considerbutthesethings;andsteadily,withoutdesponding,pursueyourearnestpurposestoamendwhatyouthinkhasbeenamiss;anditmaynotbeamisfortuneintheendthatyouhaveerred;especiallyassolittleofyourwillwasinyourerror.

AndindeedImustsaythatIusethewordsmisled,anderror,andsuch-like,onlyincomplimenttoyourowntoo-readyself-accusations,andtotheopinionofonetowhomIoweduty:forIthinkinmyconscience,thateverypartofyourconductisdefensible:andthatthoseonlyareblamablewhohavenootherwaytoclearthemselvesbutbycondemningyou.

Iexpect,however,thatsuchmelancholyreflectionsasdropfromyourpenbuttoooftenwillminglewithallyourfuturepleasures,wereyoutomarryLovelace,andwerehetomakethebestofhusbands.



Youwasimmenselyhappy,abovethehappinessofamortalcreature,beforeyouknewhim:everybodyalmostworshippedyou:envyitself,whichhasoflaterearedupitsvenomousheadagainstyou,wasawed,byyoursuperiorworthiness,intosilenceandadmiration.Youwasthesoulofeverycompanywhereyouvisited.YoureldershaveIseendecliningtooffertheiropinionsuponasubjecttillyouhaddeliveredyours;often,tosavethemselvesthemortificationofretractingtheirs,whentheyheardyours.Yet,inallthis,yoursweetnessofmanners,yourhumilityandaffability,causedthesubscriptioneveryonemadetoyoursentiments,andtoyoursuperiority,tobeequallyunfeigned,andunhesitating;fortheysawthattheirapplause,andthepreferencetheygaveyoutothemselves,subjectednotthemselvestoinsults,norexaltedyouintoanyvisibletriumphoverthem;foryouhadalwayssomethingtosayoneverypointyoucarriedthatraisedtheyieldingheart,andlefteveryonepleasedandsatisfiedwiththemselves,thoughtheycarriednotoffthepalm.

Yourworkswereshowedorreferredtowhereverfineworksweretalkedof.Nobodyhadanybutaninferiorandsecond-handpraisefordiligence,foreconomy,forreading,forwriting,formemory,forfacilityinlearningeverythinglaudable,andevenforthemoreenviedgracesofpersonanddress,andanall-surpassingeleganceinboth,whereyouwereknown,andthosesubjectstalkedof.

Thepoorblessedyoueverystepyoutrod:therichthoughtyoutheirhonour,andtookapridethattheywerenotobligedtodescendfromtheirownclassforanexamplethatdidcredittoit.

Thoughallmenwishedforyou,andsoughtyou,youngasyouwere;yet,hadnotthosewhowerebroughttoaddressyoubeenencouragedoutofsordidandspitefulviews,notoneofthemwouldhavedaredtoliftuphiseyestoyou.

Thushappyinallaboutyou,thusmakinghappyallwithinyourcircle,couldyouthinkthatnothingwouldhappentoyou,toconvinceyouthatyouwerenottobeexemptedfromthecommonlot?--Toconvincedyou,thatyouwerenotabsolutelyperfect;andthatyoumustnotexpecttopass

throughlifewithouttrial,temptation,andmisfortune?

Indeed,itmustbeownedthatnotrial,notemptation,worthyofyourvirtue,andofyourprudence,couldwellhaveattackedyousooner,becauseofyourtenderyears,andmoreeffectually,thanthoseheavyonesunderwhichyoustruggle;sinceitmustbeallowed,thatyouequanimityandforesightmadeyousuperiortocommonaccidents;forarenotmostofthetroublesthatfalltothelotofcommonmortalsbroughtuponthemselveseitherbytheirtoolargedesires,ortoolittledeserts?--Cases,both,fromwhichyoustoodexempt.--Itwasthereforetobesomeman,orsomeworsespiritintheshapeofone,that,formedonpurpose,wastobesenttoinvadeyou;whileasmanyothersuchspiritsastherearepersonsinyourfamilywerepermittedtotakepossession,severally,

inonedarkhour,oftheheartofeveryoneofit,theretositperching,perhaps,anddirectingeverymotiontothemotionsoftheseducerwithout,inordertoirritate,toprovoke,topushyouforwardtomeethim.

Uponthewhole,thereseems,asIhaveoftensaid,tohavebeenakindoffateinyourerror,ifitwereanerror;andthisperhapsadmittedforthesakeofabetterexampletobecollectedfromyourSUFFERINGS,thancouldhavebeengiven,hadyounevererred:formydear,thetimeofADVERSITYisyourSHINING-TIME.Iseeitevidently,thatadversitymust



callforthgracesandbeautieswhichcouldnothavebeenbroughttolightinarunofthatprosperousfortunewhichattendedyoufromyourcradletillnow;admirablyasyoubecame,and,asweallthought,greatlyasyoudeservedthatprosperity.

Allthematteris,thetrialmustbegrievoustoyou.Itistome:itistoallwholoveyou,andlookeduponyouasonesetalofttobeadmiredandimitated,andnotasamark,asyouhavelatelyfound,forenvytoshootitsshaftsat.

LetwhatIhavewrittenabovehaveitsdueweightwithyou,mydear;andthen,aswarmimaginationsarenotwithoutamixtureofenthusiasm,yourAnnaHowe,who,onreperusalofit,imaginesittobeinastylesuperiortoherusualstyle,willbereadytoflatterherselfthatshehasbeeninamannerinspiredwiththehintsthathavecomfortedandraisedthedejectedheartofhersufferingfriend;who,fromsuchhardtrials,inabloomsotender,mayfindattimesherspiritssunktoolowtoenablehertopervadethesurroundingdarkness,whichconcealsfromherthehopefuldawningofthebetterdaywhichawaitsher.

Iwilladdnomoreatpresent,thanthatIamYoureverfaithfulandaffectionateANNAHOWE.

LETTERXXIV

MISSCLARISSAHARLOWE,TOMISSHOWEFRIDAY,MAY12.

Imustbesilent,myexaltedfriend,underpraisesthatoppressmyheartwithaconsciousnessofnotdeservingthem;atthesametimethatthegenerousdesignofthosepraisesraisesandcomfortsit:foritisacharmingthingtostandhighintheopinionofthosewelove;andtofindthattherearesoulsthatcancarrytheirfriendshipsbeyondaccidents,

beyondbodyandtiesofblood.Whatever,mydearestcreature,ismyshining-time,thetimeofafriend'sadversityisyours.Anditwouldbealmostafaultinmetoregretthoseafflictions,whichgiveyouanopportunitysogloriouslytoexertthosequalities,whichnotonlyennobleoursex,butdignifyhumannature.

Butletmeproceedtosubjectslessagreeable.

IamsorryyouhavereasontothinkSingleton'sprojectsarenotatanend.Butwhoknowswhatthesailorhadtopropose?--Yethadanygoodbeenintendedme,thismethodwouldhardlyhavebeenfallenupon.

Dependuponit,mydear,yourlettersshallbesafe.

IhavemadeahandleofMr.Lovelace'sboldattemptandfreedom,asItoldyouIwould,tokeephimeversinceatadistance,thatImayhaveanopportunitytoseethesuccessoftheapplicationtomyuncle,andtobeatlibertytoembraceanyfavourableoverturesthatmayarisefromit.Yethehasbeenveryimportunate,andtwicebroughtMr.MennellfromMrs.Fretchvilltotalkaboutthehouse.--IfIshouldbeobligedtomakeupwithhimagain,IshallthinkIamalwaysdoingmyselfaspite.

Astowhatyoumentionofhisnewly-detectedcrimes;andyouradviceto



attachDorcastomyinterest;andtocomeatsomeofhisletters;thesethingswillrequiremoreorlessofmyattention,asImayhopefavourornotfrommyuncleHarlowe.

IamsorrythatmypoorHannahcontinuesill.Pray,mydear,informyourself,andletmeknow,whethershewantsanythingthatbefitshercase.

Iwillnotclosethislettertillto-morrowisover;forIamresolvedtogotochurch;andthisaswellforthesakeofmyduty,astoseeifIamatlibertytogooutwhenIpleasewithoutbeingattendedoraccompanied.

SUNDAY,MAY14.

IhavenotbeenabletoavoidashortdebatewithMr.Lovelace.Ihadorderedacoachtothedoor.WhenIhadnoticedthatitwascome,Iwentoutofmychambertogotoit;butmethimdressedonthestairshead,withabookinhishand,butwithouthishatandsword.Heasked,withanairverysolemnyetrespectful,ifIweregoingabroad.ItoldhimIwas.Hedesiredleavetoattendme,ifIweregoingtochurch.Irefusedhim.Andthenhecomplainedheavilyofmytreatmentofhim;anddeclaredthathewouldnotlivesuchanotherweekasthepast,fortheworld.

Iownedtohimveryfrankly,thatIhadmadeanapplicationtomyfriends;andthatIwasresolvedtokeepmyselftomyselftillIknewtheissueofit.

Hecoloured,andseemedsurprised.Butcheckinghimselfinsomethinghewasgoingtosay,hepleadedmydangerfromSingleton,andagaindesiredtoattendme.

Andthenhetoldme,thatMrs.Fretchvillehaddesiredtocontinueafortnightlongerinthehouse.Shefound,saidhe,thatIwasunabletodetermineaboutenteringuponit;andnowwhoknowswhensuchavapourishcreaturewillcometoaresolution?This,Madam,hasbeenanunhappy

week;forhadInotstooduponsuchbadtermswithyou,youmighthavebeennewmistressofthathouse;andprobablyhadmycousinMontague,ifnotLadyBetty,actuallywithyou.

Andso,Sir,takingallyousayforgranted,yourcousinMontaguecannotcometoMrs.Sinclair's?What,pray,isherobjectiontoMrs.Sinclair's?Isthishousefitformetoliveinamonthortwo,andnotfitforanyofyourrelationsforafewdays?--AndMrs.Fretchvillehastakenmoretimetoo!--Then,pushingbyhim,Ihurrieddownstairs.

HecalledtoDorcastobringhimhisswordandhat;andfollowingmedownintothepassage,placedhimselfbetweenmeandthedoor;andagaindesiredleavetoattendme.

Mrs.Sinclaircameoutatthatinstant,andaskedme,ifIdidnotchooseadishofchocolate?

Iwish,Mrs.Sinclair,saidI,youwouldtakethismaninwithyoutoyourchocolate.Idon'tknowwhetherIamatlibertytostiroutwithouthisleaveornot.

Thenturningtohim,Iasked,ifhekeptmetherehisprisoner?



Dorcasjustthenbringinghimhisswordandhat,heopenedthestreet-door,andtakingmyreluctanthand,ledme,inaveryobsequiousmanner,tothecoach.Peoplepassingby,stopped,stared,andwhispered--Butheissogracefulinhispersonanddress,thathegenerallytakeseveryeye.

Iwasuneasytobesogazedat;andhesteppedinafterme,andthecoachmandrovetoSt.Paul's.

Hewasveryfullofassiduitiesalltheway;whileIwasasreservedaspossible:andwhenIreturned,dined,asIhaddonethegreatestpartoftheweek,bymyself.

Hetoldme,uponmyresolvingtodoso,thatalthoughhewouldcontinuehispassiveobservancetillIknewtheissueofmyapplication,yetImustexpect,thatthenIshouldnotrestonemomenttillIhadfixedhishappyday:forthathisverysoulwasfrettedwithmyslights,resentments,anddelays.

Awretch!whencanIsay,tomyinfiniteregret,onadoubleaccount,thatallhecomplainsofisowingtohimself!

OthatImayhavegoodtidingsfrommyuncle!

Adieu,mydearestfriend--Thisshallliereadyforanexchange(asIhopeforoneto-morrowfromyou)thatwilldecide,asImaysay,thedestinyof


LETTERXXV

MISSHOWE,TOMRS.JUDITHNORTONTHURSDAY,MAY11.

GOODMRS.NORTON,

Cannotyou,withoutnamingmeasanadviser,whoamhatedbythefamily,contriveawaytoletMrs.Harloweknow,thatinanaccidentalconversationwithme,youhadbeenassuredthatmybelovedfriendpinesafterareconciliationwithherrelations?Thatshehashitherto,inhopesofit,refusedtoenterintoanyobligationthatshallbeintheleastahinderance[sic]toit:thatshewouldfainavoidgivingMr.Lovelacearighttomakeherfamilyuneasyinrelationtohergrandfather'sestate:thatallshewishesforstillistobeindulgedinherchoiceofasinglelife,and,onthatcondition,wouldmakeher

father'spleasureher'swithregardtothatestate:thatMr.Lovelaceiscontinuallypressinghertomarryhim;andallhisfriendslikewise:butthatIamsureshehassolittlelikingtotheman,becauseofhisfaultymorals,andoftheantipathyofherrelationstohim,thatifshehadanyhopegivenherofareconciliation,shewouldforegoallthoughtsofhim,andputherselfintoherfather'sprotection.Butthattheirresolutionmustbespeedy;forotherwiseshewouldfindherselfobligedtogivewaytohispressingentreaties;anditmightthenbeoutofherpowertopreventdisagreeablelitigations.



Idoassureyou,Mrs.Norton,uponmyhonour,thatourdearestfriendknowsnothingofthisprocedureofmine:andthereforeitispropertoacquaintyou,inconfidence,withmygroundsforit.--Thesearethey:

ShehaddesiredmetoletMr.HickmandrophintstotheaboveeffecttoheruncleHarlowe;butindirectly,asfromhimself,lest,iftheapplicationshouldnotbeattendedwithsuccess,andMr.Lovelace(whoalreadytakesitillthathehassolittleofherfavour)cometoknowit,shemaybedeprivedofeveryprotection,andbeperhapssubjectedtogreatinconvenienciesfromsohaughtyaspirit.

Havingthisauthorityfromher,andbeingverysolicitousaboutthesuccessoftheapplication,Ithought,thatiftheweightofsogoodawife,mother,andsister,asMrs.Harloweisknowntobe,werethrownintothesamescalewiththatofMr.JohnHarlowe(supposinghecouldbeengaged)itcouldhardlyfailofmakingadueimpression.

Mr.HickmanwillseeMr.JohnHarloweto-morrow:bythattimeyoumayseeMrs.Harlowe.IfMr.Hickmanfindstheoldgentlemanfavourable,hewilltellhim,thatyouwillhaveseenMrs.Harloweuponthesameaccount;andwilladvisehimtojoininconsultationwithherhowbesttoproceedtomeltthemostobdurateheartintheworld.

Thisisthefairstateofthematter,andmytruemotiveforwritingto

you.Ileaveall,therefore,toyourdiscretion;andmostheartilywishsuccesstoit;beingofopinionthatMr.Lovelacecannotpossiblydeserveouradmirablefriend:norindeedknowIthemanwhodoes.

Prayacquaintmebyalineoftheresultofyourinterposition.Ifitprovenotsuchasmaybereasonablyhopedfor,ourdearfriendshallknownothingofthisstepfromme;andpraylethernotfromyou.For,inthatcase,itwouldonlygivedeepergrieftoaheartalreadytoomuchafflicted.Iam,dearandworthyMrs.Norton,

Yourtruefriend,ANNAHOWE.

LETTERXXVI

MRS.NORTON,TOMISSHOWESATURDAY,MAY13.

DEARMADAM,

Myheartisalmostbroken,tobeobligedtoletyouknow,thatsuchisthesituationofthingsinthefamilyofmyever-dearMissHarlowe,thattherecanbeatpresentnosuccessexpectedfromanyapplicationinher

favour.Herpoormotheristobepitied.Ihaveamostaffectingletterfromher;butmustnotcommunicateittoyou;andsheforbidsmetoletitbeknownthatshewritesuponthesubject;althoughsheiscompelled,asitwere,todoit,fortheeaseofherownheart.Imentionitthereforeinconfidence.

IhopeinGodthatmybelovedyoungladyhaspreservedherhonourinviolate.Ihopethereisnotamanbreathingwhocouldattemptasacrilegesodetestable.Ihavenoapprehensionofafailureinavirtuesoestablished.Godforeverkeepsopureaheartoutofthereachof



surprisesandviolence!Ease,dearMadam,Ibeseechyou,myover-anxiousheart,byoneline,bythebearer,althoughbutoneline,toacquaintme(assurelyyoucan)thatherhonourisunsullied.--Ifitbenot,adieutoallthecomfortsthislifecangive:sincenonewillitbeabletoafford

TothepoorJUDITHNORTON.

LETTERXXVII

MISSHOWE,TOMRS.JUDITHNORTONSATURDAYEVENING,MAY13.

DEAR,GOODWOMAN,

Yourbeloved'shonourisinviolate!--Mustbeinviolate!andwillbeso,inspiteofmenanddevils.CouldIhavehadhopeofareconciliation,allmyviewwas,thatsheshouldnothavehadthisman.--Allthatcanbesaidnow,is,shemustruntheriskofabadhusband:sheofwhomnomanlivingisworthy!

Youpityhermother--sodonotI!Ipitynomotherthatputsitoutofherpowertoshowmaternallove,andhumanity,inordertopatchupforherselfaprecariousandsorryquiet,whicheveryblastofwindshalldisturb.

Ihatetyrantsineverformandshape:butpaternalandmaternaltyrantsaretheworstofall:fortheycanhavenobowels.

Irepeat,thatIpitynoneofthem.Ourbelovedfriendonlydeservespity.Shehadneverbeeninthehandsofthisman,butforthem.Sheisquiteblameless.Youdon'tknowallherstory.WereItotellyouthatshehadnointentiontogooffwiththisman,itwouldavailhernothing.Itwouldonlydeservetocondemn,withthosewhodroveherto

extremities,himwhonowmustbeherrefuge.Iam

Yoursincerefriendandservant,ANNAHOWE.

LETTERXXVIII

MRS.HARLOWE,TOMRS.NORTON[NOTCOMMUNICATEDTILLTHELETTERSCAMETOBECOLLECTED.]SATURDAY,MAY13.

Ireturnananswerinwriting,asIpromised,toyourcommunication.ButtakenonoticeeithertomyBella'sBetty,(whoIunderstandsometimesvisitsyou,)ortothepoorwretchherself,nortoanybody,thatIdowrite.Ichargeyoudon't.Myheartisfull:writingmaygivesomeventtomygriefs,andperhapsImaywritewhatliesmostuponmyheart,withoutconfiningmyselfstrictlytothepresentsubject.

Youknowhowdearthisungratefulcreatureeverwastousall.Youknowhowsincerelywejoinedwitheveryoneofthosewhoeverhadseenher,orconversedwithher,topraiseandadmireher;andexceededinourpraise



eventheboundsofthatmodesty,which,becauseshewasourown,shouldhaverestrainedus;beingofopinion,thattohavebeensilentinthepraiseofsoapparentameritmustratherhavearguedblindnessoraffectationinus,thanthatweshouldincurthecensureofvainpartialitytoourown.

Whenthereforeanybodycongratulatedusonsuchadaughter,wereceivedtheircongratulationswithoutanydiminution.Ifitwassaid,youarehappyinthischild!weowned,thatnoparentseverwerehappierinachild.If,moreparticularly,theypraisedherdutifulbehaviourtous,wesaid,sheknewnothowtooffend.Ifitweresaid,MissClarissaHarlowehasawitandpenetrationbeyondheryears;we,insteadofdisallowingit,wouldadd--andajudgmentnolessextraordinarythanherwit.Ifherprudencewaspraised,andaforethought,whicheveryonesawsuppliedwhatonlyyearsandexperiencegavetoothers--nobodyneedtoscrupletakinglessonsfromClarissaHarlowe,wasourproudanswer.

Forgiveme,Oforgiveme,mydearNorton--ButIknowyouwill;foryours,whengood,wasthischild,andyourgloryaswellasmine.

Buthaveyounotheardstrangers,asshepassedtoandfromchurch,stoptopraisetheangelofacreature,astheycalledher;whenitwasenoughforthosewhoknewwhoshewas,tocry,Why,itisMissClarissaHarlowe!--asifeverybodywereobligedtoknow,ortohaveheardofClarissa

Harlowe,andofherexcellencies.While,accustomedtopraise,itwastoofamiliartoher,tocausehertoaltereitherherlookorherpace.

Formyownpart,Icouldnotstifleapleasurethathadperhapsafaultyvanityforitsfoundation,wheneverIwasspokenof,oraddressedto,asthemotherofsosweetachild:Mr.HarloweandI,allthetime,lovingeachotherthebetterfortheshareeachhadinsuchadaughter.

Still,stillindulgethefond,theoverflowingheartofamother!Icoulddwellforeverupontheremembranceofwhatshewas,wouldbutthatremembrancebanishfrommymindwhatsheis!

Inherbosom,youngasshewas,couldIreposeallmygriefs--sureof

receivingfromherprudenceandadviceaswellascomfort;andbothinsinuatedinsodutifulamanner,thatitwasimpossibletotakethoseexceptionswhichthedistanceofyearsandcharacterbetweenamotherandadaughterwouldhavemadeoneapprehensiveoffromanyotherdaughter.Shewasourglorywhenabroad,ourdelightwhenathome.Everybodywasevencovetousofhercompany;andwegrudgedhertoourbrothersHarlowe,andtooursisterandbrotherHervey.Noothercontentionamongus,then,butwhoshouldbenextfavouredbyher.Nochidingeverknewshefromus,butthechidingoflovers,whenshewasforshuttingherselfuptoolongtogetherfromus,inpursuitofthosecharmingamusementsandusefulemployments,forwhich,however,thewholefamilywasthebetter.

Ourotherchildrenhadreason(goodchildrenastheyalwayswere)to

thinkthemselvesneglected.Buttheylikewiseweresosensibleoftheirsister'ssuperiority,andofthehonourshereflecteduponthewholefamily,thattheyconfessedthemselveseclipsed,withoutenvyingtheeclipser.Indeed,therewasnotanybodysoequalwithher,intheirownopinions,astoenvywhatallaspiredbuttoemulate.Thedearcreature,youknow,myNorton,gaveaneminencetousall!

Thenheracquirements.Herskillinmusic,herfineneedle-works,hereleganceindress;forwhichshewassomuchadmired,thattheneighbouringladiesusedtosay,thattheyneednotfetchfashionsfrom



London;sincewhateverMissClarissaHarloweworewasthebestfashion,becauseherchoiceofnaturalbeautiessetthoseofartfarbehindthem.Hergenteelease,andfineturnofperson;herdeepreading,andthese,joinedtoheropenmanners,andhercheerfulmodesty--OmygoodNorton,whatasweetchildwasoncemyClaryHarlowe!

This,andmore,youknewhertobe:formanyofherexcellencieswereowingtoyourself;andwiththemilkyougaveher,yougaveherwhatnoothernurseintheworldcouldgiveher.

Anddoyouthink,myworthywoman,doyouthink,thatthewilfullapseofsuchachildistobeforgiven?Cansheherselfthinkthatshedeservesnottheseverestpunishmentfortheabuseofsuchtalentsaswereintrustedtoher?

Herfaultwasafaultofpremeditation,ofcunning,ofcontrivance.Shehaddeceivedeverybody'sexpectations.Herwholesex,aswellasthefamilyshesprungfrom,isdisgracedbyit.

Wouldanybodyeverhavebelievedthatsuchayoungcreatureasthis,whohadbyheradvicesavedevenherover-livelyfriendfrommarryingafop,andalibertine,wouldherselfhavegoneoffwithoneofthevilestandmostnotoriousoflibertines?Amanwhosecharactersheknew;andknewittobeworsethanthecharacterofhimfromwhomshesavedherfriend;

amanagainstwhomshewaswarned:onewhohadherbrother'slifeinherhands;andwhoconstantlysetourwholefamilyatdefiance.

Thinkforme,mygoodNorton;thinkwhatmyunhappinessmustbebothasawifeandamother.Whatrestlessdays,whatsleeplessnights;yetmyownranklinganguishendeavouredtobesmoothedover,tosoftentheanguishoffiercerspirits,andtokeepthemfromblazingouttofurthermischief!Othisnaughty,naughtygirl,whoknewsowellwhatshedid;andwhocouldlooksofarintoconsequences,thatwethoughtshewouldhavediedratherthanhavedoneasshehaddone!

Herknowncharacterforprudenceleavesherabsolutelywithoutexcuse.HowthencanIoffertopleadforher,if,throughmotherlyindulgence,

Iwouldforgivehermyself?--Andhavewenotmoreoversufferedallthedisgracethatcanbefallus?Hasnotshe?

Ifnowshehassolittlelikingtohismorals,hasshenotreasonbeforetohaveaslittle?Orhasshesufferedbytheminherownperson?--Omygoodwoman,Idoubt--Idoubt--Willnotthecharacterofthemanmakeonedoubtanangel,ifonceinhispower?Theworldwillthinktheworst.Iamtolditdoes.Solikewiseherfatherfears;herbrotherhears;andwhatcanIdo?

Ourantipathytohimsheknewbefore,aswellashischaracter.Thesethereforecannotbenewmotiveswithoutanewreason.--OmydearMrs.Norton,howshallI,howcanyou,supportourselvesunderthe

apprehensionstowhichthesethoughtslead!

Hecontinuallypressingher,yousay,tomarryhim:hisfriendslikewise.Shehasreason,nodoubtshehasreason,forthisapplicationtous:andhercrimeisglossedover,tobringhertouswithnewdisgrace!Whither,whither,doesoneguiltystepleadthemisguidedheart!--Andnow,truly,tosaveastubbornspirit,weareonlytobesounded,thattheapplicationmaybeoccasionallyretractedordenied!

Uponthewhole:wereIinclinedtopleadforher,itisnowthemost



improperofalltimes.NowthatmybrotherHarlowehasdiscouraged(ashelastnightcamehitheronpurposetotellus)Mr.Hickman'sinsinuatedapplication;andbeenapplaudedforit.Now,thatmybrotherAntonyisintendingtocarryhisgreatfortune,throughherfault,intoanotherfamily:--sheexpecting,nodoubt,herselftobeputintohergrandfather'sestate,inconsequenceofareconciliation,andasarewardforherfault:andinsistingstilluponthesametermswhichsheofferedbefore,andwhichwererejected--Notthroughmyfault,Iamsure,rejected!

Fromallthesethingsyouwillreturnsuchananswerasthecaserequires.Itmightcostmethepeaceofmywholelife,atthistime,tomoveforher.Godforgiveher!IfIdo,nobodyelsewill.Andletit,foryourownsake,aswellasmine,beasecretthatyouandIhaveentereduponthissubject.AndIdesireyounottotouchuponitagainbutbyparticularpermission:for,Omydear,goodwoman,itsetsmyheartableedinginasmanystreamsasthereareveinsinit!

Yetthinkmenotimpenetrablebyapropercontritionandremorse--Butwhatatormentisittohaveawillwithoutapower!

Adieu!adieu!Godgiveusbothcomfort;andtotheoncedear--theever-dearcreature(forcanamotherforgetherchild?)repentance,deeprepentance!andaslittlesufferingasmaybefithisblessedwill,and

hergrievousfault,praysYourrealfriend,CHARLOTTEHARLOWE.

LETTERXXIX

MISSHOWE,TOMISSCLARISSAHARLOWESUNDAY,MAY14.

Howitisnow,mydear,betweenyouandMr.Lovelace,Icannottell.But,wickedasthemanis,Iamafraidhemustbeyourlordandmaster.

Icalledhimbyseveralveryhardnamesinmylast.Ihadbutjustheardofsomeofhisvilenesses,whenIsatdowntowrite;somyindignationwasraised.Butoninquiry,andrecollection,Ifindthatthefactslaidtohischargewereallofthemcommittedsometimeago--notsincehehashadstronghopesofyourfavour.

Thisissayingsomethingforhim.Hisgenerousbehaviourtotheinnkeeper'sdaughterisamorerecentinstancetohiscredit;tosaynothingoftheuniversalgoodcharacterhehasasakindlandlord.AndthenIapprovemuchofthemotionhemadetoputyouinpossessionof

Mrs.Fretchville'shouse,whilehecontinuesattheotherwidow's,tillyouagreethatonehouseshallholdyou.Iwishthisweredone.Besureyouembracethisoffer,(ifyoudonotsoonmeetatthealtar,)andgetoneofhiscousinswithyou.

Wereyouoncemarried,Ishouldthinkyoucannotbeveryunhappy,thoughyoumaynotbesohappywithhimasyoudeservetobe.Thestakehehasinhiscountry,andhisreversions;thecarehetakesofhisaffairs;hisfreedomfromobligation;nay,hispride,withyourmerit,mustbeatolerablesecurityforyou,Ishouldthink.Thoughparticularsofhis



wickedness,astheycometomyknowledge,hurtandincenseme;yet,afterall,whenIgivemyselftimetoreflect,allthatIhaveheardofhimtohisdisadvantagewascomprehendedinthegeneralcharactergivenofhimlongago,byLordM.'sandhisowndismissedbailiff,*andwhichwasconfirmedtomebyMrs.Fortescue,asIheretoforetoldyou,**andtoyoubyMrs.Greme.***

*SeeVol.I.LetterIV.**Ibid.LetterXII.***SeeVol.III.LetterVI.

Youcanhavenothing,therefore,Ithink,tobedeeplyconcernedabout,buthisfuturegood,andthebadexamplehemayhereaftersettohisownfamily.Theseindeedareveryjustconcerns:butwereyoutoleavehimnow,eitherwithorwithouthisconsent,hisfortunesandalliancessoconsiderable,hispersonandaddresssoengaging,(everyoneexcusingyounowonthoseaccounts,andbecauseofyourrelations'follies,)itwouldhaveaveryillappearanceforyourreputation.Icannot,therefore,onthemostdeliberateconsideration,adviseyoutothinkofthat,whileyouhavenoreasontodoubthishonour.Mayeternalvengeancepursuethevillain,ifhegiveroomforanapprehensionofthisnature!

Yethisteasingwaysareintolerable;hisacquiescencewithyourslightdelays,andhisresignednesstothedistanceyounowkeephimat,(forafaultsomuchslighter,ashemustthink,thanthepunishment,)areunaccountable:Hedoubtsyourloveofhim,thatisveryprobable;butyouhavereasontobesurprisedathiswantofardour;ablessingsogreatwithinhisreach,asImaysay.

Bythetimeyouhavereadtothisplace,youwillhavenodoubtofwhathasbeentheissueoftheconferencebetweenthetwogentlemen.Iamequallyshocked,andenragedagainstthemall.Againstthemall,Isay;forIhavetriedyourgoodNorton'sweightwithyourmother,(thoughatfirstIdidnotintendtotellyouso,)tothesamepurposeasthegentlemansoundedyouruncle.Neverweretheresuchdeterminedbrutesin

theworld!WhyshouldImincethematter?YetwouldIfain,methinks,makeanexceptionforyourmother.

Yourunclewillhaveitthatyouareruined.'Hecanbelieveeverythingbadofacreature,hesays,whocouldrunawaywithaman;withsuchaoneespeciallyasLovelace.Theyexpectedapplicationsfromyou,whensomeheavydistresshadfallenuponyou.Buttheyareallresolvednottostiraninchinyourfavour;no,nottosaveyourlife!'

Mydearestsoul,resolvetoassertyourright.Claimyourown,andgoandliveuponit,asyouought.Then,ifyoumarrynot,howwillthewretchescreeptoyouforyourreversionarydispositions!

Youwereaccused(asinyouraunt'sletter)'ofpremeditationandcontrivanceinyourescape.'Insteadofpityingyou,themediatingpersonwascalledupon'topitythem;whoonce,yourunclesaid,doateduponyou:whotooknojoybutinyourpresence:whodevouredyourwordsasyouspokethem:whotrodoveragainyourfootsteps,asyouwalkedbeforethem.'--AndIknownotwhatofthissort.

Uponthewhole,itisnowevidenttome,andsoitmustbetoyou,whenyoureadthisletter,thatyoumustbehis.Andthesooneryouaresothebetter.Shallwesupposethatmarriageisnotinyourpower?--I



cannothavepatiencetosupposethat.

Iamconcerned,methinks,toknowhowyouwilldotocondescend,(nowyouseeyoumustbehis,)afteryouhavekepthimatsuchadistance;andfortherevengehispridemayputhimupontakingforit.Butletmetellyou,thatifmygoingup,andsharingfortuneswithyou,willpreventsuchanoblecreaturefromstoopingtoolow;muchmore,wereitlikelytopreventyourruin,Iwouldnothesitateamomentaboutit.Whatisthewholeworldtome,weighedagainstsuchafriendasyouare?Thinkyou,thatanyoftheenjoymentsofthislifecouldbeenjoymentstome,wereyouinvolvedincalamities,fromwhichIcouldeitheralleviateorrelieveyou,bygivingupthoseenjoyments?Andwhatinsayingthis,andactinguptoit,doIofferyou,butthefritsofafriendshipyourworthhascreated?

Excusemywarmthofexpression.Thewarmthofmyheartwantsnone.Iamenragedatyourrelations;for,badaswhatIhavementionedis,Ihavenottoldyouall;nornow,perhaps,everwill.Iamangryatmyownmother'snarrownessofmind,andatherindiscriminateadherencetooldnotions.AndIamexasperatedagainstyourfoolish,yourlow-vanity'dLovelace.Butletusstooptotakethewretchasheis,andmakethebestofhim,sinceyouaredestinedtostoop,tokeepgrovellersandworldlingsincountenance.Hehadnotbeenguiltyofadirectindecencytoyou.Nordarehe--notsomuchofadevilasthatcomestoneither.

Hadhesuchvillainousintentions,somuchinhispowerasyouare,theywouldhaveshewnthemselvesbeforenowtosuchapenetratingandvigilanteye,andtosuchapureheartasyours.Letussavethewretchthen,ifwecan,thoughwesoilourfingersinliftinghimuphisdirt.

Thereisyet,toapersonofyourfortuneandindependence,agooddealtodo,ifyouenteruponthosetermswhichoughttobeenteredupon.Idon'tfindthathehasoncetalkedofsettlements;noryetofthelicense.Afoolishwretch!--Butasyourevildestinyhasthrownyououtofallotherprotectionandmediation,youmustbefather,mother,uncle,toyourself;andenterupontherequisitepointsforyourself.Itisharduponyou;butindeedyoumust.Yoursituationrequiresit.Whatroomfordelicacynow?--Orwouldyouhavemewritetohim?yetthatwould

bethesamethingasifyouweretowriteyourself.Yetwriteyoushould,Ithink,ifyoucannotspeak.Butspeakingiscertainlybest:forwordsleavenotraces;theypassasbreath;andminglewithair;andmaybeexplainedwithlatitude.Butthepenisawitnessonrecord.

Iknowthegentlenessofyourspirit;Iknowthelaudableprideofyourheart;andthejustnotionyouhaveofthedignityofoursexinthesedelicatepoints.Butoncemore,allthisinnothingnow:yourhonourisconcernedthatthedignityIspeakofshouldnotbestoodupon.

'Mr.Lovelace,'wouldIsay;yethatethefoolishfellowforhislow,hisstupidpride,inwishingtotriumphoverthedignityofhisownwife;--'IambyyourmeansdeprivedofeveryfriendIhaveintheworld.In

whatlightamItolookuponyou?Ihavewellconsideredeverything.Youhavemadesomepeople,muchagainstmyliking,thinkmeawife:othersknowIamnotmarried;nordoIdesireanybodyshouldbelieveIam:Doyouthinkyourbeinghereinthesamehousewithmecanbetomyreputation?YoutalkedtomeofMrs.Fretchville'shouse.'Thiswillbringhimtorenewhislastdiscourseonthesubject,ifhedoesnotreviveitofhimlsef.'IfMrs.Fretchvilleknowsnotherownmind,whatisherhousetome?YoutalkedofbringingupyourcousinMontaguetobearmecompany:ifmybrother'sschemesbeyourpretencefornotgoingyourselftofetchher,youcanwritetoher.Iinsistuponbringing



thesetwopointstoanissue:offoronoughttobeindifferenttome,ifsotothem.'

Suchadeclarationmustbringallforward.Therearetwentyways,mydear,thatyouwouldfindoutforanotherinyourcircumstances.Hewilldisdain,fromhisnativeinsolence,tohaveitthoughthehasanybodytoconsult.Wellthen,willhenotbeobligedtodeclarehimself?Andifhedoes,nodelaysonyourside,Ibeseechyou.Givehimtheday.Letitbeashortone.Itwouldbederogatingfromyourownmerit,nottobesoexplicitasheoughttobe,toseembuttodoubthismeaning;andtowaitforthatexplanationforwhichIshouldeverdespisehim,ifhemakesitnecessary.Twicealreadyhaveyou,mydear,ifnotoftenermodesty'dawaysuchopportunitiesasyououghtnottohaveslipped.Astosettlements,iftheycomenotinnaturally,e'enleavethemtohisownjustice,andtothejusticeofhisfamily,Andthere'sanendofthematter.

Thisismyadvice:menditascircumstancesoffer,andfollowyourown.Butindeed,mydear,this,orsomethinglikeit,wouldIdo.Andlethimtellmeafterwards,ifhedaredorwould,thathehumbleddowntohisshoe-bucklesthepersonitwouldhavebeenhisglorytoexalt.

Supportyourself,meantime,withreflectionsworthyofyourself.Thoughtrickedintothisman'spower,youarenotmeanlysubjugatedtoit.All

hisreverenceyoucommand,orrather,asImaysay,inspire;sinceitwasneverknown,thathehadanyreverenceforaughtthatwasgood,tillyouwaswithhim:andheprofessesnowandthentobesoawedandcharmedbyyourexample,asthattheforceofitshallreclaimhim.

Ibelieveyouwillhaveadifficulttasktokeephimtoit;butthemorewillbeyourhonour,ifyoueffecthisreformation:anditismybelief,thatifyoucanreclaimthisgreat,thisspeciousdeceiver,whohas,morallyspeaking,suchanumberofyearsbeforehim,youwillsavefromruinamultitudeofinnocents;forthoseseemtometohavebeenthepreyforwhichhehasspreadhiswickedsnares.Andwhoknowsbut,forthisverypurpose,principally,apersonmayhavebeenpermittedtoswerve,whoseheartorwillneverwasinhererror,andwhohassomuchremorse

uponherforhaving,asshethinks,erredatall?Adieu,mydearestfriend.

ANNAHOWE.

ENCLOSEDINTHEABOVE.

Imusttroubleyouwithmyconcerns,thoughyouownaresoheavyuponyou.ApieceofnewsIhavetotellyou.YouruncleAntonyisdisposedtomarry.Withwhom,thinkyou?withmymother.Trueindeed.Yourfamilyknowsit.Allislaidwithredoubledmaliceatyourdoor.Andtheretheoldsoulhimselflaysit.

Takenonoticeofthisintelligence,notsomuchasinyourletterstome,forfearofaccidents.

Ithinkitcan'tdo.ButwereItoprovokemymother,thatmightaffordapretence.Else,Ishouldhavebeenwithyoubeforenow,Ifancy.

Thefirstlikelihoodthatappearstomeofencouragement,IdismissHickman,that'scertain.Ifmymotherdisobligemeinsoimportantanarticle,Ishan'tthinkofobligingherinsuchanother.Itis



impossible,surely,thatthedesireofpoppingmeofftothathonestmancanbewithsuchaview.

Irepeat,thatitcannotcometoanything.Butthesewidows--Thensuchaloveinusall,botholdandyoung,ofbeingcourtedandadmired!--andsoirresistibletotheireldershipstobeflattered,thatallpowerisnotoverwiththem;butthattheymaystillclassandprankitwiththeirdaughters.--Itvexedmeheartilytohavehertellmeofthisproposalwithself-complaisantsimperings;andyetsheaffectedtospeakofitasifshehadnointentiontoencourageit.

Theseantiquatedbachelors(oldbeforetheybelievethemselvestobeso)imaginethatwhentheyhaveoncepersuadedthemselvestothinkofthestate,theyhavenothingmoretodothantomaketheirmindsknowntothewoman.

Youruncle'sovergrownfortuneisindeedabait;atemptingone.Asaucydaughtertobegotridof!Thememoryofthefatherofthatdaughternotpreciousenoughtoweighmuch!--Butlethimadvanceifhedare--letherencourage--butIhopeshewon't.

Excuseme,mydear.Iamnettled.Theyhavefearfullyrumpledmygorget.You'llthinkmefaulty.So,Iwon'tputmynametothisseparatepaper.Otherhandsmayresemblemine.Youdidnotseemewrite

it.

LETTERXXX

MISSCLARISSAHARLOWE,TOMISSHOWEMONDAYAFTERNOON,MAY15.

Nowindeeditisevident,mybest,myonlyfriend,thatIhavebutonechoicetomake.AndnowIdofindthatIhavecarriedmyresentmentagainstthismantoofar;sincenowIamtoappearasifunderan

obligationtohispatiencewithmeforaconduct,whichperhapshewillthink(ifnothumoursomeandchildish)plainlydemonstrativeofmylittleesteemofhim;ofbutasecondaryesteematleast,wherebefore,hispride,ratherthanhismerit,hadmadehimexpectafirst.Omydear!tobecastuponamanthatisnotagenerousman;thatisindeedacruelman!amanthatiscapableofcreatingadistresstoayoungcreature,who,byherevildestinyisthrownintohispower;andthenofenjoyingit,asImaysay![IverilythinkImaysayso,ofthissavage!]--Whatafateismine!

Yougiveme,mydear,goodadvice,astotheperemptorymannerinwhichIoughttotreathim:Butdoyouconsidertowhomitisthatyougiveit?--AndthenshouldItakeit,andshouldhebecapableofdelay,I

unprotected,desolate,nobodytoflyto,inwhatawretchedlightmustIstandinhiseyes;and,whatisstillasbad,inmyown!Omydear,seeyounot,asIdo,thattheoccasionforthismyindelicate,myshockingsituationshouldneverhavebeengivenbyme,ofallcreatures;sinceIamunequal,utterlyunequal,tothecircumstancestowhichmyinconsiderationhasreducedme?--What!Itochallengeamanforahusband!--Itoexertmyselftoquickenthedelayerinhisresolutions!and,havingasyouthinklostanopportunity,tobegintotrytorecallit,asfrommyself,andformyself!tothreatenhim,asImaysay,intothemarriagestate!--Omydear!ifthisberighttobedone,how



difficultisit,wheremodestyandself(orwherepride,ifyouplease)isconcerned,todothatright?or,toexpressmyselfinyourwords,tobefather,mother,uncle,tomyself!--especiallywhereonethinksatriumphoveroneisintended.

Yousay,youhavetriedMrs.Norton'sweightwithmymother--badasthereturnsarewhichmyapplicationbyMr.Hickmanhasmetwith,youtellme,'thatyouhavenotacquaintedmewithallthebad,nornow,perhaps,everwill.'Butwhyso,mydear?Whatisthebad,whatcanbethebad,whichnowyouwillnevertellmeof?--Whatworse,thanrenounceme!andforever!'Myuncle,yousay,believesmeruined:hedeclaresthathecanbelieveeverythingbadofacreaturewhocouldrunawaywithaman:andtheyhaveallmadearesolutionnottostiraninchinmyfavour;no,nottosavemylife!'--Haveyouworsethanthis,mydear,behind?--Surelymyfatherhasnotrenewedhisdreadfulmalediction!--Surely,ifso,mymotherhasnotjoinedinit!Havemyunclesgiventheirsanction,andmadeitafamilyact?Andthemselvestherebymorereallyfaulty,thaneverTHEYsupposemetobe,thoughIthecauseofthatgreaterfaultinthem?--What,mydear,istheworst,thatyouwillleaveforeverunrevealed?

OLovelace!whycomestthounotjustnow,whiletheseblackprospectsarebeforeme?Fornow,couldstthoulookintomyheart,wouldstthouseeadistressworthyofthybarbaroustriumph!

***

Iwasforcedtoquitmypen.AndyousayyouhavetriedMrs.Norton'sweightwithmymother?

Whatisdonecannotberemedied:butIwishyouhadnottakenastepofthisimportancetomewithoutfirstconsultingme.Forgiveme,mydear,butImusttellyouthatthathigh-soul'dandnoblefriendshipwhichyouhaveeveravowedwithsoobligingandsouncommonawarmth,althoughithasbeenalwaysthesubjectofmygratefuladmiration,hasbeenoftenthe

groundofmyapprehension,becauseofitsunbridledfervour.

Well,butnowtolookforward,youareofopinionthatImustbehis:andthatIcannotleavehimwithreputationtomyself,whetherwithorwithouthisconsent.Imust,ifso,makethebestofthebadmatter.

Hewentoutinthemorning;intendingnottoreturntodinner,unless(ashesentmeword)Iwouldadmithimtodinewithme.

Iexcusedmyself.Theman,whoseangerisnowtobeofsuchhighimportancetome,was,itseems,displeased.

Ashe(aswellasI)expectedthatIshouldreceivealetterfromyou

thisdaybyCollins,Isupposehewillnotbelongbeforehereturns;andthen,possibly,heistobemightystately,mightymannish,mightycoy,ifyouplease!AndthenmustIbeveryhumble,verysubmissive,andtrytoinsinuatemyselfintohisgoodgraces:withdowncasteye,ifnotbyspeech,beghisforgivenessforthedistanceIhavesoperverselykepthimat?--Yes,Iwarrant!--ButIshallseehowthisbehaviourwillsituponme!--Youhavealwaysralliedmeuponmymeekness,Ithink:wellthen,IwilltryifIcanbestillmeeker,shallI!--Omydear!--

Butletmesitwithmyhandsbeforeme,allpatience,allresignation;



forIthinkIhearhimcomingup.OrshallIroundlyaccosthim,inthewords,intheform,whichyou,mydear,prescribed?

Heiscomein.Hehassenttome,allimpatience,asDorcassays,byhisaspect.--ButIcannot,cannotseehim!

MONDAYNIGHT.

Thecontentsofyourletter,andmyownheavyreflections,renderedmeincapableofseeingthisexpectingman.ThefirstwordheaskedDorcas,was,IfIhadreceivedalettersincehehadbeenout?Shetoldmethis;andheranswer,thatIhad;andwasfasting,andhadbeenintearseversince.

Hesenttodesireaninterviewwithme.

Iansweredbyher,ThatIwasnotverywell.Inthemorning,ifbetter,Iwouldseehimassoonashepleased.

Veryhumble!wasitnot,mydear?Yethewastooroyaltotakeitforhumility;forDorcastoldme,herubbedonesideofhisfaceimpatiently;andsaidarashword,andwasoutofhumour;stalkingabouttheroom.

Halfanhourlater,hesentagain;desiringveryearnestly,thatIshouldadmithimtosupperwithme.HewouldenteruponnosubjectsofconversationbutwhatIshouldleadto.

SoIshouldhavebeenatliberty,yousee,tocourthim!

Iagaindesiredtobeexcused.

Indeed,mydear,myeyeswereswelled:Iwasverylowspirited;andcouldnotthinkofenteringallatonce,afterthedistanceIhadkepthimatforseveraldays,intothefreedomofconversationwhichtheutterrejectionIhavemetwithfrommyrelations,aswellasyouradvice,hasmadenecessary.

Hesentuptotellme,thatasheheardIwasfasting,ifIwouldpromisetoeatsomechickenwhichMrs.Sinclairhadorderedforsupper,hewouldacquiesce.--Verykindinhisanger!Ishenot?

IpromisedthatIwould.CanIbemorepreparativelycondescending?--Howhappy,I'llwarrant,ifImaymeethiminakindandforgivinghumour!

Ihatemyself!ButIwon'tbeinsulted.IndeedIwon't,forallthis.

LETTERXXXI


Ithinkoncemoreweseemtobeinakindoftrain;butthroughastorm.Iwillgiveyoutheparticulars.

Iheardhiminthedining-roomatfiveinthemorning.Ihadrestedveryill,andwasuptoo.Butopenednotmydoortillsix:whenDorcas



broughtmehisrequestformycompany.

Heapproachedme,andtakingmyhand,asIenteredthedining-room,Iwentnottobed,Madam,tilltwo,saidhe;yetsleptnotawink.ForGod'ssake,tormentmenot,asyouhavedoneforaweekpast.

Hepaused.Iwassilent.

Atfirst,proceededhe,Ithoughtyourresentmentofacuriosity,inwhichIhadbeendisappointed,couldnotbedeep;andthatitwouldgooffofitself:But,whenIfounditwastobekeptuptillyouknewthesuccessofsomenewovertureswhichyouhadmade,andwhich,compliedwith,mighthavedeprivedmeofyouforever,how,Madam,couldIsupportmyselfunderthethoughtsofhaving,withsuchanunionofinterests,madesolittleimpressionuponyourmindinmyfavour?

Hepausedagain.Iwasstillsilent.Hewenton.

IacknowledgethatIhaveaproudheart,Madam.IcannotbuthopeforsomeinstancesofpreviousandpreferablefavourfromtheladyIamambitioustocallmine;andthatherchoiceofmeshouldnotappear,notflagrantlyappear,directedbytheperversenessofherselfishpersecutors,whoaremyirreconcilableenemies.

Moretothesamepurposehesaid.Youknow,mydear,theroomhehadgivenmetorecriminateuponhimintwentyinstances.Ididnotsparehim.

Everyoneoftheseinstances,saidI,(afterIhadenumeratedthem)convincesmeofyourprideindeed,Sir,butnotofyourmerit.Iconfess,thatIhaveasmuchprideasyoucanhave,althoughIhopeitisofanotherkindthanthatyousoreadilyavow.Butif,Sir,youhavetheleastmixtureinyoursofthatpridewhichmaybeexpected,andthoughtlaudable,inamanofyourbirth,alliances,andfortune,youshouldratherwish,Iwillpresumetosay,topromotewhatyoucallmypride,thaneithertosuppressit,ortoregretthatIhaveit.Itisthismyacknowledgedpride,proceededI,thatinducesmetotellyou,Sir,thatI

thinkitbeneathmetodisownwhathavebeenmymotivesfordeclining,forsomedayspast,anyconversationwithyou,orvisitfromMr.Mennell,thatmightleadtopointsoutofmypowertodetermineupon,untilIheardfrommyuncleHarlowe;whom,Iconfess,Ihavecausedtobesounded,whetherImightbefavouredwithhisinteresttoobtainformeareconciliationwithmyfriends,upontermswhichIhadcausedtobeproposed.

Iknownot,saidhe,andsupposemustnotpresumetoask,whatthosetermswere.ButIcanbuttoowellguessatthem;andthatIwastohavebeenthepreliminarysacrifice.Butyoumustallowme,Madam,tosay,ThatasmuchasIadmirethenoblenessofyoursentimentsingeneral,andinparticularthatlaudablepridewhichyouhavespokenof,IwishthatI

couldcomplimentyouwithsuchanuniformityinit,ashadsetyouasmuchaboveallsubmissiontomindsimplacableandunreasonable,(IhopeImay,withoutoffence,say,thatyourbrother'sandsister'saresuch,)asithasaboveallfavourandcondescensiontome.

Dutyandnature,Sir,calluponmetomakethesubmissionsyouspeakof:thereisafather,thereisamother,thereareunclesintheonecase,tojustifyanddemandthosesubmissions.What,pray,Sir,canbepleadedforthecondescension,asyoucallit?Willyousay,yourmerits,eitherwithregardtothem,ortomyself,may?



This,Madam,tobesaid,afterthepersecutionsofthoserelations!Afterwhatyouhavesuffered!Afterwhatyouhavemademehope!Letme,mydearestcreature,askyou,(wehavebeentalkingofpride,)Whatsortofpridemusthisbe,whichcandispensewithinclinationandpreferenceintheladywhomheadores?--Whatmustthatlove--

Love,Sir!whotalksoflove?--Wasnotmeritthethingweweretalkingof?--HaveIeverprofessed,haveIeverrequiredofyouprofessionsofapassionofthatnature?--Butthereisnoendofthesedebatings;eachsofaultless,eachsofullofself--

Idonotthinkmyselffaultless,Madam:--but--

Butwhat,Sir!--Wouldyouevermorearguewithme,asifyouwereachild?--Seekingpalliations,andmakingpromises?--Promisesofwhat,Sir?Ofbeinginfuturethemanitisashameagentlemanisnot?--Ofbeingtheman--

GoodGod!interruptedhe,witheyesliftedup,ifthouwerttobethussevere--

Well,well,Sir![impatiently]Ineedonlytoobserve,thatallthisvastdifferenceinsentimentshowshowunpairedourmindsare--solet

us--Letuswhat,Madam?--Mysoulisrisingintotumults!Andhelookedsowildly,thatIwasagooddealterrified--Letuswhat,Madam?----

Iwas,however,resolvednottodesertmyself--Why,Sir!letusresolvetoquiteveryregardforeachother.--Nay,flamenotout--Iamapoorweak-mindedcreatureinsomethings:butwherewhatIshouldbe,ornotdeservetolive,ifIamnotisinthequestion,Ihaveagreatandinvinciblespirit,ormyownconceitbetraysme--letusresolvetoquiteveryregardforeachotherthatismorethancivil.Thisyoumaydependupon:Iwillnevermarryanyotherman.Ihaveseenenoughofyoursex;atleastofyou.--Asinglelifeshalleverbemychoice:whileIwill

leaveyouatlibertytopursueyourown.

Indifference,worsethanindifference!saidhe,inapassion--

Interruptinghim--Indifferenceletitbe--youhavenot(inmyopinionatleast)deservedthatitshouldbeother:ifyouhaveinyourown,youhavecause(atleastyourpridehas)tohatemeformisjudgingyou.

Dearest,dearestcreature!snatchingmyhandwithfierceness,letmebeseechyoutobeuniformlynoble!Civilregards,Madam!--Civilregards!--Canyousoexpecttonarrowandconfinesuchapassionasmine?

Suchapassionasyours,Mr.Lovelace,deservestobenarrowedand

confined.Itiseitherthepassionyoudonotthinkit,orIdonot.Iquestionwhetheryourmindiscapableofbeingsonarrowedandsowidened,asisnecessarytomakeitbewhatIwishittobe.Liftupyourhandsandyoureyes,Sir,insilentwonder,ifyouplease;butwhatdoesthatwonderexpress,whatdoesitconvincemeof,butthatwearenotbornforoneanother.

Bymysoul,saidhe,andgraspedmyhandwithaneagernessthathurtit,wewerebornforoneanother:youmustbemine--youshallbemine[andputhisotherhandroundme]althoughmydamnationweretobethe



purchase!

Iwasstillmoreterrified--letmeleaveyou,Mr.Lovelace,saidI;ordoyoubegonefromme.Isthepassionyouboastoftobethusshockinglydemonstrated?

Youmustnotgo,Madam!--Youmustnotleavemeinanger--

Iwillreturn--Iwillreturn--whenyoucanbelessviolent--lessshocking.

Andheletmego.

Themanquitefrightedme;insomuch,thatwhenIgotintomychamber,Ifoundasuddenflowoftearsagreatrelieftome.

Inhalfanhour,hesentalittlebillet,expressinghisconcernforthevehemenceofhisbehaviour,andprayedtoseeme.

Iwent.BecauseIcouldnothelpmyself,Iwent.

Hewasfullofexcuses--Omydear,whatwouldyou,evenyou,dowithsuchamanasthis;andinmysituation?

Itwasverypossibleforhimnow,hesaid,toaccountfortheworkingsofabeginningphrensy.Forhispart,hewasneardistraction.Alllastweektosufferashehadsuffered;andnowtotalkofcivilregardsonly,whenhehadhoped,fromthenoblenessofmymind--

Hopewhatyouwill,interruptedI,Imustinsistuponit,thatourmindsarebynomeanssuitedtoeachother.Youhavebroughtmeintodifficulties.IamdesertedbyeveryfriendbutMissHowe.MytruesentimentsIwillnotconceal--itisagainstmywillthatImustsubmittooweprotectionfromabrother'sprojects,whichMissHowethinksarenotgivenover,toyou,whohavebroughtmeintothesestraights:notwithmyownconcurrencebroughtmeintothem;rememberthat--

Idorememberthat,Madam!--Sooftenreminded,howcanIforgetit?--

YetIwillowetoyouthisprotection,ifitbenecessary,intheearnesthopethatyouwillshun,ratherthanseekmischief,ifanyfurtherinquiryaftermebemade.Butwhathindersyoufromleavingme?--CannotIsendtoyou?ThewidowFretchville,itisplain,knowsnotherownmind:thepeopleherearemoreciviltomeeverydaythanother:butIhadratherhavelodgingsmoreagreeabletomycircumstances.Ibestknowwhatwillsuitthem;andamresolvednottobeobligedtoanybody.Ifyouleaveme,Iwillprivatelyretiretosomeoneoftheneighbouringvillages,andtherewaitmycousinMorden'sarrivalwithpatience.

Ipresume,Madam,repliedhe,fromwhatyouhavesaid,thatyour

applicationtoHarlowe-placehasprovedunsuccessful:Ithereforehopethatyouwillnowgivemeleavetomentionthetermsinthenatureofsettlements,whichIhavelongintendedtoproposetoyou;andwhichhavingtillnowdelayedtodo,throughaccidentsnotproceedingfrommyself,Ihadthoughtsofurgingtoyouthemomentyouentereduponyournewhouse;anduponyourfindingyourselfasindependentinappearanceasyouareinfact.Permitme,Madam,toproposethesematterstoyou--notwithanexpectationofyourimmediateanswer;butforyourconsideration.



Werenothesitation,aself-feltglow,adowncasteye,encouragementmorethanenough?andyetyouwillobserve(asInowdoonrecollection)thathewasinnogreathurrytosolicitforaday;sincehehadnothoughtsofproposingsettlementstillIhadgotintomynewhouse;andnow,inhisgreatcomplaisancetome,hedesiredleavetoproposehisterms,notwithanexpectationofmyimmediateanswer;butformyconsiderationonly--Yet,mydear,youradvicewastoomuchinmyheadatthistime.Ihesitated.

Heurgedonuponmysilence;hewouldcallGodtowitnesstothejustice,naytothegenerosityofhisintentionstome,ifIwouldbesogoodastohearwhathehadtoproposetome,astosettlements.

Couldnotthemanhavefallenintothesubjectwithoutthisparade?Manyapoint,youknow,isrefused,andoughttoberefused,ifleavebeaskedtointroduceit;andwhenoncerefused,therefusalmustinhonourbeadheredto--whereas,haditbeenslidinuponone,asImaysay,itmighthavemeritedfurtherconsideration.IfsuchamanasMr.Lovelaceknowsnotthis,whoshould?

Butheseemedtothinkitenoughthathehadaskedmyleavetoproposehissettlements.Hetooknoadvantageofmysilence,asIpresumemenasmodestasMr.Lovelacewouldhavedoneinalikecase:yet,gazinginmyfaceveryconfidently,andseemingtoexpectmyanswer,Ithoughtmyself

obligedtogivethesubjectamorediffuseturn,inordertosavemyselfthemortificationofappearingtooreadyinmycompliance,aftersuchadistanceashadbeenbetweenus;andyet(inpursuanceofyouradvice)Iwaswillingtoavoidthenecessityofgivinghimsucharepulseasmightagainthrowusoutofthecourse--acruelalternativetobereducedto!

Youtalkofgenerosity,Mr.Lovelace,saidI;andyoutalkofjustice;perhaps,withouthavingconsideredtheforceofthewords,inthesenseyouusethemonthisoccasion.--Letmetellyouwhatgenerosityis,inmysenseoftheword--TRUEGENEROSITYisnotconfinedtopecuniaryinstances:itismorethanpoliteness:itismorethangoodfaith:itismorethanhonour;itismorethanjustice;sinceallofthesearebutduties,andwhataworthymindcannotdispensewith.ButTRUEGENEROSITY

isgreatnessofsoul.Itincitesustodomorebyafellow-creaturethancanbestrictlyrequiredofus.Itobligesustohastentothereliefofanobjectthatwantsrelief;anticipatingevensuchaone'shopeorexpectation.Generosity,Sir,willnotsurelypermitaworthymindtodoubtofitshonourableandbeneficentintentions:muchlesswillitallowitselftoshock,tooffendanyone;and,leastofall,apersonthrownbyadversity,mishap,oraccident,intoitsprotection.

Whatanopportunityhadhetoclearhisintentionshadhebeensodisposed,fromthelatterpartofthishomeobservation!--butheranawaywiththefirst,andkepttothat.

Admirablydefined!hesaid--Butwho,atthisrate,Madam,canbesaidto

begeneroustoyou?--YourgenerosityIimplore,whilejustice,asitmustbemysolemerit,shallbemyaim.Neverwasthereawomanofsuchniceanddelicatesentiments!

Itisareflectionuponyourself,Sir,anduponthecompanyyouhavekept,ifyouthinkthesenotionseitherniceordelicate.ThousandsofmysexaremorenicethanI;fortheywouldhaveavoidedthedeviouspathIhavebeensurprisedinto;theconsequencesofwhichsurprisehavelaidmeunderthesadnecessityoftellingaman,whohasnotdelicacyenoughtoenterintothosepartsofthefemalecharacterwhichareitsgloryand



distinction,whattruegenerosityis.

Hisdivinemonitress,hecalledme.Hewouldendeavourtoformhismanners(ashehadoftenpromised)bymyexample.ButhehopedIwouldnowpermithimtomentionbrieflythejusticeheproposedtodome,inthetermsofthesettlements;asubjectsoproper,beforenow,tohaveenteredupon;andwhichwouldhavebeenentereduponlongago,hadnotmyfrequentdispleasure[Iameverinfault,mydear!]takenfromhimtheopportunityhehadoftenwishedfor:butnow,havingventuredtolayholdofthis,nothingshoulddiverthimfromimprovingit.

Ihavenospirits,justnow,Sir,toattendsuchweightypoints.Whatyouhaveamindtopropose,writetome:andIshallknowwhatanswertoreturn.Onlyonethingletmeremindyouof,thatifyoutouchuponasubject,inwhichmyfatherhasaconcern,Ishalljudgebyyourtreatmentofthefatherwhatvalueyouhaveforthedaughter.

Helookedasifhewouldchooserathertospeakthanwrite:buthadhesaidso,Ihadaseverereturntohavemadeuponhim;aspossiblyhemightseebymylooks.

***

Inthiswayarewenow:asortofcalm,asIsaid,succeedingastorm.Whatmayhappennext,whetherastormoracalm,withsuchaspiritasIhavetodealwith,whocantell?

But,bethatasitwill,Ithink,mydear,Iamnotmeanlyoff:andthatisagreatpointwithme;andwhichIknowyouwillbegladtohear:ifitwereonly,thatIcanseethismanwithoutlosinganyofthatdignity[WhatotherwordcanIuse,speakingofmyself,thatbetokensdecency,andnotarrogance?]whichissonecessarytoenablemetolookup,orratherwiththemind'seye,Imaysay,tolookdownuponamanofthisman'scast.

Althoughcircumstancehavesooffered,thatIcouldnottakeyouradviceastothemannerofdealingwithhim;yetyougavemesomuchcouragebyit,ashasenabledmetoconductthingstothisissue;aswellasdeterminedmeagainstleavinghim:which,before,Iwasthinkingtodo,atalladventures.Whether,whenitcametothepoint,Ishouldhavedoneso,ornot,Icannotsay,becauseitwouldhavedependeduponhisbehaviouratthetime.

Butlethisbehaviourbewhatitwill,Iamafraid,(withyou,)thatshouldanythingofferatlasttoobligemetoleavehim,Ishallnotmendmysituationintheworld'seye;butthecontrary.AndyetIwillnotbetreatedbyhimwithindignitywhileIhaveanypowertohelpmyself.

You,mydear,haveaccusedmeofhavingmodesty'daway,asyouphraseit,severalopportunitiesofbeing--Beingwhat,mydear?--Why,thewifeofalibertine:andwhatalibertineandhiswifearemycousinMorden'slettertellsus.--Letmehere,onceforall,endeavourtoaccountforthemotivesofbehaviortothisman,andfortheprinciplesIhaveproceededupon,astheyappeartomeuponacloseself-examination.

Bepleasedtoallowmetothinkthatmymotivesonthisoccasionrisenotaltogetherfrommaidenlyniceness;noryetfromtheapprehensionofwhat



mypresenttormenter,andfuturehusband,maythinkofaprecipitatecompliance,onsuchadisagreeablebehaviourashis:buttheyariseprincipallyfromwhatofferstomyownheart;respecting,asImaysay,itsownrectitude,itsownjudgmentofthefitandtheunfit;asIwould,withoutstudy,answerformyselftomyself,inthefirstplace;tohim,andtotheworld,inthesecondonly.Principlesthatareinmymind;thatIfoundthere;implanted,nodoubt,bythefirstgraciousPlanter:whichthereforeimpelme,asImaysay,toactuptothem,thattherebyImay,tothebestofmyjudgment,beenabledtocomportmyselfworthilyinbothstates,(thesingleandthemarried),letothersactastheywillbyme.

Ihope,mydear,Idonotdeceivemyself,and,insteadofsettingaboutrectifyingwhatisamissinmyheart,endeavourtofindexcusesforhabitsandpeculiarities,whichIamunwillingtocastofforovercome.Theheartisverydeceitful:doyou,mydearfriend,laymineopen,[butsurelyitisalwaysopenbeforeyou!]andsparemenot,ifyouthinkitculpable.

Thisobservation,onceforall,asIsaid,Ithoughtpropertomake,toconvinceyouthat,tothebestofmyjudgment,myerrors,inmattersaswelloflessermomentasofgreater,shallratherbethefaultofmyjudgmentthanofmywill.

Iam,mydearestfriend,Youreverobliged,CLARISSAHARLOWE.

LETTERXXXII

MISSCLARISSAHARLOWE,TOMISSHOWETUESDAYNIGHT,MAY16.

Mr.Lovelacehassentme,byDorcas,hisproposals,asfollow:

'Tospareadelicacysoextreme,andtoobeyyou,Iwrite:andtheratherthatyoumaycommunicatethispapertoMissHowe,whomayconsultanyofherfriendsyoushallthinkpropertohaveintrustedonthisoccasion.Isayintrusted;because,asyouknow,Ihavegivenitouttoseveralpersons,thatweareactuallymarried.

'Inthefirstplace,Madam,Ioffertosettleuponyou,bywayofjointure,yourwholeestate:andmoreovertovestintrusteessuchapartofmineinLancashire,asshallproduceaclearfourhundredpoundsayear,tobepaidtoyoursoleandseparateusequarterly.

'Myownestateisaclearnotnominnal2000l.perannum.LordM.

proposestogivemepossessioneitherofthatwhichhehasinLancashire,[towhich,bytheway,IthinkIhaveabettertitlethanhehashimself,]orthatwecallTheLawn,inHertfordshire,uponmynuptialswithaladywhomhesogreatlyadmires;andtomakethatIshallchooseaclear1000l.perannum.

'Mytoogreatcontemptofcensurehassubjectedmetomuchslander.Itmaynotthereforebeimpropertoassureyou,onthewordofagentleman,thatnopartofmyestatewasevermortgaged:andthatalthoughIlivedveryexpensivelyabroad,andmadelargedraughts,yetthatMidsummer-day



nextwilldischargeallthatIoweintheworld.Mynotionsarenotallbadones.Ihavebeenthought,inpecuniarycases,generous.Itwouldhavedeservedanothername,hadInotfirstbeenjust.

'If,asyourownestateisatpresentinyourfather'shands,youratherchoosethatIshouldmakeajointureoutofmine,tantamounttoyours,beitwhatitwill,itshallbedone.IwillengageLordM.towritetoyou,whatheproposestodoonthehappyoccasion:notasyourdesireorexpectation,buttodemonstrate,thatnoadvantageisintendedtobetakenofthesituationyouareinwithyourownfamily.

'ToshewthebeloveddaughtertheconsiderationIhaveforher,Iwillconsentthatsheshallprescribethetermsofagreementinrelationtothelargesums,whichmustbeinherfather'shands,arisingfromhergrandfather'sestate.Ihavenodoubt,buthewillbeputuponmakinglargedemandsuponyou.Allthoseitshallbeinyourpowertocomplywith,forthesakeofyourownpeace.Andtheremaindershallbepaidintoyourhands,andbeentirelyatyourdisposal,asafundtosupportthosecharitabledonations,whichIhaveheardyousofamedforourofyourfamily,andforwhichyouhavebeensogreatlyreflecteduponinit.

'Astoclothes,jewels,andthelike,againstthetimeyoushallchoosetomakeyourappearance,itwillbemypridethatyoushallnotbebeholdenforsuchofthese,asshallbeanswerabletotherankofboth,

tothosewhohavehadthestupidfollytorenounceadaughtertheydeservednot.Youmustexcuseme,Madam:youwouldmistrustmysincerityintherest,couldIspeakofthesepeoplewithoutasperity,thoughsonearlyrelatedtoyou.

'These,Madam,aremyproposals.TheyaresuchasIalwaysdesignedtomake,wheneveryouwouldpermitmetoenterintothedelightfulsubject.Butyouhavebeensodeterminedtotryeverymethodforreconcilingyourselftoyourrelations,evenbygivingmeabsolutelyupforever,thatyouseemedtothinkitbutjusticetokeepmeatadistance,tilltheeventofthatyourpredominanthopecouldbeseen.Itisnowseen!--andalthoughIhavebeen,andperhapsstillam,readytoregretthewantofthatpreferenceIwishedforfromyouasMissClarissaHarlowe,

yetIamsure,asthehusbandofMrs.Lovelace,Ishallbemorereadytoadorethantoblameyouforthepangsyouhavegiventoaheart,thegenerosity,orrather,thejusticeofwhich,myimplacableenemieshavetaughtyoutodoubt:andthisstillthereadier,asIampersuadedthatthosepangsneverwouldhavebeengivenbyamindsonoble,hadnotthedoubtbeenentertained(perhapswithtoogreatanappearanceofreason);andasIhopeIshallhaveittoreflect,thatthemomentthedoubtshallbeovercome,theindifferencewillcease.

'Iwillonlyadd,thatifIhaveomittedanything,thatwouldhavegivenyoufarthersatisfaction;oriftheabovetermsbeshortofwhatyouwouldwish;youwillbepleasedtosupplythemasyouthinkfit.AndwhenIknowyourpleasure,Iwillinstantlyorderarticlestobedrawnup

comformably,thatnothinginmypowermaybewantingtomakeyouhappy.

'Youwillnow,dearestMadam,judge,howfaralltherestdependsuponyourself.'

Yousee,mydear,whatheoffers.Youseeitisallmyfault,thathehasnotmadetheseoffersbefore.Iamastrangecreature!--tobetoblameineverything,andtoeverybody;yetneitherintendtheillatthetime,norknowittobetheilltoolate,orsonearlytoolate,thatImustgiveupallthedelicacyhetalksof,tocompoundformyfault!



Ishallnowjudgehowfartherestdependsuponmyself!Socoldlyconcludeshesuchwarm,and,inthemain,unobjectionablyproposals:Wouldyounot,asyouread,havesupposed,thatthepaperwouldconcludewiththemostearnestdemandofaday?--Iown,Ihadthatexpectationsostrong,resultingnaturally,asImaysay,fromthepremises,thatwithoutstudyingfordissatisfaction,IcouldnothelpbeingdissatisfiedwhenIcametotheconclusion.

Butyousaythereisnohelp.Imustperhapsmakefurthersacrifices.Alldelicacyitseemsistobeatanendwithme!--but,ifso,thismanknowsnotwhateverywisemanknows,thatprudence,andvirtue,anddelicacyofmindinawife,dothehusbandmorerealhonourintheeyeoftheworld,thanthesamequalities(wereshedestituteofthem)inhimself,dohim:asthewantoftheminherdoeshimmoredishonour:Forarenotthewife'serrorsthehusband'sreproach?howjustlyhisreproach,isanotherthing.

Iwillconsiderthispaper;andwritetoit,ifIamable:foritseemsnow,alltherestdependsuponmyself.

LETTERXXXIII

MISSCLARISSAHARLOWE,TOMISSHOWEWEDNESDAYMORNING,MAY17.

Mr.Lovelacewouldfainhaveengagedmelastnight.ButasIwasnotpreparedtoenteruponthesubjectofhisproposals,(intendingtoconsiderthemmaturely,)andwasnothighlypleasedwithhisconclusion,Idesiredtobeexcusedseeinghimtillmorning;andtherather,asthereishardlyanygettingfromhimintolerabletimeovernight.

Accordingly,aboutseveno'clockwemetinthedining-room.

IfindhewasfullofexpectationthatIshouldmeethimwithaveryfavourable,whoknowsbutwithathankful,aspect?andIimmediatelyfoundbyhissullencountenance,thathewasundernosmalldisappointmentthatIdidnot.

Mydearestlove,areyouwell?Whylookyousosolemnuponme?Willyourindifferenceneverbeover?IfIhaveproposedtermsinanyrespectshortofyourexpectation--

Itoldhim,thathehadveryconsideratelymentionedmyshewinghisproposalstoMissHowe;andasIshouldhaveaspeedyopportunitytosendthemtoherbyCollins,IdesiredtosuspendanytalkuponthatsubjecttillIhadheropinionuponthem.

GoodGod!--Iftherewasbuttheleastloop-hole!theleastroomfordelay!--ButhewaswritingalettertoLordM.togivehimanaccountofhissituationwithme,andcouldnotfinishitsosatisfactorily,eithertomyLordortohimself,asifIwouldcondescendtosay,whetherthetermshehadproposedwereacceptable,ornot.

Thusfar,Itoldhim,Icouldsay,thatmyprincipalpointwaspeaceandreconciliationwithmyrelations.Astoothermatters,thegentlenessofhisownspiritwouldputhimupondoingmoreformethanIshouldask,or



expect.Wherefore,ifallhehadtowriteaboutwastoknowwhatLordM.woulddoonmyaccount,hemightsparehimselfthetrouble,forthatmyutmostwishes,astomyself,weremuchmoreeasilygratifiedthanheperhapsimagined.

Heaskedmethen,ifIwouldsofarpermithimtotouchuponthehappyday,astorequestthepresenceofLordM.ontheoccasion,andtobemyfather?

Fatherhadasweetandvenerablesoundwithit,Isaid.Ishouldbegladtohaveafatherwhowouldownme!

Wasnotthisplainspeaking,thinkyou,mydear?Yetitrather,Imustown,appearssotomeonreflection,thanwasdesignedfreelyatthetime.ForIthen,withasighfromthebottomofmyheart,thoughtofmyownfather;bitterlyregretting,thatIamanoutcastfromhimandfrommymother.

Mr.LovelaceIthoughtseemedalittleaffectedatthemannerofmyspeaking,andperhapsatthesadreflection.

Iambutaveryyoungcreature,Mr.Lovelace,saidI,[andwipedmyeyesasIturnedawaymyface,]althoughyouhavekindly,andinlovetome,introducedsomuchsorrytomealready:soyoumustnotwonder,thatthe

wordfatherstrikessosensiblyupontheheartofachildeverdutifultillsheknewyou,andwhosetenderyearsstillrequirethepaternalwing.

Heturnedtowardsthewindow--[rejoicewithme,mydear,sinceIseemtobedevotedtohim,thatthemanisnotabsolutelyimpenetrable!]Hisemotionwasvisible;yetheendeavouredtosuppressit.Approachingmeagain;againhewasobligedtoturnfromme;angelicsomething,hesaid:butthen,obtainingaheartmoresuitabletohiswish,heoncemoreapproachedme.--Forhisownpart,hesaid,asLordM.wassosubjecttogout,hewasafraid,thatthecomplimenthehadjustproposedtomakehim,might,ifmade,occasionalargersuspensionthanhecouldbeartothinkof;andifitdid,itwouldvexhimtotheheartthathehadmade

it.

Icouldnotsayasinglewordtothis,youknow,mydear.Butyouwillguessatmythoughtsofwhathesaid--somuchpassionatelove,lip-deep!soprudent,andsodutifullypatientathearttoarelationhehadtillnowsoundutifullydespised!--Why,why,amIthrownuponsuchaman,thoughtI!

Hehesitated,asifcontendingwithhimself;andaftertakingaturnortwoabouttheroom,Hewasatagreatlosswhattodetermineupon,hesaid,becausehehadnotthehonourofknowingwhenhewastobemadethehappiestofmen--WouldtoGoditmightthatveryinstantberesolvedupon!

Hestoppedamomentortwo,staringinhisusualconfidentway,inmydowncastface,[DidInot,Omybelovedfriend,thinkyou,wantafatheroramotherjustthen?]Butifhecouldnot,sosoonashewished,procuremyconsenttoaday;inthatcase,hethoughtthecomplimentmightaswellbemadetoLordM.asnot,[See,mydear!]sincethesettlementsmightbedrawnandengrossedintheintervenienttime,whichwouldpacifyhisimpatience,asnotimewouldbelost.

YouwillsupposehowIwasaffectedbythisspeech,byrepeatingthe



substanceofwhathesaiduponit;asfollows.

But,byhissoul,heknewnot,somuchwasIuponthereserve,andsomuchlatentmeaningdidmyeyeimport,whether,whenhemosthopedtopleaseme,hewasnotfarthestfromdoingso.WouldIvouchsafetosay,whetherIapprovedofhiscomplimenttoLordM.ornot?

Toleaveittome,tochoosewhetherthespeedydayheoughttohaveurgedforwithearnestness,shouldbeacceleratedorsuspended!--MissHowe,thoughtI,atthatmoment,says,Imustnotrunawayfromthisman!

Tobesure,Mr.Lovelace,ifthismatterbeevertobe,itmustbeagreeabletometohavethefullapprobationofoneside,sinceIcannothavethatoftheother.

Ifthismatterbeevertobe!GoodGod!whatwordsaretheseatthistimeofday!andfullapprobationofoneside!Whythatwordapprobation?whenthegreatestprideofallmyfamilyis,thatofhavingthehonourofsodearacreaturefortheirrelation?Wouldtoheaven,mydearestlife,addedhe,that,withoutcomplimentinganybody,to-morrowmightbethehappiestdayofmylife!--Whatsayyou,myangel?withatremblingimpatience,thatseemednotaffected--Whatsayyouforto-morrow?

Itwaslikely,mydear,Icouldsaymuchtoit,ornameanotherday,hadIbeendisposedtothelatter,withsuchanhinteddelayfromhim.

Iwassilent.

Nextday,Madam,ifnotto-morrow?--

Hadhegivenmetimetoanswer,itcouldnothavebeenintheaffirmative,youmustthink--but,inthesamebreath,hewenton--Orthedayafterthat?--andtakingbothmyhandsinhis,hestaredmeintoahalf-confusion--Wouldyouhavehadpatiencewithhim,mydear?

No,no,saidI,ascalmlyaspossible,youcannotthinkthatIshould

imaginetherecanbereasonforsuchahurry.Itwillbemostagreeable,tobesure,formyLordtobepresent.

Iamallobedienceandresignation,returnedthewretch,withaself-plumingair,asifhehadacquiescedtoaproposalmadebyme,andhadcomplimentedmewithagreatpieceofselfdenial.

Isitnotplain,mydear,thathedesignstovexandteaseme?Proud,yetmeanandfoolishman,ifso!--Butyousayallpunctilioisatanendwithme.Why,why,willhetakepainstomakeaheartwrapitselfupinreserve,thatwishesonly,andthatforhissakeaswellasmyown,toobserveduedecorum?

Modesty,Ithink,requiredofme,thatitshouldpassashehadputit:Diditnot?--Ithinkitdid.Wouldtoheaven--butwhatsignifieswishing?

Butwhenhewouldhaverewardedhimself,ashehadheretoforecalledit,forthisself-supposedconcession,withakiss,Irepulsedhimwithajustandverysinceredisdain.

Heseemedbothvexedandsurprised,asonewhohadmadethemostagreeableproposalsandconcessions,andthoughtthemungratefully



returned.Heplainlysaid,thathethoughtoursituationwouldentitlehimtosuchaninnocentfreedom:andhewasbothamazedandgrievedtobethusscornfullyrepulsed.

Noreplycouldbemadebemeonsuchasubject.

Iabruptlybrokefromhim.Irecollect,asIpassedbyoneofthepier-glasses,thatIsawinithisclenchedhandofferedinwrathtohisforehead:thewords,Indifference,byhissoul,nexttohatred,Iheardhimspeak;andsomethingoficehementioned:Iheardnotwhat.

WhetherheintendstowritetomyLord,orMissMontague,Icannottell.But,asalldelicacyoughttobeoverwithmenow,perhapsIamtoblametoexpectitfromamanwhomaynotknowwhatitis.Ifhedoesnot,andyetthinkshimselfverypolite,andintendsnottobeotherwise,Iamrathertobepitied,thanhetobecensured.

Andafterall,sinceImusttakehimasIfindhim,Imust:thatistosay,asamansovainandsoaccustomedtobeadmired,that,notbeingconsciousofinternaldefect,hehastakennopainstopolishmorethanhisoutside:andashisproposalsarehigherthanmyexpectations;andas,inhisownopinion,hehasagreatdealtobearfromme,Iwill(nonewoffencepreventing)sitdowntoanswerthem;and,ifpossible,intermsasunobjectionabletohim,ashisaretome.

Butafterall,seeyounot,mydear,moreandmore,themismatchthatthereisinourminds?

However,Iamwillingtocompoundformyfault,bygivingup,(ifthatmaybeallmypunishment)theexpectationofwhatisdeemedhappinessinthislife,withsuchahusbandasIfearhewillmake.Inshort,Iwillcontentmyselftobeasufferingpersonthroughthestatetotheendofmylife.--Alongoneitcannotbe!

Thismayqualifyhim(asitmayprove)fromstingsofconsciencefrommisbehaviourtoafirstwife,tobeamoretolerableonetoasecond,thoughnotperhapsabetterdeservingone:whilemystory,toallwho

shallknowit,willaffordtheseinstructions:Thattheeyeisatraitor,andoughtevertobemistrusted:thatformisdeceitful:inotherwords;thatafinepersonisseldompairedbyafinemind:andthatsoundprincipleandagoodheart,aretheonlybasesonwhichthehopesofahappyfuture,eitherwithrespecttothisworld,ortheother,canbebuilt.

AndsomuchatpresentforMr.Lovelace'sproposals:OfwhichIdesireyouropinion.*

*Wecannotforbearobservinginthisplace,thattheLadyhasbeenparticularlycensured,evenbysomeofherownsex,asover-niceinher

partoftheaboveconversations:butsurelythismustbeowingtowantofattentiontothecircumstancesshewasin,andtohercharacter,aswellastothecharacterofthemanshehadtodealwith:for,althoughshecouldnotbesupposedtoknowsomuchofhisdesignsasthereaderdoesbymeansofhisletterstoBelford,yetshewasbuttoowellconvincedofhisfaultymorals,andofthenecessitytherewas,fromthewholeofhisbehaviourtoher,tokeepsuchanencroacher,asshefrequentlycallshim,atadistance.InLetterXXXIII.ofVol.III.thereaderwillsee,thatuponsomefavourableappearancessheblamesherselfforherreadinesstosuspecthim.Buthischaracter,hisprinciples,



saidshe,aresofaulty!--Heissolight,sovain,sovarious.----Then,mydear,Ihavenoguardiantodependupon.InLetterIX.ofVol.III.MustInotwithsuchaman,saysshe,bewantingtomyself,wereInotjealousandvigilant?

Bythistimethereaderwillsee,thatshehadstillgreaterreasonforherjealousyandvigilance.AndLovelacewilltellthesex,ashedoesinLetterXI.ofVol.V.,thatthewomanwhoresentsnotinitiatoryfreedoms,mustbelost.Loveisanencroacher,sayshe:lovesnevergoesbackward.Nothingbutthehighestactoflovecansatisfyanindulgedlove.

ButthereaderperhapsistooapttoformajudgmentofClarissa'sconductincriticalcasesbyLovelace'scomplaintsofhercoldness;notconsideringhisviewsuponher;andthatsheisproposedasanexample;andthereforeinhertrialsanddistressesmustnotbeallowedtodispensewiththoseruleswhichperhapssomeothersofthesex,inherdelicatesituation,wouldnothavethoughtthemselvessostrictlyboundtoobserve;although,ifshehadnotobservedthem,aLovelacewouldhavecarriedallhispoints.

[FourlettersarewrittenbyMr.Lovelacefromthedateofhislast,

givingthestateofaffairsbetweenhimandtheLady,prettymuchthesameasinhersinthesameperiod,allowingforthehumourinhis,andforhisresentmentsexpressedwithvehemenceonherresolutiontoleavehim,ifherfriendscouldbebroughttobereconciledtoher.--Afewextractsfromthemwillbeonlygiven.]

What,sayshe,mighthavebecomeofme,andofmyprojects,hadnotherfather,andtherestoftheimplacables,stoodmyfriends?

[Afterviolentthreateningsofrevenge,hesays,]

'Tisplainshewouldhavegivenmeupforever:norshouldIhavebeen

abletopreventherabandoningofme,unlessIhadtornupthetreebytherootstocomeatthefruit;whichIhopestilltobringdownbyagentleshakeortwo,ifIcanbuthavepatiencetostaytheripeningseasoning.

[Thustriumphinginhisunpolitecruelty,hesays,]

Afterherhaughtytreatmentofme,Iamresolvedsheshallspeakout.Thereareathousandbeautiestobediscoveredintheface,intheaccent,inthebush-beatinghesitationsofawomanwhoisearnestaboutasubjectshewantstointroduce,yetknowsnothow.Sillyfellows,callingthemselvesgenerousones,wouldvaluethemselvesforsparinga

lady'sconfusion:buttheyaresillyfellowsindeed;androbthemselvesofprodigiouspleasurebytheirforwardness;andatthesametimedepriveherofdisplayingaworldofcharms,whichcanonlybemanifestedontheseoccasions.

I'lltelltheebeforehand,howitwillbewithmycharmerinthiscase--shewillbeaboutit,andaboutit,severaltimes:butIwillnotunderstandher:atleast,afterhalfadozenhem--ings,shewillbeobligedtospeakout--Ithink,Mr.Lovelace--Ithink,Sir--Ithinkyouweresayingsomedaysago--StillIwillbeallsilence--hereyesfixed



uponmyshoe-buckles,asIsitover-againsther--ladieswhenputtoitthus,alwaysadmireaman'sshoe-buckles,orperhapssomeparticularbeautiesinthecarpet.IthinkyousaidthatMrs.Fretchville--Thenacrystalteartricklesdowneachcrimsoncheek,vexedtohavehervirginpridesolittleassisted.But,come,mymeaningdear,cryItomyself,rememberwhatIhavesufferedforthee,andwhatIhavesufferedbythee!Thytearfulpausingsshallnotbehelpedoutbyme.Speakout,love!--Othesweetconfusion!CanIrobmyselfofsomanyconflictingbeautiesbytheprecipitatecharmer-pityingfolly,bywhichapoliterman[thouknowest,lovely,thatIamnopoliteman!]betrayedbyhisowntenderness,andunusedtofemaletears,wouldhavebeenovercome?Iwillfeignanirresolutionofmindontheoccasion,thatshemaynotquiteabhorme--thatherreflectionsonthesceneinmyabsencemaybringtoherremembrancesomebeautiesinmypartofit:anirresolutionthatwillbeowingtoawe,toreverence,toprofoundveneration;andthatwillhavemoreeloquenceinitthanwordscanhave.Speakoutthen,love,andsparenot.

Hard-heartedness,asitiscalled,isanessentialofthelibertine'scharacter.Familiarizedtothedistressesheoccasions,heisseldombetrayedbytendernessintoacomplaisantweaknessunworthyofhimself.

[Mentioningthesettlements,hesays,]

Iaminearnestastotheterms.IfImarryher,[andIhavenodoubtthatIshall,aftermypride,myambition,myrevenge,ifthouwilt,isgratified,]Iwilldohernoblejustice.ThemoreIdoforsuchaprudent,suchanexcellenteconomist,themoreshallIdoformyself.--But,bymysoul,Belford,herhaughtinessshallbebroughtdowntoownbothloveandobligationtome.NorwillthissketchofsettlementsbringusforwarderthanIwouldhaveit.Modestyofsexwillstandmyfriendatanytime.Attheveryaltar,ourhandsjoined,Iwillengagetomakethisproudbeautyleavetheparsonandme,andallmyfriendswhoshouldbepresent,thoughtwentyinnumber,tolooklikefoolsupononeanother,whileshetookwing,andflewoutofthechurchdoor,orwindow,(ifthatwereopen,andthedoorshut);andthisonlybyasingleword.

[Hementionshisrashexpression,Thatsheshouldbehis,althoughhisdamnationwastobethepurchase.]

Atthatinstant,sayshe,Iwasuponthepointofmakingaviolentattempt,butwascheckedintheverymoment,andbutjustintimetosavemyself,bytheaweIwasstruckwithonagaincastingmyeyeuponherterrifiedbutlovelyface,andseeing,asIthought,herspotlessheartineverylineofit.

Ovirtue,virtue!proceedshe,whatisthereinthee,thatcanthusagainsthiswillaffecttheheartofaLovelace!--Whencethese

involuntarytremors,andfearofgivingmortaloffence?--Whatartthou,thatactinginthebreastofafeeblewoman,whichneverbefore,no,notinmyfirstattempt,youngasIthenwas,andfrightenedatmyownboldness(tillIfoundmyselfforgiven,)hadsuchaneffectuponme!

[Hepaintsinlivelycolours,thatpartofthescenebetweenhimandtheLady,whereshesays,Thewordfatherhasasweetandvenerablesoundwithit.]



Iwasexceedinglyaffected,sayshe,upontheoccasion,butwasashamedtobesurprisedintosuchafitofunmanlyweakness--soashamed,thatIwasresolvedtosubdueitattheinstant,andtoguardagainstthelikeforthefuture.Yet,atthatmoment,ImorethanhalfregrettedthatIcouldnotpermithertoenjoyatriumphwhichshesowelldeservedtogloryin--heryouth,herbeauty,herartlessinnocence,andhermanner,equallybeyondcomparisonordescription.Butherindifference,Belford!--Thatshecouldresolvetosacrificemetothemaliceofmyenemies;andcarryonthedesigninsoclandestineamanner--andyetloveher,asIdo,tophrensy!--revereher,asIdo,toadoration!--TheseweretherecollectionswithwhichIfortifiedmyrecreantheartagainsther!--Yet,afterall,ifshepersevere,shemustconquer!--Coward,asshehasmademe,thatneverwasacowardbefore!

[Heconcludeshisfourthletterinavehementrage,uponherrepulsinghim,whenheofferedtosaluteher;havingsupposed,asheowns,thatshewouldhavebeenallcondescensiononhisproposalstoher.]

This,sayshe,Iwillforeverrememberagainsther,inordertosteelmyheart,thatImaycutthrougharockoficetohers;andrepayherforthedisdain,thescorn,whichglowedinhercountenance,andwasapparentinherair,atherabruptdepartureforme,aftersuchobligingbehaviouronmyside,andafterIhadsoearnestlypressedherforanearlyday.

Thewomenbelowsayshehatesme;shedespisesme!--And'tistrue:shedoes;shemust.--AndwhycannotItaketheiradvice?Iwillnotlong,myfair-one,bedespisedbythee,andlaughedatbythem!

Letmeacquaintthee,Jack,addshe,bywayofpostscript,thatthiseffortofherstoleaveme,ifshecouldhavebeenreceived;hersendingforacoachonSunday;nodoubt,resolvingnottoreturn,ifshehadgoneoutwithoutme,(fordidshenotdeclarethatshehadthoughtstoretiretosomeofthevillagesabouttown,whereshecouldbesafeandprivate?)have,alltogether,somuchalarmedme,thatIhavebeenaddingtothewritteninstructionsformyfellowandthepeoplebelowhowtoactincasesheshouldelopeinmyabsence:particularlylettingWill.knowwhatheshallreporttostrangersincasesheshallthrowherselfuponany

suchwitharesolutiontoabandonme.TotheseinstructionsIshallfurtheraddascircumstancesoffer.

LETTERXXXIV

MISSHOWE,TOMISSCLARISSAHARLOWETHURSDAY,MAY18.

Ihaveneithertimenorpatience,mydearfriend,toanswereverymaterialarticleinyourlastlettersjustnowreceived.Mr.Lovelace's

proposalsareallIlikeofhim.Andyet(asyoudo)Ithink,thatheconcludesthemnotwiththewarmthandearnestnesswhichwemightnaturallyhaveexpectedfromhim.NeverinmylifedidIhearorreadofsopatientaman,withsuchablessinginhisreach.Butwretchesofhiscast,betweenyouandme,mydear,havenot,Ifancy,theardorsthathonestmenhave.Whoknows,asyourBelloncespitefullysaid,buthemayhavehalfadozencreaturestoquithishandsofbeforeheengagesforlife?--YetIbelieveyoumustnotexpecthimtobehonestonthissideofhisgrandclimacteric.



He,tosuggestdelayfromacomplimenttobemadetoLordM.andtogivetimeforsettlements!He,apartofwhosecharacteritis,nottoknowwhatcomplaisancetohisrelationsis--Ihavenopatiencewithhim!Youdidindeedwantaninterposingfriendontheaffectingoccasionwhichyoumentioninyoursofyesterdaymorning.But,uponmyword,wereItohavebeenthatmomentinyoursituation,andbeensotreated,Iwouldhavetornhiseyesout,andleftittohisownheart,whenIhaddone,tofurnishthereasonforit.

WouldtoHeavento-morrow,withoutcomplimentinganybody,mightbehishappyday!--Villain!Afterhehadhimselfsuggestedthecompliment!--AndIthinkheaccusesYOUofdelaying!--Fellow,thatheis!--Howmyheartiswrung--

Butasmattersnowstandbetwixtyou,Iamveryunseasonableinexpressingmyresentmentsagainsthim.--YetIdon'tknowwhetherIamornot,neither;sinceitisthemostcrueloffates,forawomantobeforcedtohaveamanwhomherheartdespises.Youmust,atleast,despisehim;attimes,however.Hisclenchedfistofferedtohisforeheadonyourleavinghiminjustdispleasure--Iwishithadbeenapole-axe,andinthehandofhisworstenemy.

Iwillendeavourtothinkofsomemethod,ofsomescheme,togetyoufromhim,andtofixyousafelysomewheretillyourcousinMordenarrives--A

schemetoliebyyou,andtobepursuedasoccasionmaybegiven.Youaresure,thatyoucangoabroadwhenyouplease?andthatourcorrespondenceissafe?Icannot,however(forthereasonsheretoforementionedrespectingyourownreputation,)wishyoutoleavehimwhilehegivesyounotcausetosuspecthishonour.ButyourheartIknowwouldbetheeasier,ifyouweresureofsomeasylumincaseofnecessity.

Yetoncemore,Isay,Icanhavenonotionthathecanordaremeanyourdishonour.Butthenthemanisafool,mydear--that'sall.

However,sinceyouarethrownuponafool,marrythefoolatthefirstopportunity;andthoughIdoubtthatthismanwillbethemostungovernableoffools,asallwittyandvainfoolsare,takehimasa

punishment,sinceyoucannotasareward:inshort,asonegiventoconvinceyouthatthereisnothingbutimperfectioninthislife.

AndwhatistheresultofallIhavewritten,butthis--Eithermarry,mydear,orgetfromthemall,andfromhimtoo.

Youintendthelatter,you'llsay,assoonasyouhaveopportunity.That,asabovehinted,Ihopequicklytofurnishyouwith:andthencomesonatrialbetweenyouandyourself.

Thesearetheveryfellowsthatwewomendonotnaturallyhate.Wedon'talwaysknowwhatis,andwhatisnot,inourpowertodo.Whensomeprincipalpointwehavelonghadinviewbecomessocritical,thatwe

mustofnecessitychooseorrefuse,thenperhapswelookaboutus;areaffrightedatthewildanduncertainprospectbeforeus;and,afterafewstrugglesandheart-aches,rejecttheuntriednew;drawinyourhorns,andresolvetosnail-on,aswedidbefore,inatrackweareacquaintedwith.

IshallbeimpatienttillIhaveyournext.Iam,mydearestfriend,

YoureveraffectionateandfaithfulANNAHOWE.



LETTERXXXV

MR.BELFORD,TOROBERTLOVELACE,ESQ.WEDNESDAY,MAY17.

Icannotconcealfromyouanythingthatrelatestoyourselfsomuchastheencloseddoes.Youwillseewhatthenoblewriterapprehendsfromyou,andwishesofyou,withregardtoMissHarlowe,andhowmuchatheartallyourrelationshaveitthatyoudohonourablybyher.Theycomplimentmewithaninfluenceoveryou,whichIwishwithallmysoulyouwouldletmehaveinthisarticle.

Letmeoncemoreentreatthee,Lovelace,toreflect,beforeitbetoolate(beforethemortaloffencebegiven)uponthegracesandmeritsofthislady.Letthyfrequentremorsesatlastendinoneeffectualremorse.Letnotprideandwantonnessofheartruinthefairerprospects.Bymyfaith,Lovelace,thereisnothingbutvanity,conceit,andnonsense,inourwildschemes.Aswegrowolder,weshallbewiser,andlookingbackuponourfoolishnotionsofthepresenthour,(ouryouthdissipated,)shallcertainlydespiseourselveswhenwethinkofthe

honourableengagementswemighthavemade:thou,moreespecially,ifthoulettestsuchamatchlesscreatureslidethroughthyfingers.Acreaturepurefromhercradle.Inallheractionsandsentimentsuniformlynoble.Strictintheperformanceofallherevenunrewardeddutiestothemostunreasonableoffathers;whatawifewillshemakethemanwhoshallhavethehonourtocallherhis!

Whatapprehensionswouldstthouhavehadreasonfor,hadshebeenprevaileduponbygiddyorfrailmotives,forwhichoneman,byimportunity,mightprevail,aswellasanother?

Weallknowwhataninventivegeniusthouartmasterof:weareallsensible,thatthouhastaheadtocontrive,andahearttoexecute.

HaveInotcalledthinetheplotting'stheartintheuniverse?Icalleditsouponknowledge.Whatwoulds'tthoumore?Whyshoulditbethemostvillainous,aswellasthemostable?--Marrythelady;and,whenmarried,letherknowwhatanumberofcontrivancesthouhadstinreadinesstoplayoff.Begofhernottohatetheeforthecommunication;andassureher,thatthougavestthemupforremorse,andinjusticetoherextraordinarymerit:andletherhavetheopportunityofcongratulatingherselfforsubduingaheartsocapableofwhatthoucallestgloriousmischief.Thiswillgiveherroomfortriumph;andeventheenoless:she,forhersoverthee;thou,forthineoverthyself.

Reflectlikewiseuponhersufferingsforthee.Actuallyatthetimethouartformingschemestoruinher,(atleastinhersenseoftheword,)is

shenotlabouringunderafather'scurselaiduponherbythymeans,andforthysake?andwouldstthougiveoperationandcompletiontothatcurse,whichotherwisecannothaveeffect?

Andwhat,Lovelace,allthetimeisthypride?--ThouthatvainlyimaginestthatthewholefamilyoftheHarlowes,andthatoftheHowestoo,arebutthymachines,unknowntothemselves,tobringaboutthypurposes,andthyrevenge,whatartthoumore,orbetter,thantheinstrumentevenofherimplacablebrother,andenvioussister,toperpetuatethedisgraceofthemostexcellentofsisters,towhichthey



aremovedbyvilelylowandsordidmotives?--Canstthoubear,Lovelace,tobethoughtthemachineofthyinveterateenemyJamesHarlowe?--Nay,artthounotthecullyofthatstillvilerJosephLeman,whoserveshimselfasmuchbythymoney,ashedoestheebythedoublepartheactsbythydirection?--Andfurtherstill,artthounotthedevil'sagent,whoonlycan,andwhocertainlywill,suitablyrewardthee,ifthouproceedest,andifthoueffectestthywickedpurpose?

Couldanymanbuttheeputtogetheruponpaperthefollowingquestionswithsomuchunconcernasthouseemesttohavewrittenthem?--givethemareperusal,Oheartofadamant!'Whithercansheflytoavoidme?Herparentswillnotreceiveher.Heruncleswillnotentertainher.HerbelovedNortonisintheirdirection,andcannot.MissHowedarenot.ShehasnotonefriendintownbutME--isentirelyastrangertothetown.'*--Whatmustthatheartbethatcantriumphinadistresssodeep,intowhichshehasbeenplungedbythyelaborateartsandcontrivances?Andwhatasweet,yetsadreflectionwasthat,whichhadliketohavehaditsdueeffectuponthee,arisingfromthynamingLordM.forhernuptialfather?hertenderyearsinclininghertowishforafather,andtohopeafriend.--OmydearLovelace,canstthouresolvetobe,insteadofthefatherthouhastrobbedherof,adevil?

*SeeLetterXXI.ofthisvolume.

Thouknowest,thatIhavenointerest,thatIcanhavenoview,inwishingtheetodojusticetothisadmirablecreature.Forthyownsake,oncemoreIconjurethee,forthyfamily'ssake,andforthesakeofourcommonhumanity,letmebeseechtheetobejusttoMissClarissaHarlowe.

Nomatterwhethertheseexpostulationsareincharacterfromme,ornot.Ihavebeenandambadenough.Ifthoutakestmyadvice,whichis(astheenclosedwillshewthee)theadviceofallthyfamily,thouwiltperhapshaveittoreproachme(andbutperhapsneither)thatthouartnotaworsemanthanmyself.Butifthoudostnot,andifthouruinestsuchavirtue,allthecomplicatedwickednessoftendevils,letloose

amongtheinnocentwithfullpoweroverthem,willnotdosomuchvileandbasemischiefasthouwiltbeguiltyof.

Itissaidthattheprinceonhisthroneisnotsafe,ifamindsodesperatecanbefound,asvaluesnotitsownlife.Somayitbesaid,thatthemostimmaculatevirtueisnotsafe,ifamancanbemetwithwhohasnoregardtohisownhonour,andmakesajestofthemostsolemnvowsandprotestations.

Thoumayestbytrick,chicane,andfalsecolours,thouwhoartworsethanapickerooninlove,overcomeapoorladysoentangledasthouhastentangledher;sounprotectedasthouhastmadeher:butconsider,howmuchmoregenerousandjusttoher,andnobletothyself,itis,to

overcomethyself.

Oncemore,itisnomatterwhethermypastorfutureactionscountenancemypreachment,asperhapsthou'ltcallwhatIhavewritten:butthisIpromisethee,thatwheneverImeetwithawomanofbutonehalfofMissHarlowe'sperfections,whowillfavourmewithheracceptance,IwilltaketheadviceIgive,andmarry.NorwillIoffertotryherhonouratthehazardofmyown.

Inotherwords,Iwillnotdegradeanexcellentcreatureinherowneyes,



bytrials,whenIhavenocauseforsuspicion.Andletmeadd,withrespecttothyeagleship'smanifestation,ofwhichthouboastest,inthyattemptsupontheinnocentanduncorrupted,ratherthanuponthosewhomthouhumourouslycomparesttowrens,wagtails,andphyl-tits,asthoucallestthem,*thatIhopeIhaveitnotoncetoreproachmyself,thatIruinedthemoralsofanyonecreature,whootherwisewouldhavebeenuncorrupted.Guiltenoughincontributingtothecontinuedguiltofotherpoorwretches,ifIamoneofthosewhotakecaresheshallneverriseagain,whenshehasoncefallen.

*SeeLetterXVII.ofthisvolume.

Whateverthecapitaldevil,underwhosebannerthouhastlisted,willlettheedo,withregardtothisincomparablewoman,Ihopethouwiltactwithhonourinrelationtotheenclosed,betweenLordM.andme;sincehisLordship,asthouwiltsee,desires,thatthoumayestnotknowhewroteonthesubject;forreasons,Ithink,veryfarfrombeingcreditabletothyself:andthatthouwilttakeasmeant,thehonestzealforthyservice,of

Thyrealfriend,J.BELFORD.

LETTERXXXVI

LORDM.,TOJOHNBELFORD,ESQ.[ENCLOSEDINTHEPRECEDING.]M.HALL,MONDAY,MAY15.

SIR,

Ifanymanintheworldhaspowerovermynephew,itisyou.Itherefore

writethis,tobegyoutointerfereintheaffairdependingbetweenhimandthemostaccomplishedofwomen,aseveryonesays;andwhateveryonesaysmustbetrue.

Idon'tknowthathehasanybaddesignsuponher;butIknowhistempertoowell,nottobeapprehensiveuponsuchlongdelays:andtheladiesherehavebeenforsometimeinfearforher:LadySarahinparticular,who(asyoumustknow)isawisewoman,says,thatthesedelays,inthepresentcase,mustbefromhim,ratherthanfromthelady.

Hehadalwaysindeedastrongantipathytomarriage,andmaythinkofplayinghisdog'stricksbyher,ashehasbysomanyothers.Ifthere'sanydangerofthis,'tisbesttopreventitintime:forwhenathingis

done,advicecomestoolate.

Hehasalwayshadthefollyandimpertinencetomakeajestofmeforusingproverbs:butastheyarethewisdomofwholenationsandagescollectedintoasmallcompass,Iamnottobeshamedoutofsentencesthatoftencontainmorewisdominthemthanthetediousharanguesofmostofourparsonsandmoralists.Lethimlaughatthem,ifhepleases:youandIknowbetterthings,Mr.Belford--Thoughyouhavekeptcompanywithawolf,youhavenotlearnttohowlofhim.



Butnevertheless,youmustlethimknowthatIhavewrittentoyouonthissubject.Iamashamedtosayit;buthehasevertreatedmeasifIwereamanofverycommonunderstanding;andwould,perhaps,thinkneverthebetterofthebestadviceintheworldforcomingfromme.Those,Mr.Belford,whomostlove,areleastsetby.--Butwhowouldexpectvelvettobemadeoutofasow'sear?

Iamsurehehasnoreasonhowevertoslightmeashedoes.Hemayandwillbethebetterforme,ifheoutlivesme;thoughheoncetoldmetomyface,thatImightdoasIwouldwithmyestate;forthathe,forhispart,lovedhislibertyasmuchashedespisedmoney.Andatanothertime,twittingmewithmyphrases,thatthemanwasabovecontroul,whowantednoteithertoborroworflatter.Hethought,Isuppose,thatIcouldnotcoverhimwithmywings,withoutpeckingathimwithmybill;thoughIneverusedtobepeckingathim,withoutverygreatoccasion:and,Godknows,hemighthavemyveryheart,ifhewouldbutendeavourtoobligeme,bystudyinghisowngood;forthatisallIdesireofhim.Indeed,itwashispoormotherthatfirstspoiledhim;andIhavebeenbuttooindulgenttohimsince.Afinegratefuldisposition,you'llsay,toreturnevilforgood!butthatwasalwayshisway.Itisagoodsaying,andwhichwasverifiedbyhimwithawitness--Childrenwhenlittle,maketheirparentsfools;whengreat,mad.HadhisparentslivedtoseewhatIhaveseenofhim,theywouldhavebeenmadindeed.

Thismatch,however,astheladyhassuchanextraordinaryshareofwisdomandgoodness,mightsetalltorights;andifyoucanforwardit,Iwouldenablehimtomakewhateversettlementshecouldwish;andshouldnotbeunwillingtoputhiminpossessionofanotherprettyestatebesides.Iamnocovetousman,heknows.And,indeed,whatisacovetousmantobelikenedtosofitly,astoadoginawheelwhichroastsmeatforothers?AndwhatdoIlivefor,(asIhaveoftensaid,)buttoseehimandmytwonieceswellmarriedandsettled.MayHeavensettlehimdowntoabettermind,andturnhishearttomoreofgoodnessandconsideration!

Ifthedelaysareonhisside,Itrembleforthelady;and,ifonhers,(ashetellsmynieceCharlotte,)Icouldwishshewereapprizedthat

delaysaredangerous.Excellentassheis,sheoughtnottodependonhermeritswithsuchachangeablefellow,andsuchaprofestmarriage-hater,ashehasbeen.Desertandreward,Icanassureher,seldomkeepcompanytogether.

Butlethimremember,thatvengeancethoughitcomeswithleadenfeet,strikeswithironhands.Ifhebehavesillinthiscase,hemayfinditso.Whatapityitis,thatamanofhistalentsandlearningshouldbesovilearake!Alas!alas!UnepoignÃ©edebonnevievautmieuxquepleinmuydeclergÃ©e;ahandfulofgoodlifeisbetterthanawholebusheloflearning.

Youmaythrowin,too,asafriend,that,shouldheprovokeme,itmay

notbetoolateformetomarry.MyoldfriendWycherlydidso,whenhewasolderthanIam,onpurposetoplaguehisnephew:and,inspiteofthisgout,Imighthaveachildortwostill.Ihavenotbeenwithoutsomethoughtsthatway,whenhehasangeredmemorethanordinary:butthesethoughtshavegoneoffagainhitherto,uponmyconsidering,thatthechildrenofveryyoungandveryoldmen(thoughIamnotsoveryoldneither)lastnotlong;andthatoldmen,whentheymarryyoungwomen,aresaidtomakemuchofdeath:YetwhoknowsbutthatmatrimonymightbegoodagainstthegoutyhumoursIamtroubledwith?



Nomaniseverything--you,Mr.Belford,arealearnedman.Iamapeer.Anddoyou(asyoubestknowhow)inculcateuponhimtheforceofthesewisesayingswhichfollow,aswellasthosewhichwentbefore;butyetsoindiscreetly,asthathemaynotknowthatyouborrowyourdartsfrommyquiver.Thesebethey--Happyisthemanwhoknowshisfolliesinhisyouth.Hethatliveswell,liveslong.Again,Hethatlivesilloneyear,willsorrowforitseven.Andagain,astheSpaniardshaveit--Wholiveswell,seesafaroff!Faroffindeed;forheseesintoeternity,asamanmaysay.Thenthatotherfinesaying,Hewhoperishesinneedlessdangers,istheDevil'smartyr.AnotherproverbIpickedupatMadrid,whenIaccompaniedLordLexingtoninhisembassytoSpain,whichmightteachmynephewmoremercyandcompassionthanisinhisnatureIdoubttoshew;whichisthis,Thathewhopitiesanother,remembershimself.Andthisthatisgoingtofollow,Iamsurehehasprovedthetruthofahundredtimes,Thathewhodoeswhathewillseldomdoeswhatheought.Noristhatunworthyofhisnotice,Youngmen'sfrolicsoldmenfeel.Mydevilishgout,Godhelpme--butIwillnotsaywhatIwasgoingtosay.

Iremember,thatyouyourself,complimentingmeformytasteinpithyandwisesentences,saidathingthatgavemeahighopinionofyou;anditwasthis:'Menoftalents,'saidyou,'aresoonertobeconvincedbyshortsentencesthanbylongpreachments,becausetheshortsentencesdrivethemselvesintotheheartandstaythere,whilelongdiscourses,thougheversogood,tiretheattention;andonegoodthingdrivesout

another,andsoontillallisforgotten.'Mayyourgoodcounsel,Mr.Belford,foundeduponthesehintswhichIhavegiven,piercehisheart,andincitehimtodowhatwillbesohappyforhimself,andsonecessaryforthehonourofthatadmirableladywhomIlongtoseehiswife;and,ifImay,Iwillnotthinkofoneformyself.

Shouldheabusetheconfidenceshehasplacedinhim,Imyselfshallpray,thatvengeancemayfalluponhishead--Raro--IquiteforgetallmyLatin;butIthinkitis,Raroantecedentemscelestumdeseruitpedepaeanclaudo:wherevicegoesbefore,vengeance(soonerorlater)willfollow.ButwhydoItranslatethesethingsforyou?

Ishallmakenoapologiesforthistrouble.Iknowhowwellyoulovehimandme;andthereisnothinginwhichyoucouldserveusbothmoreimportantly,thaninforwardingthismatchtotheutmostofyourpower.Whenitisdone,howshallIrejoicetoseeyouatM.Hall!Meantime,Ishalllongtohearthatyouarelikelytobesuccessfulwithhim;andam,

DearSir,Yourmostfaithfulfriendandservant,M.

[Mr.LovelacehavingnotreturnedananswertoMr.Belford'sexpostularylettersosoonasMr.Belfordexpected,hewrotetohim,expressing

hisapprehensionthathehaddisobligedhimbyhishonestfreedom.Amongotherthings,hesays--]

IpassmytimehereatWatford,attendingmydyinguncle,veryheavily.Icannottherefore,byanymeans,dispensewiththycorrespondence.Andwhyshouldstthoupunishme,forhavingmoreconscienceandmoreremorsethanthyself?Thouwhoneverthoughtesteitherconscienceorremorseanhonourtothee.AndIhave,besides,amelancholystorytotellthee,inrelationtoBeltonandhisThomasine;andwhichmayaffordalessontoallthekeeping-class.



Ihavealetterfromeachofourthreecompanionsinthetime.Theyhaveallthewickednessthatthouhast,butnotthewit.Somenewrogueriesdotwoofthemboastof,which,Ithink,ifcompleted,deservethegallows.

Iamfarfromhatingintrigueuponprinciple.Buttohaveawkwardfellowsplot,andcommittheirplotstopaper,destituteoftheseasonings,oftheacumen,whichisthytalent,howextremelyshockingmusttheirlettersbe!--Butdothou,Lovelace,whetherthouart,orartnot,determineduponthymeasureswithregardtothefineladyinthypower,enlivenmyheavyheartbythycommunications;andthouwiltoblige

Thymelancholyfriend,J.BELFORD.

LETTERXXXVII

MR.LOVELACE,TOJOHNBELFORD,ESQ.FRIDAYNIGHT,MAY19.

WhenIhaveopenedmyviewtotheesoamplyasIhavedoneinmyformerletters;andhavetoldthee,thatmyprincipaldesignisbuttobringvirtuetoatrial,that,ifvirtue,itneednotbeafraidof;andthattherewardofitwillbemarriage(thatistosay,if,afterIhavecarriedmypoint,Icannotprevailuponhertolivewithmethelifeofhonour;*forthatthouknowestisthewishofmyheart);Iamamazedattherepetitionofthywamblingnonsense.

*SeeVol.III.LetterXVIII.

Iamofopinionwiththee,thatsometimehence,whenIamgrownwiser,I

shallconclude,thatthereisnothingbutvanity,conceit,andnonsense,inmypresentwildschemes.Butwhatisthissaying,butthatImustbefirstwiser?

Idonotintendtoletthismatchlesscreatureslidethroughmyfingers.

Artthouabletosayhalfthethingsinherpraise,thatIhavesaid,andamcontinuallysayingorwriting?

Hergloomyfathercursedthesweetcreature,becausesheputitoutofhiswickedpowertocompelhertohavethemanshehated.Thouknowesthowlittlemeritshehaswithmeonthisscore.--AndshallInottrythevirtueIintended,uponfullproof,toreward,becauseherfatherisa

tyrant?--Whyartthouthuseternallyreflectinguponsoexcellentawoman,asifthouwertassuredshewouldfailinthetrial?--Nay,thoudeclarest,everytimethouwritestonthesubject,thatshewill,thatshemustyield,entangledassheis:andyetmakesthervirtuethepretenceofthysolicitudeforher.

AninstrumentofthevileJamesHarlowe,dostthoucallme?--OJack!howcouldIcursethee!--Iaminstrumentofthatbrother!ofthatsister!Butmarktheend--andthoushaltseewhatwillbecomeofthatbrother,andofthatsister!



Playnotagainstmemyownacknowledgedsensibilities,Idesirethee.Sensibilities,whichatthesametimethattheycontradictthychargeofanadamantineheartinthyfriend,thouhadstknownnothingof,hadInotcommunicatedthemtothee.

IfIruinsuchavirtue,sayestthou!--Eternalmonotonist!--Again;themostimmaculatevirtuemayberuinedbymenwhohavenoregardtotheirhonour,andwhomakeajestofthemostsolemnoaths,&c.Whatmustbethevirtuethatwillberuinedwithoutoaths?Isnottheworldfullofthesedeceptions?Andarenotlovers'oathsajestofhundredsofyears'standing?Andarenotcautionsagainsttheperfidyofoursexanecessarypartofthefemaleeducation?

Idointendtoendeavourtoovercomemyself;butImustfirsttry,ifIcannotovercomethislady.HaveInotsaid,thatthehonourofhersexisconcernedthatIshouldtry?

Wheneverthoumeetestwithawomanofbuthalfherperfections,thouwiltmarry--Do,Jack.

Canagirlbedegradedbytrials,whoisnotovercome?

Iamgladthatthoutakestcrimetothyself,fornotendeavouringto

convertthepoorwretcheswhomothershaveruined.Iwillnotrecriminateuponthee,Belford,asImight,whenthouflatterestthyselfthatthouneverruinedstthemoralsofanyyoungcreature,whootherwisewouldnothavebeencorrupted--thepalliatingconsolationofanHottentotheart,determinedrathertogluttonizeonthegarbageofotherfoulfeedersthantoreform.--Buttellme,Jack,wouldstthouhavesparedsuchagirlasmyRosebud,hadInot,bymyexample,engagedthygenerosity?NorwasmyRosebudtheonlygirlIspared:--Whenmypowerwasacknowledged,whomoremercifulthanthyfriend?

Itisresistancethatinflamesdesire,Sharpensthedartsoflove,andblowsitsfire.Loveisdisarm'dthatmeetswithtoomuchease;

Helanguishes,anddoesnotcaretoplease.

Thewomenknowthisaswellasthemen.Theylovetobeaddressedwithspirit:

Andtherefore'tistheirgoldenfruittheyguardWithsomuchcare,tomakeprofessionhard.

Whence,foraby-reflection,theardent,thecomplaisantgallantissooftenpreferredtothecold,theunadoringhusband.Andyetthesexdonotconsider,thatvarietyandnoveltygivetheardourandtheobsequiousness;andthat,weretherakeasmuchusedtothemasthehusbandis,hewouldbe[andistohisownwife,ifmarried]as

indifferenttotheirfavours,astheirhusbandsare;andthehusband,inhisturn,would,toanotherwoman,betherake.Letthewomen,uponthewhole,takethislessonfromaLovelace--'Alwaystoendeavourtomakethemselvesasnewtoahusband,andtoappearaselegantandasobligingtohim,astheyaredesiroustoappeartoalover,andactuallyweretohimassuch;andthentherake,whichallwomenlove,willlastlongerinthehusband,thanitgenerallydoes.'

Buttoreturn:--IfIhavenotsufficientlyclearedmyconducttotheeintheabove;Irefertheeoncemoretomineofthe13thoflastmonth.*



Andpr'ythee,Jack,laymenotunderanecessitytorepeatthesamethingssooften.IhopethoureadestwhatIwritemorethanonce.

*SeeVol.II.LetterXIV.

Iamnotdispleasedthatthouartsoapprehensiveofmyresentment,thatIcannotmissadaywithoutmakingtheeuneasy.Thyconscience,'tisplain,tellsthee,thatthouhasdeservedmydispleasure:andifithasconvincedtheeofthat,itwillmaketheeafraidofrepeatingthyfault.Seethatthisbetheconsequence.Else,nowthatthouhasttoldmehowIcanpunishthee,itisverylikelythatIdopunishtheebymysilence,althoughIhaveasmuchpleasureinwritingonthischarmingsubject,asthoucansthaveinreadingwhatIwrite.

Whenaboy,ifadogranawayfrommethroughfear,Igenerallylookedaboutforastone,orastick;andifneitherofferedtomyhand,Iskinnedmyhatafterhimtomakehimafraidforsomething.Whatsignifiespower,ifwedonotexertit?

LetmyLordknow,thatthouhastscribbledtome.Butgivehimnotthecontentsofthyepistle.Thoughaparcelofcrudestuff,hewouldthinktherewassomethinginit.Poorargumentswilldo,whenbroughtin

favourofwhatwelike.ButthestupidpeerlittlethinksthatthisladyisarebeltoLove.Onthecontrary,notonlyhe,butalltheworldbelievehertobeavolunteerinhisservice.--SoIshallincurblame,andshewillbepitied,ifanythinghappenamiss.

SincemyLord'sheartissetuponthismatch,Ihavewrittenalreadytolethimknow,'Thatmyunhappycharacterhadgivenmybelovedanungenerousdiffidenceofme.Thatsheissomother-sickandfather-fond,thatshehadratherreturntoHarlowe-placethanmarry.Thatsheisevenapprehensivethatthestepshehastakenofgoingoffwithmewillmaketheladiesofafamilyofsuchrankandhonourasoursthinkslightlyofher.ThatthereforeIdesirehisLordship(thoughthishint,Itellhim,mustbeverydelicatelytouched)towritemesuchaletterasIcanshew

her;(lethimtreatmeiniteversofreely,Ishallnottakeitamiss,Itellhim,becauseIknowhisLordshiptakespleasureinwritingtomeinacorrectivestyle).Thathemaymakewhatoffershepleasesonthemarriage.ThatIdesirehispresenceattheceremony;thatImaytakefromhishandthegreatestblessingthatmortalmancangiveme.'

IhavenotabsolutelytoldtheladythatIwouldwritetohisLordshiptothiseffect;yethavegivenherreasontothinkIwill.SothatwithoutthelastnecessityIshallnotproducetheanswerIexpectfromhim:forIamveryloth,Iown,tomakeuseofanyofmyfamily'snamesforthefurtheringofmydesigns.AndyetImustmakeallsecure,beforeIpulloffthemask.Wasnotthismymotiveforbringingherhither?

Thusthouseestthattheoldpeer'slettercameveryseasonably.Ithanktheeforthat.Butastohissentences,theycannotpossiblydomegood.Iwasearlysuffocatedwithhiswisdomofnations.Whenaboy,Ineveraskedanythingofhim,butoutflewaproverb;andifthetendencyofthatwastodenyme,Inevercouldobtaintheleastfavour.Thisgavemesogreatanaversiontotheveryword,that,whenachild,Imadeitaconditionwithmytutor,whowasanhonestparson,thatIwouldnotreadmyBibleatall,ifhewouldnotexcusemeoneofthewisestbooksinit:towhich,however,Ihadnootherobjection,thanthatitwascalledTheProverbs.AndasforSolomon,hewasthenahatedcharacterwithme,not



becauseofhispolygamy,butbecauseIhadconceivedhimtobesuchanothermustyoldfellowasmyuncle.

Well,butletusleaveoldsawstooldme.Whatsignifiesthytediouswhiningoverthydepartingrelation?Isitnotgenerallyagreedthathecannotrecover?Willitnotbekindintheetoputhimoutofhismisery?Ihearthatheispesteredstillwithvisitsfromdoctors,andapothecaries,andsurgeons;thattheycannotcutsodeepasthemortificationhasgone;andthatineveryvisit,ineveryscarification,inevitabledeathispronounceduponhim.Whythendotheykeeptormentinghim?Isitnottotakeawaymoreofhislivingfleecethanofhisdeadflesh?--Whenamanisgivenover,thefeeshouldsurelyberefused.Aretheynotnowrobbinghisheirs?--Whathasthoutodo,ifthewillbeasthou'dsthaveit?--Hesentforthee[didhenot?]toclosehiseyes.Heisbutanuncle,ishe?

Letmesee,ifImistakenot,itisintheBible,orsomeothergoodbook:canitbeinHerodotus?--OIbelieveitisinJosephus,ahalf-sacred,andhalf-profaneauthor.HetellsusofakingofSyriaputoutofhispainbyhisprimeminister,oronewhodeservedtobesoforhiscontrivance.Thestorysays,ifIamright,thathespreadawetclothoverhisface,whichkillinghim,hereignedinhisplace.Anotablefellow!Perhapsthiswetclothintheoriginal,iswhatwenowcalllaudanum;apotionthatoverspreadsthefaculties,asthewetclothdid

thefaceoftheroyalpatient;andthetranslatorknewnothowtorenderit.

Buthowlikeforlornvarletthousubscribest,'Thymelancholyfriend,J.BELFORD!'Melancholy!Forwhat?Tostandby,andseefairplaybetweenanoldmananddeath?Ithoughtthouhadstbeenmoreofaman;thatthouartnotafraidofanacutedeath,asword'spoint,tobesoplaugilyhip'dattheconsequencesofachronicalone!--Whatthoughthescarificatorsworkuponhimdaybyday?It'sonlyuponacaputmortuum:andpr'ytheegoto,tousethestylumveterum,andlearnoftheroyalbutchers;who,forsport,(anhundredtimesworsementhanthyLovelace,)widowtenthousandatabrush,andmaketwiceasmanyfatherless--learnofthem,Isay,howtosupportasingledeath.

Butartthousure,Jack,itisamortification?--Myuncleoncegavepromisesofsucharoot-and-branchdistemper:but,alas!itturnedtoasmartgout-fit;andIhadthemortificationinsteadofhim.--Ihaveheardthatbark,inproperdoses,willarrestamortificationinitsprogress,andatlastcureit.Letthyuncle'ssurgeonknow,thatitisworthmorethanhisears,ifheprescribeonegrainofthebark.

Iwishmyunclehadgivenmetheopportunityofsettingtheeabetterexample:thoushouldsthaveseenwhatabravefellowIhadbeen.AndhadIhadoccasiontowrite,myconclusionwouldhavebeenthis:'IhopetheoldTrojan'shappy.Inthathope,Iamso;and

'Thyrejoicingfriend,'R.LOVELACE.'

Dwellnotalways,Jack,upononesubject.LetmehavepoorBelton'sstory.Thesoonerthebetter.IfIcanbeofservicetohim,tellhimhemaycommandmeeitherinpurseorperson.Yettheformerwithafreerwillthanthelatter;forhowcanIleavemygoddess?ButI'llissuemycommandstomyothervassalstoattendthysummons.



Ifyewanthead,letmeknow.Ifnot,myquota,onthisoccasion,ismoney.

LETTERXXXVIII

MR.BELFORD,TOROBERTLOVELACE,ESQ.SATURDAY,MAY20.

NotonewordwillIreplytosuchanabandonedwretch,asthouhastshewnthyselftobeinthineoflastnight.IwillleavetheladytotheprotectionofthatPowerwhoonlycanworkmiracles;andtoherownmerits.StillIhavehopesthatthesewillsaveher.

Iwillproceed,asthoudesirest,topoorBelton'scase;andtherather,asithasthrownmeintosuchatrainofthinkinguponourpastlives,ourpresentcourses,andourfutureviews,asmaybeofservicetousboth,ifIcangivedueweighttothereflectionsthatarisefromit.

ThepoormanmademeavisitonThursday,inthismymelancholyattendance.Hebeganwithcomplaintsofhisillhealthandspirits,hishecticcough,andhisincreasedmaladyofspittingblood;andthenledto

hisstory.Aconfoundedoneitis;andwhichhighlyaggravateshisothermaladies:forithascomeout,thathisThomasine,(who,truly,wouldbenewchristened,youknow,thathernamemightbenearerinsoundtothechristiannameofthemanwhomshepretendedtodoatupon)hasformanyyearscarriedonanintriguewithafellowwhohadbeenhostlertoherfather(aninnkeeperatDarking);ofwhom,attheexpenseofpoorBelton,shehasmadeagentleman;andmanageditso,thathavingthearttomakeherselfhiscashier,shehasbeenunabletoaccountforlargesums,whichhethoughtforthcomingatdemand,andhadtrustedtohercustody,inordertopayoffamortgageuponhisparentalestateinKent,whichhishearthasrunuponleavingclear,butwhichnowcannotbedone,andwill

soonbeforeclosed.Andyetshehassolongpassedforhiswife,thatheknowsnotwhattoresolveuponabouther;noraboutthetwoboyshewassofondof,supposingthemtobehis;whereasnowhebeginstodoubthisshareinthem.

SoKEEPINGdon'tdo,Lovelace.'Tisnottheeligiblewife.'Amanmustkeepawoman,saidthepoorfellowtome,butnothisestate!--Twointerests!--Then,mytotteringfabric!'pointingtohisemaciatedcarcass.

Wedowelltovalueourselvesuponourliberty,ortospeakmoreproperly,uponthelibertieswetake.Wehadneedtorundownmatrimonyaswedo,andtomakethatstatethesubjectofourfrothyjests;whenwe

frequentlyrenderourselves(forthisofTom'sisnotasingularcase)thedupesandtoolsofwomenwhogenerallygovernus(byartsourwiseheadspenetratenot)moreabsolutelythanawifewouldattempttodo.

Letusconsiderthispointalittle;andthatuponourownprinciples,aslibertines,settingasidewhatisexactedfromusbythelawsofourcountry,anditscustoms;which,nevertheless,wecannotgetover,tillwehavegotoveralmostallmoralobligations,asmembersofsociety.

Inthefirstplace,letusconsider(we,whoareinpossessionofestates



bylegaldescent)howweshouldhavelikedtohavebeensuchnakeddestitutevarlets,aswemusthavebeen,hadourfathersbeenaswiseasourselves;anddespisedmatrimonyaswedo--andthenletusaskourselves,Ifweoughtnottohavethesameregardforourposterity,aswearegladourfathershadfortheirs?

Butthis,perhaps,istoomoralaconsideration.--Toproceedthereforetothoseconsiderationswhichwillbemorestrikingtous:Howcanwereasonablyexpecteconomyorfrugality(oranythingindeedbutriotandwaste)fromcreatureswhohaveaninterest,andmustthereforehaveviews,differentfromourown?

Theyknowtheuncertaintenure(ourficklehumours)bywhichtheyhold:Andisittobewonderedat,supposingthemtobeprovidentharlots,thattheyshouldendeavour,iftheyhavethepower,tolayupagainstarainyday?or,iftheyhavenotthepower,thattheyshouldsquanderalltheycancomeat,whentheyaresureofnothingbutthepresenthour;andwhenthelifetheylive,andthesacrificestheyhavemade,putconscienceandhonouroutofthequestion?

Whereasawife,havingthesamefamily-interestwithherhusband,liesnotundereitherthesameapprehensionsortemptations;andhasnotbrokenthrough(ofnecessity,atleast,hasnot)thoserestraintswhicheducationhasfasteneduponher:andifshemakesaprivatepurse,which

wearetoldbyanti-matrimonialists,allwiveslovetodo,andhaschildren,itgoesallintothesamefamilyatthelong-run.

Thenastothegreatarticleoffidelitytoyourbed--Arenotwomenoffamily,whoarewell-educated,undergreaterrestraints,thancreatures,who,iftheyeverhadreputation,sacrificeittosordidinterest,ortomoresordidappetite,themomenttheygiveituptoyou?Doesnottheexampleyoufurnish,ofhavingsucceededwithher,giveencouragementforotherstoattemptherlikewise?Forwithallherblandishments,cananymanbesocredulous,orsovain,astobelieve,thatthewomanhecouldpersuade,anothermaynotprevailupon?

Adulteryissocapitalaguilt,thatevenrakesandlibertines,ifnot

whollyabandoned,andasImaysay,invitedbyawoman'slevity,disavowandcondemnit:buthere,inastateofKEEPING,awomanisinnodangerofincurring(legally,atleast)thatguilt;andyouyourselfhavebrokenthroughandoverthrowninherallthefencesandboundariesofmoralhonesty,andthemodestyandreservesofhersex:Andwhattieshallholdheragainstinclination,orinterest?Andwhatshalldeteranattempter?

Whileahusbandhasthissecurityfromlegalsanctions,thatifhiswifebedetectedinacriminalconversationwithamanoffortune,(themostlikelybybribestoseduceher,)hemayrecoververygreatdamages,andprocureadivorcebesides:which,tosaynothingoftheignominy,isaconsiderationthatmusthavesomeforceuponbothparties.Andawifemustbeviciousindeed,andareflectionuponaman'sownchoice,who,

forthesakeofchange,andwheretherearenoqualitiestoseduce,noraffluencetocorrupt,willrunsomanyhazardstoinjureherhusbandinthetenderestofallpoints.

Buttherearedifficultiesinprocuringadivorce--[andsothereought]--andnone,saystherake,inpartingwithamistresswheneveryoususpecther;orwheneveryouarewearyofher,andhaveamindtochangeherforanother.

Butmustnotthemanbeabruteindeed,whocancastoffawomanwhomhe



hasseduced,[ifhetakeherfromthetown,that'sanotherthing,]withoutsomeflagrantreason;somethingthatwillbetterjustifyhimtohimself,aswellastoher,andtotheworld,thanmerepowerandnovelty?

ButIdon'tsee,ifwejudgebyfact,andbythepracticeofallwehavebeenacquaintedwithofthekeeping-class,thatweknowhowtopartwiththemwhenwehavethem.

Thatweknowwecanifwewill,isallwehaveforit:andthisleadsustobearmanythingsfromamistress,whichwewouldnotfromawife.But,ifwearegood-naturedandhumane:ifthewomanhasart:[andwhatwomanwantsit,whohasfallenbyart?andtowhoseprecarioussituationartissonecessary?]ifyouhavegivenherthecreditofbeingcalledbyyourname:ifyouhaveasettledplaceofabode,andhavereceivedandpaidvisitsinhercompany,asyourwife:ifshehasbroughtyouchildren--youwillallowthatthesearestrongobligationsuponyouintheworld'seye,aswellastoyourownheart,againsttearingyourselffromsuchcloseconnections.Shewillsticktoyouasyourskin:anditwillbenexttoflayingyourselftocastheroff.

Eveniftherebecauseforit,byinfidelity,shewillhavemanagedill,ifshehavenotherdefenders.NordidIeverknowacauseorapersonsobad,astowantadvocates,eitherfromill-willtotheone,orpityto

theother:andyouwillthenbethoughtahard-heartedmiscreant:andevenwereshetogooffwithoutcredittoherself,shewillleaveyouaslittle;especiallywithallthosewhosegoodopinionamanwouldwishtocultivate.

Well,then,shallthispoorprivilege,thatwemaypartwithawomanifwewill,bedeemedabalancefortheotherinconveniencies?Shallitbethoughtbyus,whoaremenoffamilyandfortune,anequivalentforgivingupequalityofdegree;andtakingforthepartnerofourbed,andveryprobablymorethanthepartnerinourestates,(tothebreachofallfamily-ruleandorder,)alow-born,alow-educatedcreature,whohasnotbroughtanythingintothecommonstock;andcanpossiblymakenoreturnsforthesolidbenefitsshereceives,butthoselibidinousones,whicha

mancannotboastof,buttohisdisgrace,northinkof,buttotheshameofboth?

Moreover,asthemanadvancesinyears,thefuryofhislibertinismwillgooff.Hewillhavedifferentaimsandpursuits,whichwilldiminishhisappetitetoranging,andmakesucharegularlifeasthematrimonialandfamilylife,palatabletohim,andeverydaymorepalatable.

Ifhehaschildren,andhasreasontothinkthemhis,andifhislewdcourseshavelefthimanyestate,hewillhavecausetoregrettherestrainthisboastedlibertyhaslaidhimunder,andthevaluableprivilegeithasdeprivedhimof;whenhefindsthatitmustdescendtosomerelation,forwhom,whethernearordistant,hecaresnotone

farthing;andwhoperhaps(ifamanofvirtue)hasheldhimintheutmostcontemptforhisdissolutelife.

Andwerewetosupposehisestateinhispowertobequeathashepleases;whyshouldamanresolve,forthegratifyingofhisfoolishhumouronly,tobastardizehisrace?Whyshouldhewishtoexposehischildrentothescornandinsultsoftherestoftheworld?Whyshouldhe,whethertheyaresonsordaughters,laythemunderthenecessityofcomplyingwithproposalsofmarriage,eitherinferiorastofortune,orunequalastoage?Whyshouldhedeprivethechildrenheloves,whothemselvesmaybe



guiltyofnofault,oftherespecttheywouldwishtohave,andtodeserve;andoftheopportunityofassociatingthemselveswithproper,thatistosay,withreputablecompany?andwhyshouldhemakethemthinkthemselvesunderobligationtoeverypersonofcharacter,whowillvouchsafetovisitthem?Whatlittlereason,inaword,wouldsuchchildrenhavetoblesstheirfather'sobstinatedefianceofthelawsandcustomsofhiscountry;andforgivingthemamother,ofwhomtheycouldnotthinkwithhonour;towhosecrimeitwasthattheyowedtheirverybeings,andwhoseexampleitwastheirdutytoshun?

Iftheeducationandmoralsofthesechildrenarelefttochance,astoogenerallytheyare,(forthemanwhohashumanityandafeelingheart,andwhoiscapableoffondnessforhisoffspring,Itakeitforgrantedwillmarry,)thecaseisstillworse;hiscrimeisperpetuated,asImaysay,byhischildren:andthesea,thearmy,perhapsthehighway,fortheboys;thecommonforthegirls;toooftenpointoutthewaytoaworsecatastrophe.

Whattherefore,uponthewhole,dowegetbytreadinginthesecrookedpaths,butdanger,disgrace,andatoo-laterepentance?

Andafterall,dowenotfrequentlybecometheculliesofourownlibertinism;slidingintotheverystatewiththosehalf-worn-outdoxies,whichperhapswemighthaveenteredintowiththeirladies;atleastwith

theirsuperiorsbothindegreeandfortune?andallthetimelivedhandsomelylikeourselves;notsneakingintoholesandcorners;and,whenwecreptabroadwithourwomen,lookingaboutus,andateveronethatpassedus,asifwewereconfessedlyaccountabletothecensuresofallhonestpeople.

MycousinTonyJenyns,thouknewest.Hehadnottheactivelymischievousspirit,thatthou,Belton,Mowbray,Tourville,andmyself,have:butheimbibedthesamenotionswedo,andcarriedthemintopractice.

Howdidheprateagainstwedlock!howdidhestrutaboutasawitandasmart!andwhatawitandasmartdidalltheboysandgirlsofourfamily(myselfamongtherest,thenanurchin)thinkhim,fortheairshe

gavehimself?--Marry!No,notfortheworld;whatmanofsensewouldbeartheinsolences,thepetulances,theexpensivenessofawife!Hecouldnotfortheheartofhimthinkittolerable,thatawomanofequalrankandfortune,and,asitmighthappen,superiortalentstohisown,shouldlookuponherselftohavearighttosharethebenefitofthatfortunewhichshebroughthim.

So,afterhehadflutteredaboutthetownfortwoorthreeyears,inallwhichtimehehadabetteropinionofhimselfthananybodyelsehad,whatdoeshedo,butenteruponanaffairwithhisfencing-master'sdaughter?

Hesucceeds;takesprivatelodgingsforheratHackney;visitsherby

stealth;bothofthemtenderofreputationsthatwereextremelytender,butwhichneitherhadquitegivenup;forrakesofeithersexarealwaysthelasttocondemnorcrydownthemselves:visitedbynobody,norvisiting:thelifeofathief,orofamanbestedbycreditors,afraidtolookoutofhisownhouse,ortobeseenabroadwithher.Andthuswentonfortwelveyears,and,thoughhehadagoodestate,hardlymakingbothendsmeet;forthoughnoglare,therewasnoeconomy;and,beside,hehadeveryearachild,andveryfondofhischildrenwashe.Butnoneofthemlivedabovethreeyears.Andbeingnow,onthedeathofthedozenth,grownasdullysober,asifhehadbeenarealhusband,hisgood



Mrs.Thomas(forhehadnotpermittedhertotakehisownname)prevaileduponhimtothinkthelossoftheirchildrenajudgmentupontheparentsfortheirwickedwayoflife;[atimewillcome,Lovelace,ifwelivetoadvancedyears,inwhichreflectionwilltakeholdoftheenfeebledmind;]andthenitwasnotdifficultforhiswomantoinducehim,bywayofcompoundingwithHeaven,tomarryher.Whenthiswasdone,hehadleisuretositdown,andcontemplate;antorecollectthemanyoffersofpersonsoffamilyandfortunetowhichhehaddeclinedintheprimeoflife:hisexpensesequalatleast:hisreputationnotonlyless,butlost:hisenjoymentsstolen:hispartnershipunequal,andsuchashehadalwaysbeenashamedof.Butthewomansaid,thataftertwelveorthirteenyears'cohabitation,Tonydidanhonestthingbyher.Andthatwasallmypoorcousingotbymakinghisoldmistresshisnewwife--notadrum,notatrumpet,notafife,notatabret,northeexpectationofanewjoy,toanimatehimon!

WhatBeltonwilldowithhisThomasineIknownot!norcareItoadvisehim:forIseethepoorfellowdoesnotlikethatanybodyshouldcurseherbuthimself.Thishedoesveryheartily.Andsolowishereduced,thatheblubbersoverthereflectionuponhispastfondnessforhercubs,anduponhispresentdoubtsoftheirbeinghis:'Whatadamn'dthingisit,Belford,ifTomandHalshouldbethehostlerdog'spuppiesandnotmine!'

Verytrue!andIthinkthestronghealthofthechubby-facedmuscularwhelpsconfirmsthetoogreatprobability.

ButIsaynotsotohim.

You,hesays,aresuchagay,livelymortal,thatthissadtalewouldmakenoimpressionuponyou:especiallynow,thatyourwholeheartisengagedasitis.Mowbraywouldbetooviolentuponit:hehasnot,hesays,afeelingheart.Tourvillehasnodiscretion:and,aprettyjest!althoughheandhisThomasinelivedwithoutreputationintheworld,(peopleguessingthattheywerenotmarried,notwithstandingshewentbyhisname,)yet'hewouldnottoomuchdiscreditthecursedingrateneither!'

Couldamanactaweakerpart,hadhebeenreallymarried;andwerehesurehewasgoingtoseparatefromthemotherofhisownchildren?

Ileavethisasalessonuponthyheart,withoutmakinganyapplication:onlywiththisremark,'Thatafterwelibertineshaveindulgedourlicentiousappetites,reflecting,(intheconceitofourvainhearts,)bothwithourlipsandbyourlives,uponourancestorsandthegoodoldways,wefindout,whenwecometoyearsofdiscretion,ifwelivetillthen(whatallwhoknewusfoundoutbefore,thatistosay,wefoundout),ourowndespicablefolly;thatthosegoodoldwayswouldhavebeenbestforus,aswellasfortherestoftheworld;andthatineverystepwehavedeviatedfromthemwehaveonlyexposedourvanityandour

ignoranceatthesametime.'

J.BELFORD.

LETTERXXXIX

MR.LOVELACE,TOJOHNBELFORD,ESQ.SATURDAY,MAY20.



Iampleasedwiththesoberreflectionwithwhichthouconcludestthylast;andIthanktheeforit.PoorBelton!--IdidnotthinkhisThomasinewouldhaveprovedsoveryadevil.Butthismusteverlastinglybetheriskofakeeper,whotakesupwithalow-bredgirl.ThisIneverdid.NorhadIoccasiontodoit.SuchaoneasI,Jack,neededonly,tillnow,toshakethestateliesttree,andthemellowedfruitdroptintomymouth:--alwaysofMontaigne'stastethouknowest:--thoughtitaglorytosubdueagirloffamily.--Moretrulydelightfultometheseduction-progressthanthecrownedact:forthat'savapour,abubble!andmostcordiallydoIthanktheeforthyindirecthint,thatIamrightinmypursuit.

FromsuchawomanasMissHarlowe,amanissecuredfromalltheinconvenienciesthouexpatiatestupon.

Oncemore,therefore,doIthankthee,Belford,forthyapprobation!--Amanneednot,asthousayest,sneakintoholesandcorners,andshuntheday,inthecompanyofsuchawomanasthis.Howfriendlyinthee,thustoabetthefavouritepurposeofmyheart!--norcanitbeadisgracetome,topermitsuchaladytobecalledbymyname!--norshallIbeatallconcernedabouttheworld'scensure,ifIlivetotheyearsofdiscretion,whichthoumentionest,shouldIbetakenin,andprevailed

upontotreadwithherthegoodoldpathofmyancestors.Ablessingonthyheart,thouhonestfellow!Ithoughtthouwertinjest,andbutacquittingthyselfofanengagementtoLordM.whenthouwertpleadingformatrimonyinbehalfofthislady!--Itcouldnotbeprinciple,Iknew,inthee:itcouldnotbecompassion--alittleenvyindeedIsuspected!--ButnowIseetheeoncemorethyself:andoncemore,sayI,ablessingonthyheart,thoutruefriend,andveryhonestfellow!

NowwillIproceedwithcourageinallmyschemes,andobligetheewiththecontinuednarrativeofmyprogressionstowardsbringingthemtoeffect!--butIcouldnotforbeartointerruptmystory,toshowmygratitude.

LETTERXL

MR.LOVELACE,TOJOHNBELFORD,ESQ.

AndnowwillIfavourtheewithabriefaccountofourpresentsituation.

Fromthehighesttothelowestweareallextremelyhappy.--Dorcasstandswellinherlady'sgraces.Pollyhasaskedheradviceinrelationtoacourtship-affairofherown.Nooracleevergavebetter.Sallyhashad

aquarrelwithherwoollen-draper;andmademycharmerlady-chancellorinit.SheblamedSallyforbehavingtyrannicallytoamanwholovesher.Dearcreature!tostandagainstaglass,andtoshuthereyesbecauseshewillnotseeherfaceinit!--Mrs.Sinclairhaspaidhercourttosounerringajudge,byrequestingheradvicewithregardtobothnieces.

Thisthewaywehavebeeninforseveraldayswiththepeoplebelow.Yetsolagenerallyathermeals,andseldomatothertimesintheircompany.Theynow,usedtoherways,[perseverancemustconquer,]neverpressher;sowhentheymeet,alliscivilityonbothsides.Evenmarriedpeople,I



believe,Jack,preventabundanceofquarrels,byseeingoneanotherbutseldom.

Buthowstandsitbetweenthyselfandthelady,methinksthouaskest,sinceherabruptdeparturefromthee,andundutifulrepulseofWednesdaymorning?

Why,prettywellinthemain.Nay,verywell.Forwhy?thedearsaucy-faceknowsnothowtohelpherself.Canflytonootherprotection.Andhas,besides,overheardaconversation[whowouldhavethoughtshehadbeensonear?]whichpassedbetweenMrs.Sinclair,MissMartin,andmyself,thatveryWednesdayafternoon;whichhassetherheartateasewithrespecttoseveraldoubtfulpoints.

Suchas,particularly,'Mrs.Fretchville'sunhappystateofmind--mosthumanelypitiedbyMissMartin,whoknowsherverywell--thehusbandshehaslost,andherself,(asSallysays,)loversfromtheircradles.Pityfromonebegetspityfromanother,betheoccasionforiteitherstrongorweak;andsomanycircumstancesweregiventopoorMrs.Fretchville'sdistress,thatitwasimpossiblebutmybelovedmustextremelypityherwhomthelesstender-heartedMissMartingreatlypitied.

'MyLordM.'sgouthisonlyhindrancefromvisitingmyspouse.LadyBettyandMissMontaguesoonexpectedintown.

'Myearnestdesiresignifiedtohavemyspousereceivethoseladiesinherownhose,ifMrs.Fretchvillewouldbutknowherownmind;andIpatheticallylamentedthedelayoccasionedbyhernotknowingit.

'MyintentiontostayatMrs.Sinclair's,asIsaidIhadtoldthembefore,whilemyspouseresidesinherownhose,(whenMrs.Fretchvillecouldbebroughttoquitit,)inordertogratifyherutmostpunctilio.

'Mypassionformybeloved(which,asItoldtheminahighandferventaccent,wasthetruestthatmancouldhaveforwoman)Iboastedof.Itwas,inshort,Isaid,ofthetrueplatonickind;orIhadnonotionofwhatplatoniclovewas.'

Soitis,Jack;andmustendasplatoniclovegenerallydoesend.

'SallyandMrs.Sinclairnextpraised,butnotgrossly,mybeloved.Sallyparticularlyadmiredherpurity;calleditexemplary;yet(toavoidsuspicion)expressedherthoughtsthatshewasratherover-nice,ifshemightpresumetosaysobeforeme.ButneverthelesssheapplaudedmeforthestrictobservationImadeofmyvow.

'Imorefreelyblamedherreservestome;calledhercruel;inveighedagainstherrelations;doubtedherlove.EveryfavourIaskedofherdeniedme.Yetmybehaviourtoheraspureanddelicatewhenalone,aswhenbeforethem.Hintedatsomethingthathadpassedbetweenusthat

veryday,thatshewedherindifferencetomeinsostrongalight,thatIcouldnotbearit.ButthatIwouldaskherforhercompanytotheplayofVenicePreserved,givenoutforSundaynightasabenefit-play;theprimeactorstobeinit;andthis,toseeifIweretobedeniedeveryfavour.--Yet,formyownpart,Ilovednottragedies;thoughshedid,forthesakeoftheinstruction,thewarning,andtheexamplegenerallygiveninthem.

'Ihadtoomuchfeeling,Isaid.Therewasenoughintheworldtomakeourheartssad,withoutcarryinggriefinourdiversions,andmakingthe



distressesofothersourown.'

Trueenough,Belford;andIbelieve,generallyspeaking,thatallthemenofourcastareofmymind--Theylovenotanytragediesbutthoseinwhichtheythemselvesactthepartsoftyrantsandexecutioners;and,afraidtotrustthemselveswithseriousandsolemnreflections,runtocomedies,inordertolaughawaycompunctiononthedistressestheyhaveoccasioned,andtofindexamplesofmenasimmoralasthemselves.Forveryfewofourcomicperformances,asthouknowest,giveusgoodones.--Ianswer,however,formyself--yetthou,Ithink,onrecollection,lovesttodealinthelamentable.

SallyansweredforPolly,whowasabsent;Mrs.Sinclairforherself,andforallheracquaintance,evenforMissPartington,inpreferringthecomictothetragicscenes.--AndIbelievetheyareright;forthedevil'sinit,ifaconfided-inrakedoesnotgiveagirlenoughoftragedyinhiscomedy.

'IaskedSallytoobligemyfair-onewithhercompany.Shewasengaged,[thatwasright,thou'ltsuppose].IaskedMrs.Sinclair'sleaveforPolly.Tobesure,sheanswered,PollywouldthinkitanhonourtoattendMrs.Lovelace:butthepoorthingwastender-hearted;andasthetragedywasdeep,wouldweepherselfblind.

'Sally,meantime,objectedSingleton,thatImightanswertheobjection,andsavemybelovedthetroubleofmakingit,ordebatingthepointwithme;andonthisoccasionIregrettedthatherbrother'sprojectswerenotlaidaside;since,iftheyhadbeengivenup,Iwouldhavegoneinpersontobringuptheladiesofmyfamilytoattendmyspouse.

'Ithen,fromaletterjustbeforereceivedfromoneinherfather'sfamily,warnedthemofapersonwhohadundertakentofindusout,andwhomIthusinwriting[havingcalledforpenandink]described,thattheymightarmallthefamilyagainsthim--"Asun-burnt,pock-frettensailor,ill-looking,big-boned;hisstatureaboutsixfoot;anheavyeye,anoverhangingbrow,adeck-treadingstrideinhiswalk;acouteaugenerallybyhisside;lipsparchedfromhisgums,asifbystaringat

thesuninhotclimates;abrowncoat;acolouredhandkerchiefabouthisneck;anoakenplantinhishandnearaslongashimself,andproportionatelythick."

'Noquestionsaskedbythisfellowmustbeanswered.Theyshouldcallmetohim.Butnotletmybelovedknowatittleofthis,solongasitcouldbehelped.AndIadded,thatifherbrotherorSingletoncame,andiftheybehavedcivilly,Iwould,forhersake,beciviltothem:andinthiscase,shehadnothingtodobuttoownhermarriage,andtherecouldbenopretenceforviolenceoneitherside.ButmostferventlyIswore,thatifshewasconveyedaway,eitherbypersuasionorforce,Iwoulddirectly,onmissingherbutoneday,gotodemandheratHarlowe-place,whethershewerethereornot;andifIrecoverednotasister,Iwould

haveabrother;andshouldfindoutacaptainofashipaswellashe.'

Andnow,Jack,dostthouthinkshe'llattempttogetfromme,dowhatIwill?

'Mrs.Sinclairbegantobeafraidofmischiefinherhouse--Iwasapprehensivethatshewouldover-dothematter,andbeoutofcharacter.Ithereforewinkedather.Sheprimed;nodded,toshowshetookme;twangedoutahigh-hothroughhernose,lappedonehorse-lipovertheother,andwassilent.'



Here'spreparation,Belford!--DostthinkIwillthrowitallawayforanythingthoucanstsay,orLordM.write?--No,indeed--asmycharmersays,whenshebridles.

***

Andwhatmustnecessarilybetheconsequenceofallthiswithregardtomybeloved'sbehaviourtome?Canstthoudoubt,thatitwasallcomplaisancenexttimesheadmittedmeintoherpresence?

Thursdaywewereveryhappy.Allthemorningextremelyhappy.Ikissedhercharminghand.--Ineednotdescribetotheeherhandandarm.Whenthousawesther,Itooknoticethatthyeyesdweltuponthemwheneverthoucouldstsparethemfromthatbeautyspotofwonders,herface--fiftytimeskissedherhand,Ibelieve--oncehercheek,intendingherlip,butsorapturously,thatshecouldnothelpseemingangry.

Hadshenotthuskeptmeatarms-length;hadshenotdeniedmethoseinnocentlibertieswhichoursex,fromsteptostep,aspireto;couldIbuthavegainedaccesstoherinherhoursofheedlessnessanddishabille,[forfulldresscreatesdignity,augmentsconsciousness,and

compelsdistance;]wehadfamiliarizedtoeachotherlongago.Butkeepherupeversolate,meethereversoearly,bybreakfast-timesheisdressedfortheday,andatherearliesthour,asniceasothersdressed.Allherformsthuskeptup,wondernotthatIhavemadesolittleprogressintheproposedtrial.--Buthowmustallthisdistancestimulate!

Thursdaymorning,asIsaid,wewereextremelyhappy--aboutnoon,shenumberedthehoursshehadbeenwithme;allofthemtobebutasoneminute;anddesiredtobelefttoherself.Iwaslothtocomply:butobservingthesun-shinebegantoshutin,Iyielded.

Idinedout.Returning,Italkedofthehouse,andofMrs.Fretchville--

hadseenMennell--hadpressedhimtogetthewidowtoquit:shepitiedMrs.Fretchville[anothergoodeffectoftheoverheardconversation]--hadwrittentoLordM.,expectedananswersoonfromhim.Iwasadmittedtosupwithher.Iurgedforherapprobationorcorrectionofmywrittenterms.SheagainpromisedananswerassoonasshehadheardfromMissHowe.

ThenIpressedforhercompanytotheplayonSaturdaynight.Shemadeobjections,asIhadforeseen:herbrother'sprojects,warmthoftheweather,&c.Butinsuchamanner,asifhalfafraidtodisobligeme[anotherhappyeffectoftheoverheardconversation].Isoongotoverthese,therefore;andsheconsentedtofavourme.

Fridaypassedasthedaybefore.

Hereweretwohappydaystoboth.WhycannotImakeeverydayequallyhappy?Itlooksasifitwereinmypowertodoso.Strange,IshouldthusdelightinteasingawomanIsodearlylove!Imust,Idoubt,havesomethinginmytemperlikeMissHowe,wholovestoplaguethemanwhoputshimselfinherpower.--ButIcouldnotdothusbysuchanangelasthis,didInotbelievethat,afterherprobationtimeshallbeexpired,andifshebenottobebroughttocohabitation,(mydarlingview,)Ishallrewardherasshewishes.



Saturdayishalfover.Weareequallyhappy--preparingfortheplay.Pollyhasofferedhercompany,andisaccepted.Ihavedirectedherwheretoweep:andthisnotonlytoshowherhumanity,[aweepingeyeindicatesagentleheart,]buttohaveapretencetohideherfacewithafanorhandkerchief.--YetPollyisfarfrombeingeveryman'sgirl;andweshallsitinthegallerygreen-box.

Thewoesofothers,sowellrepresentedasthoseofBelvideraparticularlywillbe,must,Ihope,unlockandopenmycharmer'sheart.WheneverIhavebeenabletoprevailuponagirltopermitmetoattendhertoaplay,Ihavethoughtmyselfsureofher.Thefemaleheart(allgentlenessandharmonybynature)expands,andforgetsitsforms,whenitsattentioniscarriedoutofitselfatanagreeableoraffectingentertainment--music,andperhapsacollationafterwards,co-operating.

Indeed,Ihavenohopeofsuchaneffecthere;butIhavemorethanoneendtoanswerbygettinghertoaplay.Tonamebutone.--Dorcashasamaster-key,asIhavetoldthee.--ButitwereworthwhiletocarryhertotheplayofVenicePreserved,wereitbuttoshowher,thattherehavebeen,andmaybe,muchdeeperdistressesthanshecanpossiblyknow.

Thusexceedinglyhappyareweatpresent.IhopeweshallnotfindanyofNat.Lee'sleft-handedgodsatwork,todashourbowlofjoywith

wormwood.R.LOVELACE.

LETTERXLI

MISSCLARISSAHARLOWE,TOMISSHOWEFRIDAY,MAY19.

Iwouldnot,ifIcouldhelpit,besocontinuallybroodingoverthedark

andgloomyfaceofmycondition[allnature,youknow,mydear,andeverythinginit,hasabrightandagloomyside]astobethoughtunabletoenjoyamorehopefulprospect.Andthis,notonlyformyownsake,butforyours,whotakesuchgenerousconcerninallthatbefallsme.

Letmetellyouthen,mydear,thatIhaveknownfour-and-twentyhourstogethernotunhappyones,mysituationconsidered.

[ShethengivestheparticularsoftheconversationwhichshehadoverheardbetweenMr.Lovelace,Mrs.Sinclair,andMissMartin;butaccountsmoreminutelythanhehaddonefortheopportunityshehadofoverhearingit,unknowntothem.

Shegivesthereasonsshehastobepleasedwithwhatsheheardfromeach:butisshockedatthemeasureheisresolvedtotake,ifhemissesherbutforoneday.Yetispleasedthatheproposestoavoidaggressiveviolence,ifherbrotherandhemeetintown.]

EvenDorcas,saysshe,appearslessexceptionabletomethanbefore;andIcannotbutpityherforherneglectededucation,asitismatterofsomuchregrettoherself:else,therewouldnotbemuchinit;asthelowandilliteratearethemostusefulpeopleinthecommon-wealth(since



suchconstitutethelabouringpartofthepublic);andasaletterededucationbuttoogenerallysetspeopleabovethoseservileofficesbywhichthebusinessesoftheworldiscarriedon.NorhaveIanydoubtbutthereare,taketheworldthrough,twentyhappypeopleamongtheunlettered,tooneamongthosewhohavehadaschool-education.

This,however,concludesnotagainstlearningorletters;sinceonewouldwishtolifttosomelittledistinction,andmoregenteelusefulness,thosewhohavecapacity,andwhoseparentageonerespects,orwhoseservicesonewouldwishtoreward.

Weremymindquiteatease,Icouldenlarge,perhapsnotunusefully,uponthissubject;forIhaveconsidereditwithasmuchattentionasmyyears,andlittleexperienceandobservation,willpermit.

Buttheextremeilliteratenessandindocilityofthismaidaresurprising,consideringthatshewantsnotinquisitiveness,appearswillingtolearn,and,inotherrespects,hasquickparts.ThisconfirmstomewhatIhaveheardremarked,Thatthereisadocibleseason,alearning-time,asImaysay,foreveryperson,inwhichthemindmaybeled,stepbystep,fromthelowertothehigher,(yearbyyear,)toimprovement.Howindustriouslyoughttheseseasons,astheyoffer,tobetakenholdofbytutors,parents,andotherfriends,towhomthecultivationofthegeniusofchildrenandyouthiscommitted;since,one

elapsed,andnofoundationlaid,theyhardlyeverreturn!--Andyetitmustbeconfessed,thattherearesomegeniuses,which,likesomefruits,ripennottilllate.Andindustryandperseverancewilldoprodigiousthings--butforalearnertohavethosefirstrudimentstomasterattwentyyearsofage,suppose,whichothersaretaught,andtheythemselvesmighthaveattained,atten,whatanuphilllabour!

Thesekindofobservationsyouhavealwayswishedmetointersperse,astheyarisetomythoughts.Butitisasignthatmyprospectsarealittlemended,orIshouldnot,amongsomanymoreinterestingonesthatmymindhasbeenoflatefilledwith,havehadheart'seaseenoughtomakethem.

Letmegiveyoumyreflectionsonmymorehopefulprospects.

Iamnow,inthefirstplace,betterabletoaccountforthedelaysaboutthehousethanIwasbefore--PoorMrs.Fretchville!--ThoughIknowhernot,Ipityher!--Next,itlookswell,thathehadapprizedthewomen(beforethisconversationwiththem,ofhisintentiontostayinthishouse,afterIwasremovedtotheother.Bythetoneofhisvoiceheseemedconcernedfortheappearanceofthisnewdelaywouldhavewithme.

SohandsomelydidMissMartinexpressherselfofme,thatIamsorry,methinks,thatIjudgedsohardlyofher,whenIfirstcamehither--freepeoplemaygoagreatway,butnotalltheway:andassucharegenerallyunguarded,precipitate,andthoughtless,thesamequickness,

changeableness,andsuddennessofspirit,asImaycallit,mayintervene(iftheheartbenotcorrupted)torecoverthemtothoughtandduty.

Hisreasonfordecliningtogoinpersontobringuptheladiesofhisfamily,whilemybrotherandSingletoncontinuetheirmachinations,carriesnobadfacewithit;andonemaytheratherallowfortheirexpectations,thatsoproudaspiritashisshouldattendthemforthispurpose,ashespeaksofthemsometimesaspersonsofpunctilio.

OtherreasonsIwillmentionformybeingeasierinmymindthanIwas



beforeIoverheardthisconversation.

Suchas,theadvicehehadreceivedinrelationtoSingleton'smate;whichagreesbuttoowellwithwhatyou,mydear,wrotetomeinyour'sofMaythe10th.*

*SeeLetterXXIII.ofthisvolume.

Hisnotintendingtoacquaintmewithit.

Hiscautionstotheservantsaboutthesailor,ifheshouldcomeandmakeinquiriesaboutus.

Hisresolutiontoavoidviolence,werehetofallineitherwithmybrother,orthisSingleton;andtheeasymethodhehaschalkedout,inthiscase,topreventmischief;sinceIneedonlynottodenymybeinghis.ButyetIshouldbedrivenintosuchatacitacknowledgementtoanynewpersons,tillIamso,althoughIhavebeenled(somuchagainstmyliking)togivecountenancetothebeliefofthepersonsbelowthatwearemarried.

Ithinkmyselfobliged,fromwhatpassedbetweenMr.Lovelaceandmeon

Wednesday,andfromwhatIoverheardhimsay,toconsenttogowithhimtotheplay;andtherather,ashehadthediscretiontoproposeoneoftheniecestoaccompanyme.

IcannotbutacknowledgethatIampleasedtofindthathehasactuallywrittentoLordM.

IhavepromisedtogiveMr.LovelaceananswertohisproposalsassoonasIhaveheardfromyou,mydear,onthesubject.

IhopethatinmynextletterIshallhavereasontoconfirmthesefavourableappearances.FavourableImustthinktheminthewreckIhavesuffered.

Ihope,thatinthetrialwhichyouhintmayhappenbetweenmeandmyself,(asyou*expressit,)ifheshouldsobehaveastoobligemetoleavehim,Ishallbeabletoactinsuchamannerastobringnodiscredituponmyselfinyoureye;andthatisallnowthatIhavetowishfor.But,ifIvaluehimsomuchasyouarepleasedtosupposeIdo,thetrial,whichyouimaginewillbesodifficulttome,willnot,Iconceive,beupongettingfromhim,whenthemeanstoaffectmyescapearelentme;buthowIshallbehavewhengotfromhim;andif,liketheIsraelitesofold,IshallbesoweakastowishtoreturntomyEgyptianbondage.

*SeeLetterXXXIV.ofthisvolume.

Ithinkitwillnotbeamiss,notwithstandingthepresentfavourableappearances,thatyoushouldperfectthescheme(whateveritbe)whichyoutellme*youhavethoughtof,inordertoprocureformeanasylum,incaseofnecessity.Mr.Lovelaceiscertainlyadeepanddangerousman;anditisthereforebutprudencetobewatchful,andtobeprovidedagainsttheworst.Lordblessme,mydear,howIamreduced!--CouldIeverhavethoughttobeinsuchasituation,astobeobligedtostay



withaman,ofwhosehonourbymeIcouldhavebuttheshadowofadoubt!--ButIwilllookforward,andhopethebest.

*Ibid.

Iamcertainthatyourlettersaresafe.Beperfectlyeasy,therefore,onthathead.

Mr.Lovelacewillneverbeoutofmycompanybyhisgoodwill,otherwiseIhavenodoubtthatIammistressofmygoings-outandcomings-in;anddidIthinkitneedful,andwereInotafraidofmybrotherandCaptainSingleton,Iwouldoftenerputittotrial.

LETTERXLII

MISSHOWE,TOMISSCLARISSAHARLOWESATURDAY,MAY20.

Ididnotknow,mydear,thatyoudeferredgivingananswertoMr.

Lovelace'sproposalstillyouhadmyopinionofthem.Aparticularhand,occasionallygoingtotown,willleavethisatWilson's,thatnodelaymaybemadeonthataccount.

Ineverhadanydoubtoftheman'sjusticeandgenerosityinmattersofsettlement;andallhisrelationsareasnobleintheirspiritsasintheirdescent;butnow,itmaynotbeamissforyoutowait,toseewhatreturnsmyLordmakestohisletterofinvitation.

TheschemeIthinkofisthis:

Thereisaperson,whomIbelieveyouhaveseenwithme,hernameTownsend,whoisagreatdealerinIndiansilks,BrusselsandFrench

laces,cambricks,linen,andothervaluablegoods;whichshehasawayofcomingatduty-free;andhasagreatvendforthem(andforothercuriositieswhichsheimports)intheprivatefamiliesofthegentryroundus.

Shehasherdaysofbeingintown,andthenisatachambersherentsataninninSouthwark,whereshekeepspattersofallhersilks,andmuchofherportablegoods,fortheconveniencyofherLondoncustomers.Butherplaceofresidence,andwhereshehasherprincipalwarehouse,isatDepford,fortheopportunityofgettinghergoodsonshore.

Shewasfirstbroughttomebymymother,towhomshewasrecommendedonthesupposalofmyspeedymarriage,'thatImighthaveanopportunityto

beasfineasaprincess,'wasmymother'sexpression,'atamoderateexpense.'

Now,mydear,Imustown,thatIdonotlovetoencouragethesecontrabandtraders.Whatisit,butbiddingdefiancetothelawsofourcountry,whenwedo,andhurtingfairtraders;andatthesametimerobbingourprinceofhislegaldue,tothediminutionofthosedutieswhichpossiblymustbemadegoodbynewlevitiesuponthepublic?

But,however,Mrs.TownsendandI,thoughIhavenotyethaddealings



withher,areuponaverygoodfootofunderstanding.Sheisasensiblewoman;shehasbeenabroad,andoftengoesabroadinthewayofherbusiness,andgivesveryentertainingaccountsofallshehasseen.

Andhavingappliedtometorecommendhertoyou,(asitisherviewtobeknowntoyoungladieswhoarelikelytochangetheircondition,)IamsureIcanengagehertogiveyouprotectionatherhouseatDeptford;whichshesaysisapopulousvillage,andoneofthelast,Ishouldthink,inwhichyouwouldbesoughtfor.Sheisnotmuchthere,youwillbelieve,bythecourseofherdealings,but,nodoubt,musthavesomebodyonthespot,inwhomshecanconfide:andthere,perhaps,youmightbesafetillyourcousincomes.AndIshouldnotthinkitamissthatyouwritetohimoutofhand.Icannotsuggesttoyouwhatyoushouldwrite.Thatmustbelefttoyourowndiscretion.Foryouwillbeafraid,nodoubt,oftheconsequenceofavariancebetweenthetwomen.

But,notwithstandingallthis,andwereIsureofgettingyousafelyoutofhishands,Iwillneverthelessforgiveyou,wereyoutomakeallupwithhim,andmarryto-morrow.YetIwillproceedwithmyprojectedschemeinrelationtoMrs.Townsend;thoughIhopetherewillbenooccasiontoprosecuteit,sinceyourprospectsseemtobechanged,andsinceyouhavehadtwenty-fournotunhappyhourstogether.Howmyindignationrisesforthispoorconsolationinthecourtship[courtshipmustIcallit?]ofsuchawoman!letmetellyou,mydear,thatwereyou

onceyourownabsoluteandindependentmistress,Ishouldbetempted,notwithstandingallIhavewritten,towishyoutobethewifeofanymanintheworld,ratherthanthewifeeitherofLovelaceorofSolmes.

Mrs.Townsend,asIhaverecollected,hastwobrothers,eachamasterofavessel;andwhoknows,assheandtheyhaveconcernstogether,butthat,incaseofneed,youmayhaveawholeship'screwatyourdevotion?IfLovelacegiveyoucausetoleavehim,takenothoughtforthepeopleatHarlowe-place.Letthemtakecareofoneanother.Itisacaretheyareusedto.Thelawwillhelptosecurethem.Thewretchisnoassassin,nonight-murderer.Heisanopen,becauseafearlessenemy;andshouldheattemptanythingthatwouldmakehimobnoxioustothelawsofsociety,youmighthaveafairriddanceofhim,eitherbyflightor

thegallows;nomatterwhich.

HadyounotbeensominuteinyouraccountofthecircumstancesthatattendedtheopportunityyouhadofoverhearingthedialoguebetweenMr.Lovelaceandtwoofthewomen,Ishouldhavethoughttheconferencecontrivedonpurposeforyourear.

IshowedMr.Lovelace'sproposalstoMr.Hickman,whohadchambersonceinLincoln's-inn,beingdesignedforthelaw,hadhiselderbrotherlived.Helookedsowise,soproud,andsoimportant,upontheoccasion;andwantedtotakesomuchconsiderationaboutthem--WouldtakethemhomeifIpleased--andweighthemwell--andsoforth--andthelike--andallthat--thatIhadnopatiencewithhim,andsnatchedthembackwithanger.

Odear!--tobesoangry,an'tpleaseme,forhiszeal!--

Yes,zealwithoutknowledge,Isaid--likemostotherzeals--iftherewerenoobjectionsthatstruckhimatonce,therewerenone.

Sohasty,dearestMadam--

Andsoslow,un-dearestSir,Icouldhavesaid--ButSURELY,saidI,withalookthatimplied,Wouldyourebel,Sir!



Hebeggedmypardon--Sawnoobjection,indeed!--Butmighthebeallowedoncemore--

Nomatter--nomatter--Iwouldhaveshownthemtomymother,Isaid,who,thoughofnoinnofcourt,knewmoreofthesethingsthanhalfthelounginglubbersofthem;andthatatfirstsight--onlythatshewouldhavebeenangryattheconfessionofourcontinuedcorrespondence.

But,mydear,letthearticlesbedrawnup,andengrossed;andsolemnizeuponthem;andthere'snomoretobesaid.

Letmeadd,thatthesailor-fellowhasbeentamperingwithmyKitty,andofferedabribe,tofindwheretodirecttoyou.Nexttimehecomes,Iwillhavehimlaidholdof;andifIcangetnothingoutofhim,willhavehimdrawnthroughoneofourdeepestfishponds.Hisattempttocorruptaservantofminewilljustifymyorders.

Isendthisletterawaydirectly.Butwillfollowitbyanother;whichshallhaveforitssubjectonlymymother,myself,andyouruncleAntony.Andasyourprospectsaremorepromisingthantheyhavebeen,Iwillendeavourtomakeyousmileupontheoccasion.Foryouwillbepleasedtoknow,thatmymotherhashadaformaltenderfromthatgreygoose,whichmaymakeherskillinsettlementsusefultoherself,weresheto

encourageit.Mayyourprospectsbestillmoreandmorehappy,prays

Yourown,ANNAHOWE.

LETTERXLIII

MISSHOWE,TOMISSCLARISSAHARLOWESAT.SUNDAY,MAY20,21.

Now,mydear,forthepromisedsubject.YoumustnotaskmehowIcamebytheoriginals[suchtheyreallyare]thatIamgoingtopresentyouwith:formymotherwouldnotreadtomethosepartsofyouruncle'sletterwhichboreharduponmyself,andwhichleavehimwithoutanytitletomercyfromme:norwouldsheletmehearbutwhatshepleasedofher'sinanswer;forshehascondescendedtoanswerhim--withadenial,however;butsuchadenialasnoonebutanoldbachelorwouldtakefromawidow.

Anybody,exceptmyself,whocouldhavebeenacquaintedwithsuchafal-lalcourtshipasthismusthavebeenhaditproceeded,wouldhave

beengladithadgoneon:andIdaresay,butforthesaucydaughter,ithad.Mygoodmamma,inthatcase,wouldhavebeentenyearstheyoungerforit,perhaps:and,couldIbuthaveapprovedofit,IshouldhavebeenconsideredbyherasiftenyearsolderthanIam:since,verylikely,itwouldhavebeen:'Wewidows,mydear,knownothowtokeepmenatadistance--soastogivethempain,inordertotrytheirlove.--Youmustadviseme,child:youmustteachmetobecruel--yetnottoocruelneither--soastomakeamanheartless,whohasnotime,Godwot,tothrowaway.'--ThenwouldmybehaviourtoMr.Hickmanhavebeenbetterliked;andmymotherwouldhavebridledlikeherdaughter.



Omydear,howmightwehavebeendivertedbythepractisingsfortherecoveryofthelongforgottens!couldIhavebeensurethatitwouldhavebeeninmypowertohaveputthemasunder,intheIrishstyle,beforetheyhadcometogether.Butthere'snotrustingtothewidowwhosegoodsandchattelsareinherownhands,addressedbyanoldbachelorwhohasfinethings,andofferstoleavehertenthousandpoundsbetterthanhefoundher,andsolemistress,besides,ofallhernotables!forthese,asyouwillseeby-and-by,arehisproposals.

TheoldTriton'saddresscarriesthewriter'smarksupontheverysubscription--Totheequallyamiableandworthyadmired[there'sforyou!]Mrs.ANABELLAHOWE,widow,thelastwordadded,IsupposeasEsquiretoaman,asawordofhonour;orforfearthebellatoAnna,shouldnotenoughdistinguishthepersonmeantfromthespinster:[vainhussyyou'llcallme,Iknow:]Andthenfollows;--Thesehumblypresent.--Putdownasamemorandum,Ipresume,tomakealeg,andbehavehandsomelyatpresentingit,heintending,veryprobably,todeliverithimself.

Andnowstandby--tosee

ENTEROLDNEPTUNE.

Hisheadadornedwithsea-weed,andacrownofcockle-shells;asweseehimdeckedoutinMrs.Robinson'sgrotto.

MONDAY,MAY15.

MADAM,

Ididmakeasortofresolutiontenyearsagonevertomarry.Isawinotherfamilies,wheretheylivedbest,youwillbepleasedtomarkthat,queernessesIcouldnotawaywith.Thenlikedwellenoughtolivesingleforthesakeofmybrother'sfamily;andforonechildinitmorethan

therest.Butthatgirlhasturnedusalloffthehinges:andwhyshouldIdenymyselfanycomfortsforthem,aswillnotthankmeforsodoing,Idon'tknow.

Somuchformymotivesasfromselfandfamily:butthedearMrs.Howemakesmegofarther.

Ihaveaverygreatfortune,IblessGodforit,allofmyowngetting,ormostofit;youwillbepleasedtomarkthat;forIwastheyoungestbrotherofthree.Youhavealso,Godbethanked,agreatestate,whichyouhaveimprovedbyyourownfrugalityandwisemanagement.Frugality,letmestoptosay,isoneofthegreatestvirtuesinthismortallife,becauseitenablesustodojusticetoall,andputsitinourpowerto

benefitsomebyit,asweseetheydeserve.

Youhavebutonechild;andIamabachelor,andhaveneveraone--allbachelorscannotsayso:whereforeyourdaughtermaybethebetterforme,ifshewillkeepupwithmyhumour;whichwasneverthoughtbad:especiallytomyequals.Servants,indeed,Idon'tmatterbeingangrywith,whenIplease;theyarepaidforbearingit,andtoo-toooftendeserveit;aswehavefrequentlytakennoticeoftooneanother.And,moreover,ifwekeepnotservantsatdistance,theywillbefamiliar.Ialwaysmadeitaruletofindfault,whetherreasonableornot,thatso



Imighthavenoreasontofindfault.Youngwomenandservantsingeneral(asworthyMr.Solmesobserves)arebettergovernedbyfearthanlove.ButthismyhumourastoservantswillnoteffecteitheryouorMiss,youknow.

Iwillmakeveryadvantageoussettlements;suchasanycommonfriendshalljudgetobeso.Butmusthaveallinmyownpower,whileIlive:because,youknow,Madam,itisascreditabletothewife,astothehusband,thatitshouldbeso.

Iamnotatfinewords.Wearenotchildren;thoughitishopedwemayhavesome;forIamaveryhealthysoundman.IblessGodforit:andneverbroughthomefrommyvoyagesandtravelsaworserconstitutionthanItookoutwithme.Iwasnoneofthose,Iwillassureyou.ButthisIwillundertake,that,ifyouarethesurvivor,youshallbeattheleasttenthousandpoundsthebetterforme.What,inthecontrarycase,Ishallbethebetterforyou,Ileavetoyou,asyoushallthinkmykindnesstoyoushalldeserve.

Butonething,Madam,Ishallbegladof,thatMissHowemightnotlivewithusthen--[sheneednotknowIwritethus]--butgohometoMr.Hickman,assheisuponthepointofmarriage,Ihear:andifshebehavesdutifully,assheshoulddo,tousboth,sheshallbethebetter;forIsaidsobefore.

Youshallmanageallthings,bothmineandyourown;forIknowbutlittleofland-matters.Allmyoppositiontoyoushallbeoutoflove,whenIthinkyoutaketoomuchuponyouforyourhealth.

Itwillbeveryprettyforyou,Ishouldthink,tohaveamanofexperience,inalongwinter'sevening,tositdownbyyou,andtellyoustoriesofforeignparts,andthecustomsofthenationshehasconsortedwith.AndIhavefinecuriositiesoftheIndiangrowth,suchasladieslove,andsomethatevenmynieceClary,whenshewasgood,neversaw.These,onebyone,asyouarekindtome,(whichImakenoquestionof,becauseIshallbekindtoyou,)shallbeallyours.Prettierentertainmentbymuch,thansittingwithatoosmartishdaughter,

sometimesoutofhumour;andthwarting,andvexing,asdaughterswill,(whenwomen-grownespecially,asIhaveheardyouoftenobserve;)andthinkingtheirparentsold,withoutpayingthemthereverenceduetoyears;when,asinyourcase,Imakenosortofdoubt,theyareyoungenoughtowipetheirnoses.Youunderstandme,Madam.

Asformemyself,itwillbeveryhappy,andIamdelightedwiththethinkingofit,tohave,afterapleasantride,orso,aladyoflikeexperiencewithmyselftocomehometo,andbutoneinterestbetwixtus:toreckonupourcomings-intogether;andwhatthisdayandthisweekhasproduced--Ohowthiswillincreaselove!--mostmightilywillitincreaseit!--andIbelieveIshallneverloveyouenough,orbeabletoshowyouallmylove.

Ihope,Madam,thereneednotbesuchmaidennicetiesandhangings-off,asImaycallthem,betweenus,(forhanging-offsake,)asthatyouwilldenymealineortwotothisproposal,writtendown,althoughyouwouldnotanswermesoreadilywhenIspoketoyou;yourdaughterbeing,Isuppose,hardby;foryoulookedroundyou,asifnotwillingtobeoverheard.SoIresolvedtowrite:thatmywritingmaystandasuponrecordformyuprightmeaning;beingnoneofyourLovelaces;youwillmarkthat,Madam;butadownright,true,honest,faithfulEnglishman.Sohopeyouwillnotdisdaintowritealineortwotothismyproposal:and



Ishalllookuponitasagreathonour,Iwillassureyou,andbeproudthereof.WhatcanIsaymore?--foryouareyourownmistress,asIammyownmaster:andyoushallalwaysbeyourownmistress,bepleasedtomarkthat;forsoaladyofyourprudenceandexperienceoughttobe.

Thisisalongletter.Butthesubjectrequiresit;becauseIwouldnotwritetwicewhereoncewoulddo.Sowouldexplainmysenseandmeaningatonetime.

Ihavehadwritinginmyheadtwowholemonthsverynear;buthardlyknewhow(beingunpracticedinthesematters)tobegintowrite.Andnow,goodlady,befavourableto

Yourmosthumblelover,andobedientservant,ANT.HARLOWE.

***

Here'saletterofcourtship,mydear!--andletmesubjointoit,thatifnow,orhereafter,Ishouldtreatthishideouslover,whoissofreewithmetomymother,withasperity,andyoushouldbedisgustedatit,I

shallthinkyoudon'tgivemethatpreferenceinyourlovewhichyouhaveinmine.

Andnow,whichshallIfirstgiveyou;theanswerofmygoodmamma;orthedialoguethatpassedbetweenthewidowmother,andthepertdaughter,uponherlettingthelatterknowthatshehadalove-letter?

Ithinkyoushallhavethedialogue.Butletmepromiseonething;thatifyouthinkmetoofree,youmustnotletitruninyourheadthatIamwritingofyouruncle,orofmymother;butofacoupleofoldlovers,nomatterwhom.Reverenceistooapttobeforgottenbychildren,wherethereverendsforgetfirstwhatbelongstotheirowncharacters.Agraveremark,andthereforeatyourservice,mydear.

Wellthen,supposemymamma,(aftertwicecomingintomyclosettome,andasoftengoingout,withverymeaningfeatures,andlipsreadytoburstopen,butstillclosed,asifbycompulsion,aspeechgoingoffinaslightcough,thatneverwentnearthelungs,)grownmoreresolutethethirdtimeofentrance,andsittingdownbyme,thusbegin:

Mother.Ihaveaveryseriousmattertotalkwithyouupon,Nancy,whenyouaredisposedtoattendtomatterswithinourselves,andnotletmatterswithoutourselveswhollyengrossyou.

Agoodselve-ishspeech!--ButIthoughtthatfriendship,gratitude,andhumanity,weremattersthatoughttobedeemedofthemostintimate

concerntous.Butnottodwelluponwords.

Daughter.Iamnowdisposedtoattendtoeverthingmymannaisdisposedtosaytome.

M.Whythen,child--whythen,mydear--[andthegoodlady'sfacelookedsoplump,sosmooth,andsoshining!]--Iseeyouareallattention,Nancy!--Butdon'tbesurprised!--don'tbeuneasy!--ButIhave--Ihave--Whereisit?--[andyetitlaynextherheart,neveranothernearit--sonodifficultytohavefoundit]--Ihavealetter,mydear!--[Andoutfrom



NotalivingsoulbuttheHarlowes,Isaid,thoughtmeill-tempered:andIwascontentedthattheyshould,whocoulddoastheyhaddonebythemostuniversallyacknowledgedsweetnessintheworld.

Herewebrokeoutalittle;butatlastshereadmesomeofthepassagesintheletter.Butnotthemostmightilyridiculous:yetIcouldhardlykeepmycountenanceneither,especiallywhenshecametothatpassagewhichmentionshissoundhealth;andatwhichshestopped;shebestknewwhy--Butsoonresuming:

M.Wellnow,Nancy,tellmewhatyouthinkofit.

D.Nay,pray,Madam,tellmewhatyouthinkofit.

M.Iexpecttobeansweredbyananswer;notbyaquestion!Youdon'tusetobesoshytospeakyourmind.

D.Notwhenmymammacommandsmetodoso.

M.Thenspeakitnow.

D.Withouthearingthewholeoftheletter?

M.Speaktowhatyouhaveheard.D.Whythen,Madam----youwon'tbemymammaHOWE,ifyougivewaytoit.

M.Iamsurprisedatyourassurance,Nancy!

D.Imean,Madam,youwillthenbemymammaHarlowe.

M.Odearheart!--ButIamnotafool.

Andhercolourwentandcame.

D.DearMadam,[but,indeed,Idon'tloveaHarlowe--that'swhatImean,]Iamyourchild,andmustbeyourchild,dowhatyouwill.

M.Averypertone,Iamsure,asevermotherbore!Andyoumustbemychild,dowhatIwill!--asmuchastosay,youwouldnot,ifyoucouldhelpit,ifI--

D.HowcouldIhavesuchathought!--Itwouldbeforward,indeed,ifIhad--whenIdon'tknowwhatyourmindisastotheproposal:--whentheproposalissoveryadvantageousaonetoo.

M.[Lookingalittlelessdiscomposed]why,indeed,tenthousandpounds----

D.Andtobesureofoutlivinghim,Madam!

M.Sure!--nobodycanbesure--butitisverylikelythat----

D.Notatall,Madam.Youwasgoingtoreadsomething(butstopped)abouthisconstitution:hissobrietyiswellknown--Why,Madam,thesegentlemenwhohaveusedthesea,andbeenindifferentclimates,andcomehometorelaxfromcaresinatemperateone,andaresober--arethelikeliesttolivelongofanymenintheworld.Don'tyouseethathis



veryskinisafortificationofbuff?

M.Strangecreature!

D.Godforbid,thatanybodyIloveandhonourshouldmarryamaninhopestoburyhim--butsuppose,Madam,atyourtimeoflife----

M.Mytimeoflife?--Dearheart!--Whatismytimeoflife,pray?

D.Notold,Madam;andthatyouarenot,maybeyourdanger!

AsIhopetolive(mydear)mymothersmiled,andlookednotdispleasedwithme.

M.Why,indeed,child--why,indeed,Imustneedssay--andthenIshouldchoosetodonothing(forwardasyouaresometimes)tohurtyou.

D.Why,astothat,Madam,Ican'texpectthatyoushoulddepriveyourselfofanysatisfaction--

M.Satisfaction,mydear!--Idon'tsayitwouldbeasatisfaction--butcouldIdoanythingthatwouldbenefityou,itwouldperhapsbeaninducementtoholdoneconferenceuponthesubject.

D.Myfortunealreadywillbemoreconsiderablethanmymatch,ifIamtohaveMr.Hickman.

M.Whyso?--Mr.Hickmanhasfortuneenoughtoentitlehimtoyour's.

D.Ifyouthinkso,that'senough.

M.NotbutIshouldthintheworseofmyself,ifIdesiredanybody'sdeath;butIthink,asyousay,Mr.AntonyHarloweisahealthyman,andbidsfairforalonglife.

Blessme,thoughtI,howshallIdotoknowwhetherthisbeanobjectionorarecommendation!

D.Willyouforgiveme,Madam?

M.Whatwouldthegirlsay?[lookingasifshewashalfafraidtohearwhat.]

D.Only,thatifyoumarryamanofhistimeoflife,youstandtwochancesinsteadofone,tobeanurseatyourtimeoflife.

M.Saucebox!

D.DearMadam!--WhatImeanisonlythatthesehealthyoldmensometimesfallintolingeringdisordersallatonce.AndIhumbly

conceive,thattheinfirmitiesofageareuneasilybornewith,wheretheremembranceofthepleasanterseasoncomesnotintorelievethehealthierofthetwo.

M.Astrangegirl!--Yethishealthyconstitutionanobjectionjustnow!---ButIhavealwaystoldyou,thatyouknoweithertoomuchtobearguedwith,ortoolittleformetohavepatiencewithyou.

D.Ican'tbutsay,Ishouldbegladofyourcommands,Madam,howtobehavemyselftoMr.AntonyHarlowenexttimehecomes.



M.Howtobehaveyourself!--Why,ifyouretirewithcontemptofhim,whenhecomesnext,itwillbebutasyouhavebeenusedtodooflate.

D.Thenheistocomeagain,Madam?

M.Andsupposehebe?

D.Ican'thelpit,ifitbeyourpleasure,Madam.Hedesiresalineinanswertohisfineletter.Ifhecome,itwillbeinpursuanceofthatline,Ipresume?

M.Noneofyourarchandpertleers,girl!--YouknowIwon'tbearthem.Ihadamindtohearwhatyouwouldsaytothismatter.Ihavenotwritten;butIshallpresently.

D.Itismightygoodofyou,Madam,(Ihopethemanwillthinkso,)toanswerhisfirstapplicationbyletter.--Pityheshouldwritetwice,ifoncewilldo.

M.Thatfetchwon'tletyouintomyintentionastowhatIshallwrite.Itistoosaucilyput.

D.PerhapsIcanguessatyourintention,Madam,wereittobecomeme

sotodo.M.PerhapsIwouldnotmakeMr.Hickmanofanyman;usinghimtheworseforrespectingme.

D.Nor,perhaps,wouldI,Madam,ifIlikedhisrespects.

M.Iunderstandyou.But,perhaps,itisinyourpowertomakemehearken,ornot,toMr.Harlowe.

D.Youngmen,whohaveprobablyagooddealoftimebeforethemneednotbeinhasteforawife.Mr.Hickman,poorman!muststayhistime,ortakehisremedy.

M.Hebearsmorefromyouthanamanought.

D.Then,Idoubt,hegivesareasonforthetreatmenthemeetswith.

M.Provokingcreature!

D.Ihavebutonerequesttomaketoyou,Madam.

M.Adutifulone,Isuppose.Whatisit,pray?

D.Thatifyoumarry,Imaybepermittedtolivesingle.

M.Perversecreature,I'msure!

D.HowcanIexpect,Madam,thatyoushouldrefusesuchterms?Tenthousandpounds!--Attheleasttenthousandpounds!--Averyhandsomeproposal!--Somanyfinethingstoo,togiveyouonebyone!--DearestMadam,forgiveme!--Ihopeitisnotyetsofargone,thatrallyingthismanwillbethoughtwantofdutytoyou.

M.Yourrallyingofhim,andyourreverencetome,itisplain,haveonesource.



D.Ihopenot,Madam.Buttenthousandpounds----

M.Isnounhandsomeproposal.

D.IndeedIthinkso.Ihope,Madam,youwillnotbebehind-handwithhimingenerosity.

M.Hewon'tbetenthousandpoundsthebetterforme,ifhesurviveme.

D.No,Madam;hecan'texpectthat,asyouhaveadaughter,andasheisabachelor,andhasnotachild!--Pooroldsoul!

M.Oldsoul,Nancy!--Andthustocallhimforbeingabachelor,nothavingachild!--Doesthisbecomeyou?

D.Notoldsoulforthat,Madam--buthalfthesum;fivethousandpounds;youcan'tengageforless,Madam.

M.Thatsumhasyourapprobationthen?[Lookingasifshe'dbeevenwithme].

D.Asheleavesittoyourgenerosity,Madam,torewardhiskindnesstoyou,itcan'tbeless.--Do,dearMadam,permitme,withoutincurringyour

displeasure,tocallhimpooroldsoulagain.M.Neverwassuchawhimsicalcreature!--[turningawaytohideherinvoluntarysmile,forIbelieveIlookedveryarchly;atleastIintendedtodoso]--Ihatethatwickedslylook.Yougiveyourselfveryfreeairs--don'tyou?

D.Isnatchedherhand,andkissedit--MydearMamma,benotangrywithyourgirl!--Youhavetoldme,thatyouwasverylivelyformerly.

M.Formerly!Goodlack!--ButwereItoencouragehisproposals,youmaybesure,thatforMr.Hickman'ssake,aswellasyour's,Ishouldmakeawiseagreement.

D.Youhavebothlivedtoyearsofprudence,Madam.

M.Yes,IsupposeIamanoldsoultoo.

D.Healsoisformakingawiseagreement,orhintingatone,atleast.

M.Well,theshortandthelongIsupposeisthis:Ihavenotyourconsenttomarry.

D.Indeed,Madam,youhavenotmywishestomarry.

M.Letmetellyou,thatifprudenceconsistsinwishingwelltoone's

self,Iseenotbuttheyoungflirtsareasprudentastheoldsouls.

D.DearMadam,wouldyoublameme,iftowishyounottomarryMr.AntonyHarlowe,istowishwelltomyself?

M.Youaremightywitty.Iwishyouwereasdutiful.

D.Iammoredutiful,Ihope,thanwitty;orIshouldbeafoolaswellasasaucebox.



M.Letmebejudgeofboth--Parentsareonlytolivefortheirchildren,letthemdeserveitornot.That'stheirdutifulnotion!

D.HeavenforbidthatIshouldwish,iftherebetwointerestsbetweenmymotherandme,thatmymotherpostponeherownformine!--orgiveupanythingthatwouldaddtotherealcomfortsofherlifetoobligeme!--Tellme,mydearMamma,ifyouthinktheclosingwiththisproposalwill?

M.Isay,thattenthousandpoundsissuchanacquisitiontoone'sfamily,thattheofferofitdeservesacivilreturn.

D.Nottheoffer,Madam:thechanceonly!--ifindeedyouhaveaviewtoanincreaseoffamily,themoneymayprovide--

M.Youcan'tkeepwithintolerablebounds!--ThatsaucyfleerIcannotawaywith--

D.Dearest,dearestMadam,forgiveme;butoldsoulraninmyheadagain!--Nay,indeed,anduponmyword,Iwillnotberobbedofthatcharmingsmile!AndagainIkissedherhand.

M.Away,boldcreature!Nothingcanbesoprovokingastobemadetosmilewhenonewouldchoose,andought,tobeangry.

D.But,dearMadam,ifitbetobe,Ipresumeyouwon'tthinkofitbeforenextwinter.

M.Whatnowwouldthepertonebeat?

D.Becauseheonlyproposestoentertainyouwithprettystoriesofforeignnationsinawinter'sevening.--Dearest,dearestMadam,letmehaveallthereadingofhisletterthrough.Iwillforgivehimallhesaysaboutme.

M.Itmaybeaverydifficultthing,perhaps,foramanofthebestsensetowritealove-letterthatmaynotbecavilledat.

D.That'sbecauseloversintheirlettershitnotthemedium.Theyeitherwritetoomuchnonsense,ortoolittle.Butdoyoucallthisoddsoul'sletter[nomorewillIcallhimoldsoul,ifIcanhelpit]alove-letter?

M.Well,well,Iseeyouareaversetothismatter.Iamnottobeyourmother;youwilllivesingle,ifImarry.Ihadamindtoseeifgenerositygovernyouinyourviews.Ishallpursuemyowninclinations;andiftheyshouldhappentobesuitabletoyours,prayletmeforthefuturebebetterrewardedbyyouthanhithertoIhavebeen.

Andawaysheflung,withoutstayingforareply.--Vexed,Idaresay,thatIdidnotbetterapproveoftheproposal--wereitonlythatthemeritof

denyingmighthavebeenallherown,andtolaythestrongerobligationuponhersaucydaughter.

Shewrotesuchawidow-likerefusalwhenshewentfromme,asmightnotexcludehopeinanyotherwooer;whateveritmaydoinMr.TonyHarlowe.

Itwillbemypart,totakecaretobeatheroffthevisitshehalf-promisestomakehim(asyouwillseeinheranswer)uponconditionthathewillwithdrawhissuit.Forwhoknowswhateffecttheoldbachelor'sexotics[far-fetchedanddear-boughtyouknowisaproverb]might



otherwisehaveuponawoman'smind,wantingnothingbutunnecessaries,gewgaws,andfineries,andofferedsuchasarenoteasilytobemetwith,orpurchased?

Well,butnowIgiveyouleavetoreadhere,inthisplace,thecopyofmymother'sanswertoyouruncle'sletter.NotonecommentwillImakeuponit.Iknowmydutybetter.Andhere,therefore,takingthelibertytohope,thatImay,inyourpresentlessdisagreeable,thoughnotwhollyagreeablesituation,provokeasmilefromyou,Iconcludemyself,

Youreveraffectionateandfaithful,ANNAHOWE.

MRS.ANNABELLAHOWE,TOANTONYHARLY,ESQ.

MR.ANTONYHARLOWE,FRIDAY,MAY19.

SIR,

ItisnotusualIbelieveforoursextoanswerbypenandinkthefirstletterontheseoccasions.Thefirstletter!Howoddisthat!AsifIexpectedanother;whichIdonot.ButthenIthink,asIdonotjudge

propertoencourageyourproposal,thereisnoreasonwhyIshouldnotanswerincivility,wheresogreatacivilityisintended.Indeed,Iwasalwaysofopinionthatapersonwasentitledtothat,andnottoillusage,becausehehadarespectforme.AndsoIhaveoftenandoftentoldmydaughter.

AwomanIthinkmakesbutapoorfigureinaman'seyeafterwards,anddoesnoreputationtohersexneither,whenshebehaveslikeatyranttohimbeforehand.

Tobesure,Sir,ifIweretochangemycondition,Iknownotagentlemanwhoseproposalcouldbemoreagreeable.Yournephewandyournieceshaveenoughwithoutyou:mydaughterhasafinefortunewithoutme,andI

shouldtakecaretodoubleit,livingordying,wereItodosuchathing:sonobodyneedtobetheworseforit.ButNancywouldnotthinkso.

AllthecomfortIknowofinchildren,is,thatwhenyoungtheydowithuswhattheywill,andallisprettyinthemtotheirveryfaults;andwhentheyaregrownup,theythinktheirparentsmustliveforthemonly;anddenythemselveseverythingfortheirsakes.IknowNancycouldnotbearafather-in-law.Shewouldflyattheverythoughtofmybeinginearnesttogiveherone.NotthatIstandinfearofmydaughterneither.ItisnotfitIshould.Butshehasherpoorpapa'sspirit.Averyviolentonethatwas.Andonewouldnotchoose,youknow,Sir,toenterintoanyaffair,that,oneknows,onemustrenounceadaughterfor,

orsheamother--exceptindeedone'sheartweremuchinit;which,IblessGod,mineisnot.

Ihavenowbeenawidowthesetenyears;nobodytocontroulme:andIamsaidnottobearcontroul:so,Sir,youandIarebestasweare,Ibelieve:nay,Iamsureofit:forwewantnotwhateitherhas;havingbothmorethanweknowwhattodowith.AndIknowIcouldnotbeintheleastaccountableforanyofmyways.

Mydaughterindeed,thoughsheisafinegirl,asgirlsgo,(shehastoo



muchsenseindeedforoneofhersex,andknowsshehasit,)ismoreachecktomethanonewouldwishadaughtertobe:forwhowouldchoosetobealwayssnappingateachother?Butshewillsoonbemarried;andthen,notlivingtogether,weshallonlycometogetherwhenwearepleased,andstayawaywhenwearenot;andso,likeotherlovers,neverseeanythingbutthebestsidesofeachother.

Iown,forallthis,thatIloveherdearly;andsheme,Idaresay:sowouldnotwishtoprovokehertodootherwise.Besides,thegirlissomuchregardedeverywhere,thathavinglivedsomuchofmyprimeawidow,Iwouldnotlaymyselfopentohercensures,oreventoherindifference,youknow.

Yourgenerousproposalrequiresallthisexplicitness.Ithankyouforyourgoodopinionofme.WhenIknowyouacquiescewiththismycivilrefusal[andindeed,Sir,Iamasmuchinearnestinit,asifIhadspokenbroader]Idon'tknowbutNancyandImay,withyourpermission,cometoseeyourfinethings;forIamagreatadmirerofraritiesthatcomefromabroad.

So,Sir,letusonlyconverseoccasionallyaswemeet,asweusedtodo,withoutanyotherviewtoeachotherthangoodwishes:whichIhopemaynotbelessenedforthisdeclining.AndthenIshallalwaysthinkmyself

Yourobligedservant,ANNABELLAHOWE.

P.S.IsentwordbyMrs.Lorimer,thatIwouldwriteananswer:butwouldtaketimeforconsideration.Sohope,Sir,youwon'tthinkitaslight,Ididnotwritesooner.

LETTERXLIV

MR.LOVELACE,TOJOHNBELFORD,ESQ.SUNDAY,MAY21.

Iamtoomuchdisturbedinmymindtothinkofanythingbutrevenge;orIdidintendtogivetheeanaccountofMissHarlowe'sobservationsontheplay.MissHarlowe'sIsay.ThouknowestthatIhatethenameofHarlowe;andIamexceedinglyoutofhumourwithher,andwithhersaucyfriend.

What'sthematternow?thou'ltask.

Matterenough;forwhilewewereattheplay,Dorcas,whohadherorders,andakeytoherlady'schamber,aswellasamaster-keytoherdrawersandmahoganychest,closet-keyandall,foundmeanstocomeatsomeof

MissHowe'slast-writtenletters.Thevigilantwenchwasdirectedtothembyseeingherladytakealetteroutofherstays,andputittotheothers,beforeshewentoutwithme--afraid,asthewomenupbraidinglytellme,thatIshouldfinditthere.

Dorcasnosoonerfoundthem,thansheassembledthreereadywritersofthenon-apparents;andSally,andshe,andtheyemployedthemselveswiththeutmostdiligence,inmakingextracts,accordingtoformerdirections,fromthesecursedletters,formyuse.Cursed,mayIwellcallthem--Suchabuses!--Suchvirulence!--OthislittlefuryMissHowe!--Wellmight



hersaucyfriend(whohasbeenequallyfreewithme,ortheoccasioncouldnothavebeengiven)besoviolentasshelatelywas,atmyendeavouringtocomeatoneoftheseletters.

Iwassure,thatthisfair-one,atsoearlyanage,withaconstitutionsofirm,healthsoblooming,eyessosparkling,expectationsthereforesolively,andhopesopredominating,couldnotbeabsolutely,andfromherownvigilance,soguarded,andsoapprehensive,asIhavefoundhertobe.

Sparklingeyes,Jack,whenthepoeticaltribehavesaidalltheycanforthem,areaninfalliblesignofarogue,orroomforarogue,intheheart.

Thoumayestgoonwiththypreachments,andLordM.withhiswisdomofnations,Iamnowmoreassuredofherthanever.Andnowmyrevengeisup,andjoinedwithmylove,allresistancemustfallbeforeit.AndmostsolemnlydoIswear,thatMissHoweshallcomeinforhersnack.

Andhere,justnow,isanotherletterbroughtfromthesamelittlevirulentdevil.Ihopetoprocurescriptsfromthattoo,veryspeedily,ifitbeputtothetest;forthesaucyfair-oneisresolvedtogotochurchthismorning;nosomuchfromaspiritofdevotion,Ihavereasontothink,astotrywhethershecangooutwithoutcheck,controul,or

myattention.

***

Ihavebeendeniedbreakfastingwithher.Indeedshewasalittledispleasedwithmelastnight:because,onourreturnfromtheplay,Iobligedhertopasstherestofthenightwiththewomenandme,intheirparlour,andtostaytillnearone.Shetoldmeatparting,thatsheexpectedtohavethewholenextdaytoherself.Ihadnotreadtheextractsthen;soIhadresolvedtobeginanewcourse,and,ifpossible,tobanishalljealousyandsuspicionfromherheart:andyetIhadno

reasontobemuchtroubledatherpastsuspicions;since,ifawomanwillcontinuewithamanwhomshesuspects,whenshecangetfromhim,orthinksshecan,Iamsureitisaveryhopefulsign.

***

Sheisgone.SliptdownbeforeIwasaware.Shehadorderedachair,onpurposetoexcludemypersonalattendance.ButIhadtakenproperprecautions.Will.attendedherbyconsent;Peter,thehouse-servant,waswithinWill.'scall.

Ihad,byDorcas,representedherdangerfromSingleton,inordertodissuadeherfromgoingatall,unlesssheallowedmetoattendher;butIwasanswered,withherusualsaucysmartness,thatiftherewerenocauseoffearofbeingmetwithattheplayhouse,whentherewerebuttwoplayhouses,surelytherewaslessatchurch,whenthereweresomanychurches.ThechairmenwereorderedtocarryhertoSt.James'sChurch.

Butshewouldnotbesocarelessofobligingme,ifsheknewwhatIhavealreadycomeat,andhowthewomenurgemeon;fortheyarecontinuallycomplainingoftherestrainttheylieunderintheirbehaviour;intheir



attendance;neglectingalltheirconcernsinthefronthouse;andkeepingthiselegantbackoneentirelyfreefromcompany,thatshemayhavenosuspicionofthem.Theydoubtnotmygenerosity,theysay:Butwhyformyownsake,inLordM.'sstyle,shouldImakesolongaharvestofsolittlecorn?

Women,yereasonwell.IthinkIwillbeginmyoperationsthemomentshecomesin.

***

IhavecomeattheletterbroughtherfromMissHoweto-day.Plot,conjuration,sorcery,witchcraft,allgoingforward!IshallnotbeabletoseethisMissHarlowewithpatience.Asthenymphsbelowask,sodoI,Whyisnightnecessary?AndSallyandPollyupbraidinglyremindmeofmyfirstattemptsuponthemselves.Yetforceanswersnotmyend--andyetitmay,iftherebetruthinthatpartofthelibertine'screed,Thatoncesubdued,isalwayssubdued!Andwhatwomananswersaffirmativelytothequestion?

***

Sheisreturned:Butrefusestoadmitme:andinsistsuponhavingthedaytoherself.Dorcastellsme,thatshebelievesherdenialisfrommotivesofpiety.--Oons,Jack,isthereimpietyinseeingme?--Woulditnotbethehighestactofpietytoreclaimme?Andisthistobedonebyherrefusingtoseemewhensheisinadevouterframethanusual?--ButIhateher,hateherheartily!Sheisold,ugly,anddeformed.--ButOtheblasphemy!yetsheisaHarlowe:andIdoandcanhateherforthat.

ButsinceImustnotseeher,[shewillbemistressofherownwill,andofhertime,truly!]letmefillupmytime,bytellingtheewhatIhavecomeat.

Thefirstletterthewomenmetwith,isdatedApril27.*Wherecanshehaveputtheprecedingones!--ItmentionsMr.Hickmanasabusyfellowbetweenthem.Hickmanhadbesttakecareofhimself.Shesaysinit,'IhopeyouhavenocausetorepentreturningmyNorris--itisforthcomingondemand.'Now,whatthedevilcanthismean!--HerNorrisforthcomingondemand!--thedeviltakeme,ifIamout-Norris'd!--Ifsuchinnocentscanallowthemselvestoplot(toNorris),wellmayI.

*SeeVol.IV.LetterII.

Sheissorry,that'herHannahcan'tbewithher.'--Andwhatifshecould?--WhatcouldHannahdoforherinsuchahouseasthis?

'Thewomeninthehousearetobefoundoutinonebreakfasting.'Thewomenareenragedatboththecorrespondentsforthis;andmorethanevermakeapointofmysubduingher.IhadagoodmindtogiveMissHowetotheminfullproperty.Saybuttheword,Jack,anditshallbedone.

'SheisgladthatMissHarlowehadthoughtsoftakingmeatmyword.She



wonderedIdidnotofferagain.'Advisesher,ifIdon'tsoon,'nottostaywithme.'Cautionsher,'tokeepmeatadistance;nottopermittheleastfamiliarity.'--See,Jack!seeBelford!--ExactlyasIthought!--Hervigilanceallowingtoacoolfriend;whocansitdownquietly,andgivethatadvice,whichinherowncaseshecouldnottake.Whatanencouragementtometoproceedinmydevices,whenIhavereasontothinkthatmybeloved'sreservesareowingmoretoMissHowe'scautionsthantoherowninclinations!But'itismyinteresttobehonest,'MissHowetellsher.--INTEREST,fools!--Ithoughtthesegirlsknew,thatmyinterestwaseversubservienttomypleasure.

WhatwouldIgivetocomeatthecopiesoftheletterstowhichthoseofMissHoweareanswers!

ThenextletterisdatedMay3.*Inthisthelittletermagantexpressesherastonishment,thathermothershouldwritetoMissHarlowe,toforbidhertocorrespondwithherdaughter.Mr.Hickman,shesays,isofopinion,'thatsheoughtnottoobeyhermother.'Howthecreepingfellowtrimsbetweenboth!Iamafraid,thatImustpunishhim,aswellasthisvirago;andIhaveaschemerumblinginmyhead,thatwantsbuthalfanhour'smusingtobringintoform,thatwilldomybusinessuponboth.Icannotbear,thattheparentalauthorityshouldbethusdespised,thustrampledunderfoot.Butobservethevixen,''Tiswellheisofheropinion;forhermotherhavingsetherup,shemusthave

somebodytoquarrelwith.'--CouldaLovelacehaveallowedhimselfagreaterlicense?Thisgirl'sadevilishrakeinherheart.Hadshebeenaman,andoneofus,she'dhaveoutdoneusallinenterpriseandspirit.

*SeeVol.IV.LetterX.

'Shewantsbutverylittlefartherprovocation,'shesays,'toflyprivatelytoLondon.Andifshedoes,shewillnotleavehertillsheseeshereitherhonourablymarried,orquitofthewretch.'Here,Jack,thetranscriberSallyhasaddedaprayer--'FortheLord'ssake,dearMr.Lovealce,getthisfurytoLondon!'--Herfate,Icantellthee,Jack,if

wehadheramongus,shouldnotbesolongdecidingasherfriend's.Whatagantelopewouldsherun,whenIhaddonewithher,amongadozenofherownpitilesssex,whommycharmershallneversee!--Butmoreofthisanon.

Ifindbythisletter,thatmysaucycaptivehasbeendrawingthecharactersofeveryvarletofye.NoramIsparedinitmorethanyou.'Theman'safool,tobesure,mydear.'Letmeperish,iftheyeitherofthemfindmeone!--'Asillyfellow,atleast.'Cursedcontemptible!--'Iseenotbuttheyareasetofinfernals!'There'soneforthee,Lovelace!andyetshewouldhaveherfriendmarryaBeelzebub.--Andwhathaveanyofusdone,(withintheknowledgeofMissHarlowe,)thatsheshouldgivesuchanaccountofus,asshouldexcusesomuchabusefrom

MissHowe!--Buttheoccasionthatshallwarrantthisabuseistocome!

Sheblamesher,for'notadmittingMissPartingtontoherbed--watchful,asyouare,whatcouldhavehappened?--Ifviolencewereintended,hewouldnotstayforthenight.'Iamashamedtohavethishintedtomebythisvirago.Sallywritesuponthishint--'See,Sir,whatisexpectedfromyou.Anhundred,andanhundredtimeshavewetoldyouofthis.'--Andsotheyhave.Buttobesure,theadvicefromthemwasnothalftheefficacyasitwillbefromMissHowe.--'Youmighthavesatupafterher,ornotgonetobed,'proceedsshe.



Butcantherebesuchapprehensionsbetweenthem,yettheoneadvisehertostay,andtheotherresolvetowaitmyimperialmotionformarriage?IamgladIknowthat.

SheapprovesofmyproposalofMrs.Fretchville'shouse.Sheputsheruponexpectingsettlements;uponnamingaday:andconcludeswithinsistinguponherwriting,notwithstandinghermother'sprohibitions;orbidsher'taketheconsequence.'Undutifulwretches!HowIlongtovindicateagainstthemboththeinsultedparentalcharacter!

Thouwiltsaytothyself,bythistime,AndcanthisproudandinsolentgirlbethesameMissHowe,whosighedforanhonestSirGeorgeColmar;andwho,butforthisherbelovedfriend,wouldhavefollowedhiminallhisbrokenfortunes,whenhewasobligedtoquitthekingdom?

Yes,sheistheverysame.AndIalwaysfoundinothers,aswellasinmyself,thatafirstpassionthoroughlysubdued,madetheconquerorofitarover;theconqueressatyrant.

Well,butnowcomesmincinginaletter,fromonewhohas'thehonourofdearMissHowe'scommands'*toacquaintMissHarlowe,thatMissHoweis'excessivelyconcernedfortheconcernshehasgivenher.'

*SeeVol.IV.LetterXII.

'Ihavegreattemptations,onthisoccasion,'saystheprimGothamite,'toexpressmyownresentmentsuponyourpresentstate.'

'Myownresentments!'----Andwhydidhenotfallintothistemptation?--Why,truly,becauseheknewnotwhatthatstatewaswhichgavehimsotemptingasubject--onlybyaconjecture,andsoforth.

Hethendancesinhisstyle,ashedoesinhisgait!Tobesure,tobesure,hemusthavemadethegrandtour,andcomehomebywayof

Tipperary.

'Andbeingmoreoverforbid,'saystheprancer,'toenterintothecruelsubject.'--Thisprohibitionwasamercytothee,friendHickman!--Butwhycruelsubject,ifthouknowestnotwhatitis,butconjecturestonlyfromthedisturbanceitgivestoagirl,thatishermother'sdisturbance,willbethydisturbance,andthedisturbance,inturn,ofeverybodywithwhomsheisintimatelyacquainted,unlessIhavethehumblingofher?

Inanotherletter,*thelittlefuryprofesses,'thatshewillwrite,andthatnomanshallwriteforher,'asifsomemediumofthatkindhadbeenproposed.Sheapprovesofherfairfriend'sintention'toleaveme,ifshecanbereceivedbyherrelations.Iamawretch,afoolishwretch.

Shehatesmeformyteasingways.Shehasjustmadeanacquaintancewithonewhoknowsavastdealofmyprivatehistory.'Acurseuponher,anduponherhistoriographer!--'Themanisreallyavillain,anexecrableone.'Deviltakeher!--'HadIadozenlives,Imighthaveforfeitedthemalltwentycrimesago.'Anoddwayofreckoning,Jack!

*SeeLetterXXIII.ofthisvolume.



MissBetterton,MissLockyer,arenamed--theman,(sheirreverentlyrepeats)sheagaincallsavillain.Letmeperish,Irepeat,ifIamcalledavillainfornothing!--She'willhaveheruncle,'asMissHarlowerequests,'soundedaboutreceivingher.Dorcasistobeattachedtoherinterest:mylettersaretobecomeatbysurpriseortrick'--

Whatthinkestthouofthis,Jack?

MissHoweisalarmedatmyattempttocomeataletterofhers.

'WereItocomeattheknowledgeofherfreedomswithmycharacter,'shesays,'sheshouldbeafraidtostiroutwithoutaguard.'Iwouldadvisethevixentogetherguardready.

'Iamattheheadofagangofwretches,'[thee,Jack,andthybrothervarlets,sheownsshemeans,]'whojointogethertobetrayinnocentcreatures,andtosupportoneanotherintheirvillanies.'--Whatsayestthoutothis,Belford?

'Shewondersnotathermelancholyreflectionsformeetingme,forbeingforceduponme,andtrickedbyme.'--Ihope,Jack,thou'lthavedonepreachingafterthis!

Butshecomfortsher,'thatshewillbebothawarningandanexampleto

allhersex.'Ihopethesexwillthankmeforthis!Thenymphshadnottime,theysay,totranscribeallthatwasworthyofmyresentmentinthisletter:soImustfindanopportunitytocomeatitmyself.Noblerant,theysay,itcontains--ButIamaseducer,andahundredvilefellows,init.--'Andthedevil,itseems,tookpossessionofmyheart,andoftheheartsofallherfriends,inthesamedarkhour,inordertoprovokehertomeetme.'Again,'Thereisafateinhererror,'shesays--Whythenshouldshegrieve?--'Adversityishershiningtime,'andIcan'ttellwhat;yetnevertothankthemantowhomsheowestheshine!

Inthenextletter,*wickedasIam,'shefearsImustbeherlordand

master.'

*SeeLetterXXIX.ofthisvolume.

Ihopeso.

Sheretractswhatshesaidagainstmeinherlast.--MybehaviourtomyRosebud;MissHarlowetotakepossessionofMrs.Fretchville'shouse;ItostayatMrs.Sinclair's;thestakeIhaveinmycountry;myreversions;myeconomy;myperson;myaddress;[somethinglikeinallthis!]arebroughtinmyfavour,toinducehernownottoleaveme.How

doIlovetopuzzletheselong-sightedgirls!

Yet'myteasingways,'itseems,'areintolerable.'--Arewomenonlytotease,Itrow?Thesexmaythankthemselvesforteachingmetoout-teasethem.SotheheadstrongCharlesXII.ofSwedentaughttheCzarPetertobeathim,bycontinuingawarwiththeMuscovitesagainsttheancientmaximsofhiskingdom.

'MayeternalvengeancePURSUEthevillain,[thankheaven,shedoesnotsayovertake,]ifhegiveroomtodoubthishonour!'--Womencan'tswear,



Jack--sweetsouls!theycanonlycurse.

Iamsaid,todoubtherlove--HaveInotreason?Andshe,todoubtmyardour--Ardour,Jack!--why,'tisveryright--women,asMissHowesays,andaseveryrakeknows,loveardours!

Sheapprizesher,ofthe'illsuccessoftheapplicationmadetoheruncle.'--ByHickmannodoubt!--Imusthavethisfellow'searsinmypocket,veryquicklyIbelieve.

Shesays,'sheisequallyshockedandenragedagainstallherfamily:Mrs.Norton'sweighthasbeentrieduponMrs.Harlowe,aswellasMr.Hickman'supontheuncle:butneverwerethere,'saysthevixen,'suchdeterminedbrutesintheworld.Heruncleconcludesherruinedalready.'Isnotthatacalluponme,aswellasareproach?--'Theyallexpectedapplicationsfromherwhenindistress--butwereresolvednottostiraninchtosaveherlife.'MissHowe'isconcerned,'shetellsher,'fortherevengemypridemayputmeupontakingforthedistanceshehaskeptmeat'--andwellshemay.--Itisnowevidenttoher,thatshemustbemine(forhercousinMorden,itseems,issetagainsthertoo)--anactofnecessity,ofconvenience!--thyfriend,Jack,tobealreadymadeawoman'sconvenience!IsthistobebornebyaLovelace?

Ishallmakegreatuseofthisletter.FromMissHowe'shintsofwhat

passedbetweenheruncleHarloweandHickman,[itmustbeHickman,]Icangiveroomformyinventiontoplay;forshetellsher,that'shewillnotrevealall.'Imustendeavourtocomeatthislettermyself.Imusthavetheverywords:extractswillnotdo.Thisletter,whenIhaveit,mustbemycompasstosteerby.

Thefireoffriendshipthenblazesandcrackles.Ineverbeforeimaginedthatsoferventafriendshipcouldsubsistbetweentwosister-beauties,bothtoasts.Butevenhereitmaybeinflamedbyopposition,andbythatcontradictionwhichgivesvigourtofemalespiritsofawarmandromanticturn.

Sheravesabout'comingup,ifbydoingsoshecouldpreventsonoblea

creaturefromstoopingtoolow,orsaveherfromruin.'--Onereedtosupportanother!IthinkIwillcontrivetobringherup.

Howcomesittopass,thatIcannothelpbeingpleasedwiththisvirago'sspirit,thoughIsufferbyit?HadIherbuthere,I'dengage,inaweek'stime,toteachhersubmissionwithoutreserve.WhatpleasureshouldIhaveinbreakingsuchaspirit!Ishouldwishforherbutforonemonth,Ithink.Shewouldbetootameandspiritlessformeafterthat.Howsweetlyprettytoseethetwolovelyfriends,whenhumbledandtame,bothsittinginthedarkestcornerofaroom,arminarm,weepingandsobbingforeachother!--andItheiremperor,theirthenacknowledgedemperor,reclinedatmyeaseinthesameroom,uncertaintowhichIshouldfirst,grandsignorlike,throwoutmyhandkerchief!

Againmindthegirl:'SheisenragedattheHarlowes;'sheis'angryatherownmother;'sheisexasperatedagainstherfoolishandlow-vanity'dLovelace.'FOOLISH,alittletoad![Godforgivemeforcallingsuchavirtuousgirlatoad!]--'Letusstooptoliftthewretchoutofhisdirt,thoughwesoilourfingersindoingit!Hehasnotbeenguiltyofdirectindecencytoyou.'ItseemsextraordinarytoMissHowethatIhavenot.--'Nordarehe!'Sheshouldbesureofthat.Ifwomenhavesuchthingsintheirheads,whyshouldnotIinmyheart?Notsomuchofadevilasthatcomestoneither.Suchvillainousintentionswouldhaveshown



themselvesbeforenowifIhadthem.--Lordhelpthem!--

Shethenputsherfrienduponurgingforsettlements,license,andsoforth.--'Noroomfordelicacynow,'shesays;andtellsherwhatsheshallsay,'tobringallforwardfromme.'Isitnotascleartothee,Jack,asitistome,thatIshouldhavecarriedmypointlongago,butforthisvixen?--ShereproachesherforhavingMODESTY'Daway,asshecallsit,morethanoneopportunity,thatsheoughtnottohaveslipt.--Thusthouseest,thatthenoblestofthesexmeannothingintheworldbytheirshynessanddistance,buttopoundthepoorfellowtheydislikenot,whenhecomesintotheirpurlieus.

Though'trickedintothisman'spower,'shetellsher,sheis'notmeanlysubjugatedtoit.'Therearehopesofmyreformation,itseems,'frommyreverenceforher;sincebeforeherIneverhadanyreverenceforwhatwasgood!'Iam'agreat,aspeciousdeceiver.'Ithankherforthis,however.Agoodmoraluse,shesays,maybemadeofmy'havingprevaileduponhertoswerve.'Iamgladthatanygoodmayflowfrommyactions.

Annexedtothisletterisapaperthemostsaucythateverwaswrittenofamotherbyadaughter.Thereareinitsuchfreereflectionsuponwidowsandbachelors,thatIcannotbutwonderhowMissHowecamebyherlearning.SirGeorgeColmar,Icantellthee,wasagreaterfoolthanthyfriend,ifshehaditallfornothing.

ThecontentsofthispaperacquaintMissHarlowe,thatheruncleAntonyhasbeenmakingproposalsofmarriagetohermother.

Theoldfellow'sheartoughttobeatoughone,ifhesucceed;orshewhobrokethatofamuchworthierman,thelateMr.Howe,willsoongetridofhim.

Butbethisasitmay,thestupidfamilyismademoreirreconcilablethanevertotheirgoddess-daughterforoldAntony'sthoughtsofmarrying:soIammoresecureofherthanever.AndyetIbelieveatlast,thatmytenderheartwillbemovedinherfavour.ForIdidnotwishthatsheshouldhavenothingbutpersecutionanddistress.--Butwhylovesshethe

brutes,asMissHowejustlycallsthem,somuch;mesolittle?

Ihavestillmoreunpardonabletranscriptsfromotherletters.

LETTERXLV


Thenextletterisofsuchanature,that,Idaresay,theseproudrougeswouldnothavehaditfallintomyhandsfortheworld.*

*SeeLetterXXXIV.ofthisvolume.

Iseebyittowhatherdispleasurewithme,inrelationtomyproposals,wasowing.Theywerenotsummedup,itseems,withthewarmth,withtheardour,whichshehadexpected.

ThiswholeletterwastranscribedbyDorcas,towhoselotitfell.Thou



shalthavecopiesofthemallatfulllengthshortly.

'Menofourcast,'thislittledevilsays,'shefancies,cannothavetheardoursthathonestmenhave.'MissHowehasveyprettyfancies,Jack.Charminggirl!WouldtoHeavenIknewwhethermyfair-oneanswersherasfreelyasshewrites!'Twouldvexaman'sheart,thatthisviragoshouldhavecomehonestlybyherfancies.

WhoknowsbutImayhavehalfadozencreaturestogetoffmyhands,beforeIengageforlife?--Yet,lestthisshouldmeanmeacompliment,asifIwouldreform,sheaddsherbelief,thatshe'mustnotexpectmetobehonestonthissidemygrandclimacteric.'Shehasanhighopinionofhersex,tothinktheycancharmsolongamansowellacquaintedwiththeiridenticalness.

'Hetosuggestdelays,'shesays,'fromacomplimenttobemadetoLordM.!'--Yes,I,mydear.--Becauseamanhasnotbeenaccustomedtobedutiful,mustheneverbedutiful?--Insoimportantacaseasthistoo!theheartsofhiswholefamilyareengagedinit!--'Youdid,indeed,'saysshe,'wantaninterposingfriend--butwereItohavebeeninyoursituation,Iwouldhavetornhiseyesout,andleftittohishearttofurnishthereasonforit.'See!See!Whatsayestthoutothis,Jack?

'Villain--fellowthatheis!'follow.Andforwhat?Onlyforwishing

thatthenextdayweretobemyhappyone;andforbeingdutifultomynearestrelation.

'Itisthecruelestoffates,'shesays,'forawomantobeforcedtohaveamanwhomherheartdespises.'--ThatiswhatIwantedtobesureof.--Iwasafraid,thatmybelovedwastooconsciousofhertalents;ofhersuperiority!Iwasafraidthatsheindeeddespisesme.--AndIcannotbeartothinkthatshedoes.But,Belford,Idonotintendthatthisladyshallbebounddowntosocruelafate.LetmeperishifImarryawomanwhohasgivenhermostintimatefriendreasontosay,shedespisesme!--ALovelacetobedespised,Jack!

'Hisclenchedfisttohisforeheadonyourleavinghiminjust

displeasure'--thatis,whenshewasnotsatisfiedwithmyardours,ifitpleaseye!--Irememberthemotion:butherbackwastowardsmeatthetime.*Arethesewatchfulladiesalleye?--Butobservewhatfollows;'Iwishithadbeenapoll-axe,andinthehandsofhisworstenemy.'--

*ShetellsMissHowe,thatshesawthismotioninthepier-glass.SeeLetterXXXIII.ofthisvolume.

Iwillhavepatience,Jack;Iwillhavepatience!Mydayisathand.--ThenwillIsteelmyheartwiththeseremembrances.

Buthereisaschemetobethoughtof,inorderto'getmyfairprizeoutofmyhands,incaseIgiveherreasontosuspectme.'

Thisindeedalarmsme.Nowthecontentionbecomesarduous.Nowwiltthounotwonder,ifIletloosemyplottinggeniusuponthemboth.Iwillnotbeout-Norris'd,Belford.

Butoncemore,'Shehasnonotion,'shesays,'thatIcanordaretomeanherdishonour.Butthenthemanisafool--that'sall.'--Ishouldindeedbeafool,toproceedasIdo,andmeanmatrimony!--'However,sinceyou



arethrownuponafool,'saysshe,'marrythefoolatthefirstopportunity;andthoughIdoubtthatthismanwillbethemostunmanageableoffools,asallwittyandvainfoolsare,takehimasapunishment,sinceyoucannotasareward.'--Isthereanybearingthis,Belford?

But,'suchmenasmyself,arethementhatwomendonotnaturallyhate.'--Trueasthegospel,Jack!--Thetruthisoutatlast.HaveInotalwaystoldtheeso?Sweetcreaturesandtruechristianstheseyounggirls!Theylovetheirenemies.Butrakesintheirheartsallofthem!Liketurnstolike;that'sthething.WereInotwellassuredofthetruthofthisobservationofthevixen,Ishouldhavethoughtitworthwhile,ifnottobeagoodman,tobemoreofanhypocrite,thanIfounditneedfultobe.

ButintheletterIcameatto-day,whileshewasatchurch,herschemeisfurtheropened;andacursedoneitis.

[Mr.Lovelacethentranscribes,fromhisshort-handnotes,thatpartofMissHowe'sletter,whichrelatestothedesignofengagingMrs.Townsend(incaseofnecessity)togiveherprotectiontillColonelMordencome:*andrepeatshisvowsofrevenge;especiallyforthesewords;'Thatshouldheattemptanythingthatwouldmakehimobnoxious

tothelawsofsociety,shemighthaveafairriddanceofhim,eitherbyflightorthegallows,nomatterwhich.'Hethenadds]--

*SeeLetterXLII.ofthisvolume.

'Tismypridetosubduegirlswhoknowtoomuchtodoubttheirknowledge;andtoconvincethem,thattheyknowtoolittle,todefendthemselvesfromtheinconvenienciesofknowingtoomuch.

Howpassiondrivesamanon!(proceedshe).--Ihavewrittenaprodigiousquantityinaveryfewhours!Nowmyresentmentsarewarm,Iwillsee,

andperhapswillpunish,thisproud,thisdouble-armedbeauty.Ihavesenttotellher,thatImustbeadmittedtosupwithher.Wehaveneitherofusdined.Sherefusedtodrinkteaintheafternoon:andIbelieveneitherofuswillhavemuchstomachtooursupper.

LETTERXLVI

MISSCLARISSAHARLOWE,TOMISSHOWESUNDAYMORNING,SEVENO'CLOCK.

IwasattheplaylastnightwithMr.LovelaceandMissHorton.Itis,youknow,adeepandmostaffectingtragedyinthereading.Youhavemyremarksuponit,inthelittlebookyoumademewriteupontheprincipalacting-plays.Youwillnotwonder,thatMissHorton,aswellasI,wasgreatlymovedattherepresentation,whenItellyou,andhavesomepleasureintellingyou,thatMr.Lovelacehimselfwasverysensiblytouchedwithsomeofthemostaffectingscenes.Imentionthisinpraiseoftheauthor'sperformance;forItakeMr.Lovelacetobeoneofthemosthard-heartedmenintheworld.Uponmyword,mydear,Ido.



Hisbehaviour,however,onthisoccasion,andonourreturn,wasunexceptionable;onlythathewouldobligemetostaytosupperwiththewomenbelow,whenwecameback,andtositupwithhimandthemtillnearoneo'clockthismorning.Iwasresolvedtobeevenwithhim;andindeedIamnotverysorrytohavethepretence;forIlovetopasstheSundaysbymyself.

Tohavethebetterexcusetoavoidhisteasing,Iamreadydressedtogotochurchthismorning.IwillgoonlytoSt.James'schurch,andinachair;thatImaybesureIcangooutandcomeinwhenIplease,withoutbeingintrudeduponbyhim,asIwastwicebefore.

***

NEARNINEO'CLOCK.

Ihaveyourkindletterofyesterday.HeknowsIhave.AndIshallexpect,thathewillbeinquisitivenexttimeIseehimafteryouropinionsofhisproposals.Idoubtednotyourapprobationofthem,andhadwrittenanansweronthatpresumption;whichisreadyforhim.Hemuststudyforoccasionsofprocrastination,andtodisobligeme,ifnowanythinghappenstosetusatvarianceagain.

Heisveryimportunatetoseeme.Hehasdesiredtoattendmetochurch.HeisangrythatIhavedeclinedtobreakfastwithhim.IamsurethatIshouldnothavebeenatmyownlibertyifIhad.IbidDorcastellhim,thatIdesiredtohavethisdaytomyself.Iwouldseehiminthemorningasearlyashepleased.Shesays,sheknowsnotwhatailshim,butthatheisoutofhumourwitheverybody.

Hehassentagaininaperemptorymanner.HewarnsmeofSingleton.Isenthimword,thatifhewasnotafraidofSingletonattheplayhouselastnight,Ineednotatchurchto-day:somanychurchestooneplayhouse.Ihaveacceptedofhisservant'sproposedattendance.Butheisquitedispleased,itseems.Idon'tcare.Iwillnotbeperpetuallyathisinsolentbeck.--Adieumydear,tillIreturn.Thechairwaits.

Hewon'tstopme,sure,asIgodowntoit.

***

IdidnotseehimasIwentdown.Heis,itseems,excessivelyoutofhumour.Dorcassays,notwithmeneither,shebelieves:butsomethinghasvexedhim.Thisisperhapstomakemedinewithhim.ButIwillnot,ifIcanhelpit.Ishan'tgetridofhimfortherestoftheday,ifIdo.

***

Hewasveryearnesttodinewithme.ButIwasresolvedtocarrythisonesmallpoint;andsodeniedtodinemyself.AndindeedIwasendeavouringtowritetomycousinMorden;andhadbegunthreedifferenttimes,withoutbeingabletopleasemyself.

Hewasverybusyinwriting,Dorcassays;andpursueditwithoutdining,becauseIdeniedhimmycompany.



Hafterwardsdemanded,asImaysay,tobeadmittedtoafternoon-teawithme:andappealedbyDorcastohisbehaviourtomelastnight;asifIsenthimwordbyher,hethoughthehadameritinbeingunexceptionable.However,Irepeatedmypromisetomeethimasearlyashepleasedinthemorning,ortobreakfastwithhim.

Dorcassays,heraved:Iheardhimloud,andIheardhisservantflyfromhim,asIthought.You,mydearestfriend,say,inoneofyours,*thatyoumusthavesomebodytobeangryat,whenyourmothersetsyouup.Ishouldbeverylothtodrawcomparisons;buttheworkingsofpassion,whenindulged,arebuttoomuchalike,whetherinmanorwoman.

*SeeLetterX.ofthisvolume,Parag.2.

***

Hehasjustsentmeword,thatheinsistsuponsuppingwithme.Aswehadbeeninagoodtrainforseveraldayspast,Ithoughtitnotprudenttobreakwithhimforlittlematters.Yet,tobe,inamanner,threatenedintohiswill,Iknownothowtobearthat.

WhileIwasconsidering,hecameup,and,tappingatmydoor,toldme,inaveryangrytone,hemustseemethisnight.Hecouldnotrest,tillhehadbeentoldwhathehaddonetodeservethetreatmentIgavehim.

TreatmentIgavehim!awretch!Yetperhapshehasnothingnewtosaytome.Ishallbeveryangrywithhim.

***

[AstheLadycouldnotknowwhatMr.Lovelace'sdesignswere,northe

causeofhisillhumour,itwillnotbeimpropertopursuethesubjectfromhislette.

Havingdescribedhisangrymannerofdemanding,inperson,hercompanyatsupper,heproceedsasfollows:]

''Tishard,answeredthefairperverse,thatIamtobesolittlemyownmistress.Iwillmeetyouinthedining-roomhalfanhourhence.

'Iwentdowntowaitthehalfhour.Allthewomensetmehardtogivehercauseforthistyranny.Theydemonstrated,aswellfromthenatureofthesex,asofthecase,thatIhadnothingtohopeforfrommytameness,andcouldmeetwithnoworsetreatment,wereItobeguiltyof

thelastoffence.TheyurgemevehementlytotryatleastwhateffectsomegreaterfamiliaritiesthanIhadevertakenwithherwouldhave:andtheirargumentsbeingstrengthenedbymyjustresentmentsonthediscoveriesIhadmade,Iwasresolvedtotakesomeliberties,astheywerereceived,totakestillgreater,andlayallthefaultuponhertyranny.InthishumourIwentup,andneverhadparalyticsolittlecommandofhisjoints,asIhad,whileIwalkedaboutthedining-room,attendinghermotions.

'Withanerectmiensheentered,herfaceaverted,herlovelybosom



swelling,andthemorecharminglyprotuberantfortheerectnessofhermien.OJack!thatsullennessandreserveshouldaddtothecharmsofthishaughtymaid!butineveryattitude,ineveryhumour,ineverygesture,isbeautybeautiful.Byheravertedface,andindignantaspect,Isawthedearinsolentwasdisposedtobeangry--butbythefiercenessofmine,asmytremblinghandseizedhers,Isoonmadefearherpredominantpassion.AndyetthemomentIbeheldher,myheartwasdastardized;andmyreverenceforthevirginpurity,sovisibleinherwholedeportment,againtookplace.Surely,Belford,thisisanangel.Andyet,hadshenotbeenknowntobeafemale,theywouldnotfrombabyhoodhavedressedherassuch,norwouldshe,butuponthatconviction,havecontinuedthedress.

'Letmeaskyou,Madam,Ibeseechyoutellme,whatIhavedonetodeservethisdistanttreatment?

'Andletmeaskyou,Mr.Lovelace,whyaremyretirementstobethusinvaded?--Whatcanyouhavetosaytomesincelastnight,thatIwentwithyousomuchagainstmywilltotheplay?andaftersittingupwithyou,equallyagainstmywill,tillaverylatehour?

'ThisIhavetosay,Madam,thatIcannotbeartobekeptatthisdistancefromyouunderthesameroof.

'Underthesameroof,Sir!--Howcameyou----'Hearmeout,Madam--[lettinggohertremblinghands,andsnatchingthembackagainwithaneagernessthatmadeherstart]--Ihaveathousandthingstosay,totalkof,relatingtoourpresentandfutureprospects;butwhenIwanttoopenmywholesoultoyou,youarealwayscontrivingtokeepmeatadistance.Youmakemeinconsistentwithmyself.Yourheartissetupondelays.Youmusthaveviewsthatyouwillnotown.Tellme,Madam,Iconjureyoutotellme,thismoment,withoutsubterfugeorreserve,inwhatlightamItoappeartoyouinfuture?Icannotbearthisdistance.ThesuspenseyouholdmeinIcannotbear.

'Inwhatlight,Mr.Lovelace![visiblyterrified.]Innobadlight,I

hope.--Pray,Mr.Lovelace,donotgraspmyhandssohard[endeavouringtowithdrawthem.]Prayletmego.--

'Youhateme,Madam--

'Ihatenobody,Sir--

'Youhateme,Madam,repeatedI.

'Instigatedandresolved,asIcameup,Iwantedsomenewprovocation.Thedevilindeed,assoonasmyangelmadeherappearance,creptoutofmyheart;buthehadleftthedooropen,andwasnofartheroffthanmyelbow.

'Youcomeupinnogoodtemper,Isee,Mr.Lovelace.--Butpraybenotviolent--Ihavedoneyounohurt.--Praybenotviolent--

'Sweetcreature!andIclaspedonearmabouther,holdingonehandinmyother.--Youhavedonemenohurt.--Icouldhavedevouredher--butrestrainingmyself--Youhavedonemethegreatesthurt!--InwhathaveIdeservedthedistanceyoukeepmeat?--Iknewnotwhattosay.



'Shestruggledtodisengageherself.--Pray,Mr.Lovelace,letmewithdraw.Iknownotwhythisis.IknownotwhatIhavedonetooffendyou.Iseeyouarecomewithadesigntoquarrelwithme.Ifyouwouldnotterrifymebytheillhumouryouarein,permitmetowithdraw.Iwillhearallyouhavetosayanothertime--to-morrowmorning,asIsentyouword.--Butindeedyoufrightenme--Ibeseechyou,ifyouhaveanyvalueforme,permitmetowithdraw.

'Night,mid-night,isnecessary,Belford.Surprise,terror,mustbenecessarytotheultimatetrialofthischarmingcreature,saythewomenbelowwhattheywill.Icouldnotholdmypurposes.ThiswasnotthefirsttimethatIhadintendedtotryifshecouldforgive.

'Ikissedherhandwithafervour,asifIwouldhaveleftmylipsuponit.--Withdraw,then,dearest,andever-dearcreature.IndeedIenteredinaveryillhumour.Icannotbearthedistanceatwhichyousocauselesslykeepme.Withdraw,Madam,sinceitisyourwilltowithdraw;andjudgemegenerously;judgemebutasIdeservetobejudged;andletmehopetomeetyouto-morrowmorningearlyinsuchatemperasbecomesourpresentsituation,andmyfuturehopes.

'Andsosaying,Iconductedhertothedoor,andleftherthere.But,insteadofgoingdowntothewomen,Iwentintomyownchamber,andlockedmyselfin;ashamedofbeingawedbyhermajesticloveliness,and

apprehensivevirtue,intosogreatachangeofpurpose,notwithstandingIhadsuchjustprovocationsfromthelettersofhersaucyfriend,formedonherownrepresentationsoffactsandsituationsbetweenherselfandme.

***

[TheLady(datedSundaynight)thusdescribesherterrors,andMr.Lovelace'sbehaviour,ontheoccasion.]

Onmyenteringthedining-room,hetookmyhandinhis,insuchahumour,

Isawplainlyhewasresolvedtoquarrelwithme--Andforwhat?--WhathadIdonetohim?--Ineverinmylifebeheldinanybodysuchwild,suchangry,suchimpatientairs.Iwasterrified;andinsteadofbeingasangryasIintendedtobe,Iwasforcedtobeallmildness.Icanhardlyrememberwhatwerehisfirstwords,Iwassofrighted.Butyouhateme,Madam!youhateme,Madam!weresomeofthem--withsuchafierceness--Iwishedmyselfathousandmilesdistantfromhim.Ihatenobody,saidI:IthankGodIhatenobody--Youterrifyme,Mr.Lovelace--letmeleaveyou.--Theman,mydear,lookedquiteugly--Ineversawamanlooksouglyaspassionmadehimlook--andforwhat?--Andsohegraspedmyhands!--fiercecreature;--hesograspedmyhands!Inshort,heseemedbyhislooks,andbyhiswords(onceputtinghisarmsaboutme)towishmetoprovokehim.SothatIhadnothingtodobuttobegofhim(whichIdid

repeatedly)topermitmetowithdraw:andtopromisetomeethimathisowntimeinthemorning.

Itwaswithaveryillgracethathecomplied,onthatcondition;andatpartinghekissedmyhandwithsuchasavageness,thatarednessremainsuponitstill.

Doyounotthink,mydear,thatIhavereasontobeincensedathim,mysituationconsidered?AmInotunderanecessity,asitwere,ofquarrellingwithhim;atleasteveryothertimeIseehim?Noprudery,



nocoquetry,notyrannyinmyheart,orinmybehaviourtohim,thatIknowof.Noaffectedprocrastination.Aimingatnothingbutdecorum.Heasmuchconcerned,andsoheoughttothink,asI,tohavethatobserved.Toomuchinhispower:castuponhimbythecrueltyofmyrelations.Nootherprotectiontoflytobuthis.Oneplainpathbeforeus;yetsuchembarrasses,suchdifficulties,suchsubjectsfordoubt,forcavil,foruneasiness;asfastasoneisobviated,anothertobeintroduced,andnotbymyself--knownothowintroduced--WhatpleasurecanIproposetomyselfinmeetingsuchawretch?

Perfectforme,mydearestMissHowe,perfectforme,Ibeseechyou,yourkindschemewithMrs.Townsend;andIwillthenleavethisman.

Mytemper,Ibelieve,ischanged.Nowonderifitbe.Iquestionwhethereveritwillbewhatitwas.ButIcannotmakehimhalfsouneasybythechange,asIammyself.Seeyounothow,fromsteptostep,hegrowsuponme?--Itrembletolookbackuponhisencroachments.Andnowtogivemecausetoapprehendmoreevilfromhim,thanindignationwillpermitmetoexpress!--Omydear,perfectyourscheme,andletmeflyfromsostrangeawretch!

Yet,tobefirstaneloperfrommyfriendstohim,astheworldsupposes;andnowtobesofromhim[towhomIknownot!]howhardtoonewhoeverendeavouredtoshunintricatepaths!Buthemustcertainlyhaveviewsin

quarrellingwithmethus,whichhedarenotown!--Yetwhatcantheybe?--Iamterrifiedbuttothinkofwhattheymaybe!

Letmebutgetfromhim!--Astomyreputation,ifIleavehim--thatisalreadytoomuchwoundedforme,now,tobecarefulaboutanything,buthowtoactsoasthatmyownheartshallnotreproachme.Astotheworld'scensure,Imustbecontenttosufferthat--anunhappycomposition,however.--Whatawreckhavemyfortunessuffered,tobeobligedtothrowoverboardsomanyvaluables,topreserve,indeed,theonlyvaluable!--AcompositionthatonceitwouldhavehalfbrokenmyhearttothinktherewouldhavebeentheleastdangerthatIshouldbeobligedtosubmitto.

You,mydear,couldnotbeastrangertomymostsecretfailings,althoughyouwouldnottellmeofthem.WhatapridedidItakeintheapplauseofeveryone!--WhataprideeveninsupposingIhadnotthatpride!--Whichconcealeditselffrommyunexaminingheartunderthespeciousveilofhumility,doublingthemerittomyselfbythesupposed,andindeedimputed,gracefulnessinthemannerofconferringbenefits,whenIhadnotasinglemeritinwhatIdid,vastlyoverpaidbythepleasureofdoingsomelittlegood,andimpelled,asImaysay,bytalentsgivenme--forwhat!--Nottobeproudof.

So,desirous,inshort,tobeconsideredasanexample!Avanitywhichmypartialadmirersputintomyhead!--Andsosecureinmyownvirtue!

Iampunishedenough,enoughmortified,forthismyvanity--Ihope,enough,ifitsopleasetheall-graciousinflictor:sincenow,Iverilythink,Imoredespisemyselfformypresumptuousself-security,aswellasvanity,thaneverIsecretlyvauntedmyselfonmygoodinclinations:secretly,Isay,however;for,indeed,Ihadnotgivenmyselfleisuretoreflect,tillIwasthusmortified,howveryimperfectIwas;norhowmuchtruththereisinwhatdivinestellus,thatwesininourbestperformances.

ButIwasveryyoung.--Buthereletmewatchovermyselfagain:forin



thosefourwords,Iwasveryyoung,istherenotapalliationcouched,thatwereenoughtotakeallefficacyfromthediscoveryandconfession?

Whatstrangeimperfectbeings!--butselfhere,whichisatthebottomofallwedo,andofallwewish,isthegrandmisleader.

Iwillnotapologizetoyou,mydear,forthesegravereflections.Isitnotenoughtomaketheunhappycreaturelookintoherself,andendeavourtodetectherself,who,fromsuchahighreputation,lefttoproudandpresumptuousself,shouldbyonethoughtlessstep,bebroughttothedreadfulsituationIamin?

Letme,however,lookforward:todespondwouldbetoaddsintosin.AndwhomhaveItoraisemeup,whomtocomfortme,ifIdesertmyself?--Thou,OFather,who,Ihope,hastnotyetdeserted,hastnotyetcursedme!--ForIamthine!--Itisfitthatmediationshouldsupplytherest.--

***

Iwassodisgustedwithhim,aswellasfrightedbyhim,thatonmyreturntomychamber,inafitofpassionatedespair,ItorealmostintwotheanswerIhadwrittentohisproposals.

Iwillseehiminthemorning,becauseIpromisedIwould.ButIwillgoout,andthatwithouthim,oranyattendant.Ifheaccountnottolerablyforhissuddenchangeofbehaviour,andaproperopportunityofferofaprivatelodginginsomecreditablehouse,Iwillnotanymorereturntothis:--atpresentIthinkso.--AndtherewillIeitherattendtheperfectingofyourscheme;or,byyourepistolarymediation,makemyowntermswiththewretch;sinceitisyouropinion,thatImustbehis,andcannothelpmyself:or,perhaps,takearesolutiontothrowmyselfatonceintoLadyBetty'sprotection;andthiswillhinderhimfrommakinghisinsolently-threatenedvisittoHarlowe-place.

[TheLadywritesagainonMondayevening;andgivesherfriendanaccountofallthatpassedbetweenherselfandMr.Lovelacethatday;andofherbeingterrifiedoutofherpurpose,ofgoingout:butMr.Lovelace'snextlettersgivingamoreampleaccountofall,hersareomitted.

Itisproper,however,tomention,thatshere-urgesMissHowe(fromthedissatisfactionshehasreasonforfromwhatpassedbetweenMr.Lovelaceandherself)toperfectherschemeinrelationtoMrs.Townsend.Sheconcludesthisletterinthesewords:]

Ishouldsaysomethingofyourlastfavour(butafewhoursagoreceived)andofyourdialoguewithyourmother--Areyounotverywhimsical,my

dear?Ihavebuttwothingstowishforonthisoccasion.--Theone,thatyourcharmingpleasantryhadabettersubjectthanthatyoufindforitinthisdialogue--theother,thatmysituationwerenotsuch,asmusttoooftendampthatpleasantryinyou,andwillnotpermitmetoenjoyit,asIusedtodo.Be,however,happyinyourself,thoughyoucannotin




LETTERXLVII

MR.LOVELACE,TOJOHNBELFORD,ESQ.MONDAYMORNING,MAY22.

Nogenerosityinthislady.Noneatall.Wouldstthounothavethought,thatafterIhadpermittedhertowithdraw,primedformischiefasIwas,shewouldmeetmenextmorningearly;andthatwithasmile;makingmeoneofherbestcourtesies?

Iwasinthedining-roombeforesix,expectingher.Sheopenednotherdoor.Iwentupstairsanddown;andhemm'd;andcalledWill.;calledDorcas;threwthedoorshardto;butstillsheopenednotherdoor.Thustillhalfanhouraftereight,fooledIawaymytime;andthen(breakfastready)IsentDorcastorequesthercompany.

ButIwasastonished,when(followingthewench,asshedidatthefirstinvitation)Isawherenterdressed,allbuthergloves,andthoseandherfaninherhand;inthesamemomentbiddingDorcasdirectWill.togetherachairtothedoor.

Cruelcreature,thoughtI,toexposemethustothederisionofthewomen

below!Goingabroad,Madam!

Iam,Sir.

Ilookedcursedsilly,Iamsure.Youwillbreakfastfirst,Ihope,Madam;andaveryhumblestrain;yetwithanhundredtenderlooksinmyheart.

Hadshegivenmemorenoticeofherintention,IhadperhapswroughtmyselfuptotheframeIwasinthedaybefore,andbegunmyvengeance.Andimmediatelycameintomyheadallthevirulencethathadbeen

transcribedformefromMissHowe'sletters,andinthatletterwhichIhadtranscribedmyself.

Yes,shewoulddrinkonedish;andthenlaidherglovesandfaninthewindowjustby.

Iwasperfectlydisconcerted.Ihemm'd,andwasgoingtospeakseveraltimes;butIknewnotinwhatkey.Who'smodestnow!thoughtI.Who'sinsolentnow!--Howatyrantofawomanconfoundsabashfulman!ShewasactingMissHowe,Ithought;andIthespiritlessHickman.

Atlast,Iwillbegin,thoughtI.

Sheadish--Iadish.

Sip,hereyesherown,she;likeahaughtyandimperioussovereign,consciousofdignity,everylookafavour.

Sip,likehervassal,I;lipsandhandstrembling,andnotknowingthatIsipp'dortasted.

Iwas--Iwas--Isipp'd--(drawinginmybreathandtheliquortogether,thoughIscaldedmymouthwithit)Iwasinhopes,Madam--



Dorcascameinjustthen.--Dorcas,saidshe,isachairgonefor?

Damn'dimpertinence,thoughtI,thustoputmeoutinmyspeech!AndIwasforcedtowaitfortheservant'sanswertotheinsolentmistress'squestion.

Williamisgoneforone,Madam.

Thiscostmeaminute'ssilencebeforeIcouldbeginagain.Andthenitwaswithmyhopes,andmyhopes,andmyhopes,thatIshouldhavebeenearlyadmittedto--

Whatweatherisit,Dorcas?saidshe,asregardlessofmeasifIhadnotbeenpresent.

Alittlelowering,Madam--Thesunisgonein--itwasveryfinehalfanhourago.

Ihadnopatience.UpIrose.Downwentthetea-cup,saucerandall--Confoundtheweather,thesunshine,andthewench!--Begoneforadevil,whenIamspeakingtoyourlady,andhavesolittleopportunitygivenme.

Uprosethesaucy-face,half-frighted;andsnatchedfromthewindowher

glovesandfan.Youmustnotgo,Madam!--Seizingherhand--bymysoulyoumustnot--

Mustnot,Sir!--ButImust--youcancurseyourmaidinmyabsence,aswellasifIwerepresent----Except--except--youintendforme,whatyoudirecttoher.

Dearestcreature,youmustnotgo--youmustnotleaveme--Suchdeterminedscorn!suchcontempts!--Questionsaskedyourservantofnomeaningbuttobreakinuponme--Icannotbearit!

Detainmenot[struggling.]Iwillnotbewithheld.Ilikeyounot,nor

yourways.Yousoughttoquarrelwithmeyesterday,fornoreasonintheworldthatIcanthinkof,butbecauseIwastooobliging.Youareanungratefulman;andIhateyouwithmywholeheart,Mr.Lovelace!

Donotmakemedesperate,Madam.Permitmetosay,thatyoushallnotleavemeinthishumour.Whereveryougo,Iwillattendyou.HadMissHowebeenmyfriend,Ihadnotbeenthustreated.Itisbuttooplaintowhommydifficultiesareowing.Ihavelongobserved,thateveryletteryoureceivedfromher,makesanalterationinyourbehaviourtome.Shewouldhaveyoutreatme,asshetreatsMr.Hickman,Isuppose:butneitherdoesthattreatmentbecomeyouradmirabletempertooffer,normetoreceive.

Thisstartledher.ShedidnotcaretohavemethinkhardlyofMissHowe.

Butrecollectingherself,MissHowe,saidshe,isafriendtovirtue,andtogoodmen.Ifshelikenotyou,itisbecauseyouarenotoneofthose.

Yes,Madam;andthereforetospeakofMr.Hickmanandmyself,asyouboth,Isuppose,thinkofeach,shetreatshimasshewouldnottreataLovelace.--Ichallengeyou,Madam,toshewmebutoneofthemanyletters



youhavereceivedfromher,whereIammentioned.

MissHoweisjust;MissHoweisgood,repliedshe.Shewrites,shespeaks,ofeverybodyastheydeserve.Ifyoupointmeoutbutanyoneoccasion,uponwhichyouhavereasontobuildamerittoyourself,aseitherjustorgood,orevengenerous,Iwilllookoutforherletteronthatoccasion[ifsuchanoccasiontherebe,Ihavecertainlyacquaintedherwithit];andwillengageitshallbeinyourfavour.

Devilishsevere!Andasindelicateassevere,toputamodishmanuponhuntingbackwardafterhisownmerits.

Shewouldhaveflungfromme:Iwillnotbedetained,Mr.Lovelace.Iwillgoout.

Indeedyoumustnot,Madam,inthishumour.AndIplacedmyselfbetweenherandthedoor.----Andthen,fanning,shethrewherselfintoachair,hersweetfaceallcrimsonedoverwithpassion.

Icastmyselfatherfeet.--Begone,Mr.Lovelace,saidshe,witharejectingmotion,herfaninherhand;foryourownsakeleaveme!--Mysoulisabovethee,man!withbothherhandspushingmefromher!--Urgemenottotellthee,howsincerelyIthinkmysoulabovethee!--Thouhast,inmine,aproud,atooproudhearttocontendwith!--Leaveme,and

leavemeforever!--Thouhasaproudhearttocontendwith!Herair,hermanner,hervoice,werebewitchinglynoble,thoughherwordsweresosevere.

Letmeworshipanangel,saidI,nowoman.Forgiveme,dearestcreature!--creatureifyoube,forgiveme!--forgivemyinadvertencies!--forgivemyinequalities!--pitymyinfirmities!--WhoisequaltomyClarissa?

Itrembledbetweenadmirationandlove;andwraptmyarmsaboutherknees,asshesat.Shetriedtoriseatthemoment;butmyclaspingroundherthusardently,drewherdownagain;andneverwaswomanmoreaffrighted.Butfreeasmyclaspingemotionmightappeartoher

apprehensiveheart,Ihadnot,attheinstant,anythoughtbutwhatreverenceinspired.Andtillshehadactuallywithdrawn[whichIpermittedunderpromiseofaspeedyreturn,andonherconsenttodismissthechair]allthemotionsofmyheartwereaspureasherown.

Shekeptnotherword.AnhourIwaitedbeforeIsenttoclaimherpromise.Shecouldnotpossiblyseemeyet,washeranswer.Assoonasshecould,shewould.

Dorcassays,shestillexcessivelytrembled;andorderedhertogiveherhartshornandwater.

Astrangeapprehensivecreature!Herterroristoogreatforthe

occasion.Evilsareoftengreaterinapprehensionthaninreality.Hastthouneverobserved,thattheterrorsofabirdcaught,andactuallyinthehand,bearnocomparisontowhatwemighthavesupposedthoseterrorswouldbe,werewetohaveformedajudgmentofthesamebirdbyitsshynessbeforeitwastaken?

Dearcreature!--Didsheneverromp?Didshenever,fromgirlhoodtonow,hoyden?Theinnocentkindsoffreedomtakenandallowedontheseoccasions,wouldhavefamiliarizedhertogreater.Sacrilegebuttotouchthehemofhergarment!--Excessofdelicacy!--Otheconsecrated



beauty!Howcanshethinktobeawife?

ButhowdoIknowtillItry,whethershemaynotbyalessalarmingtreatmentbeprevailedupon,orwhether[day,Ihavedonewiththee!]shemaynotyieldtonightlysurprises?Thisisstilltheburdenofmysong,IcanmarryherwhenIwill.AndifIdo,afterprevailing(whetherbysurprise,orbyreluctantconsent)whombutmyselfshallIhaveinjured?

***

Itisnoweleveno'clock.Shewillseemeassoonasshecan,shetellsPollyHorton,whomadeheratendervisit,andtowhomsheislessreservedthantoanybodyelse.Heremotion,sheassuresher,wasnotowingtoperverseness,tonicety,toillhumour;buttoweaknessofheart.Shehasnotstrengthofmindsufficient,shesays,toenablehertosupporthercondition.

Yetwhatacontradiction!--Weaknessofheart,saysshe,withsuchastrengthofwill!--OBelford!sheisalion-heartedlady,ineverycasewhereherhonour,herpunctiliorather,callsforspirit.ButIhavehadreasonmorethanonceinhercase,toconclude,thatthepassionsofthegentle,slowertobemovedthanthoseofthequick,arethemostflaming,

themostirresistible,whenraised.--Yethercharmingbodyisnotequallyorganized.Theunequalpartnerspulltwoways;andthedivinitywithinhertearshersilkenframe.Buthadthesamesoulinformedamasculinebody,neverwouldtherehavebeenatruerhero.

MONDAY,TWOO'CLOCK.

Notyetvisible!--Mybelovedisnotwell.Whatexpectationshadshefrommyardentadmirationofher!--Morerudenessthanrevengeapprehended.Yet,howmysoulthirstsforrevengeuponboththeseladies?Imusthaverecoursetomymaster-strokes.ThiscursedprojectofMissHoweandherMrs.Townsend(ifIcannotcontrivetrenderitabortive)willbealways

aswordhangingovermyhead.Uponeverylittledisobligationsmybelovedwillbefortakingwing;andthepainsIhavetakentodepriveherofeveryotherrefugeorprotection,inordertomakeherabsolutelydependentuponme,willbeallthrownaway.ButperhapsIshallfindoutasmugglertocounterplotMissHowe.

ThouremembrestthecontentionbetweentheSunandtheNorth-wind,inthefable;whichshouldfirstmakeanhonesttravellerthrowoffhiscloak.

Boreasbeganfirst.Hepuffedawaymostvehemently;andoftenmadethepoorfellowcurveandstagger;butwithnoothereffect,thantocausehimtowraphissurtoutthecloserabouthim.

ButwhenitcametoPhoebus'sturn,hesoplayeduponthetravellerwithhisbeams,thathemadehimfirstunbutton,andthenthrowitquiteoff:--Norlefthe,tillheobligedhimtotaketothefriendlyshadeofaspreadingbeech;where,prostratinghimselfonthethrown-offcloak,hetookacomfortablenap.

Thevictor-godthenlaughedoutright,bothatBoreasandthetraveller,andpursuedhisradiantcourse,shiningupon,andwarmingandcherishingathousandnewobjects,ashedancedalong:andatnight,whenheputuphisfierycoursers,hedivertedhisThetiswiththerelationofhis



pranksinthepassedday.

I,inlikemanner,willdiscardallmyboisterousinventions:andifIcanobligemysweettravellertothrowaside,butforonemoment,thecloakofherrigidvirtue,Ishallhavenothingtodo,but,likethesun,toblessnewobjectswithmyrays.Butmychosenhoursofconversationandrepose,afterallmyperegrinations,willbedevotedtomygoddess.

***

Andnow,Belford,accordingtomynewsystem,IthinkthishouseofMrs.Fretchvilleanembarrassuponme.Iwillgetridofit;forsometimeatleast.Mennell,whenIamout,shallcometoher,inquiringforme.Whatfor?thou'ltask.Whatfor--hastthounotheardwhathasbefallenpoorMrs.Fretchville?--ThenI'lltellthee.

Oneofhermaids,aboutaweekago,wastakenwiththesmall-pox.TherestkepttheirmistressignorantofittillFriday;andthenshecametoknowofitbyaccident.Thegreaterhalfoftheplaguespoormortalsofconditionaretormentedwith,proceedfromtheservantstheytake,partlyforshow,partlyforuse,andwithaviewtolessentheircares.

Thishassoterrifiedthewidow,thatsheistakenwithallthesymptomsthatthreatenanattackfromthatdreadfulenemyoffairfaces.--Somustnotthinkofremoving:yetcannotexpect,thatweshouldbefurtherdelayedonheraccount.

Shenowwishes,withallherheart,thatshehadknownherownmind,andgoneintothecountryatfirstwhenItreatedaboutthehouse.Thisevilthenhadnothappened!acursedcrossaccidentforus,too!--Heigh-ho!nothingelse,Ithink,inthismortallife!peopleneednotstudytobringcrossesuponthemselvesbytheirpetulancies.

Sothisaffairofthehousewillbeover;atleastforonewhile.ButthenIcanfalluponanexpedientwhichwillmakeamendsforthis

disappointment.Imustmoveslow,inordertobesure.Ihaveacharmingcontrivanceortwoinmyhead,evensupposingmybelovedshouldgetaway,tobringherbackagain.

ButwhatisbecomeofLordM.Itrow,thathewritesnottome,inanswertomyinvitation?IfhewouldsendmesuchaletterasIcouldshow,itmightgoagreatwaytowardsaperfectreconciliation.IhavewrittentoCharlotteaboutit.Heshallsoonhearfromme,andthatinawayhewon'tlike,ifhewritesnotquickly.Hehassometimesthreatenedtodisinheritme.ButifIshouldrenouncehim,itwouldbebutjustice,andwouldvexhimtentimesmorethananythinghecandowillvexme.Then,thesettlementsunavoidablydelayed,byhisneglect!--HowshallIbearsuchalifeofprocrastination!--I,who,astomywill,and

impatience,andsoforth,amofthetruelady-make,andcanaslittlebearcontroulanddisappointmentasthebestofthem!

***

AnotherletterfromMissHowe.IsupposeitisthatwhichshepromisesinherlasttosendherrelatingtothecourtshipbetweenoldTonytheuncle,andAnnabellathemother.Ishouldbeextremelyrejoicedtosee



it.Nomoreofthesmuggler-plotinit,surely!Thisletter,itseems,shehasputinherpocket.ButIhopeIshallsoonfinditdepositedwiththerest.

MONDAYMORNING.

Atmyrepeatedrequestshecondescendedtomeetmeinthedining-roomtoafternoon-tea,andnotbefore.

Sheenteredwithbashfulness,asIthought;inaprettyconfusion,forhavingcarriedherapprehensionstoofar.Sullenandslowmovedshetowardsthetea-table.--Dorcaspresent,busyintea-cuppreparations.Itookherreluctanthand,andpressedittomylips.--Dearest,loveliestofcreatures,whythisdistance?whythisdispleasure?--Howcanyouthustorturethefaithfullestheartintheworld?

Shedisengagedherhand.AgainIwouldhavesnatchedit.

Bequiet,[peevishlywithdrawingit.]Anddownshesat;agentlepalpitationinthebeautyofbeautiesindicatingamingledsullennessandresentment;hersnowyhandkerchiefrisingandfalling,andasweetflushoverspreadinghercharmingcheeks.

ForGod'ssake,Madam!--[AndathirdtimeIwouldhavetakenherrepulsinghand.]

Andforthesamesake,Sir,nomoreteasing.

Dorcasretired;Idrewmychairnearerher's,andwiththemostrespectfultendernesstookherhand;andtoldher,thatIcouldnotforbeartoexpressmyapprehensions(fromthedistanceshewassodesiroustokeepmeat)thatifanymanintheworldwasmoreindifferenttoher,tousenoharsherword,thananother,itwastheunhappywretchbeforeher.

Shelookedsteadilyuponmeforamoment,andwithherotherhand,not

withdrawingthatIheld,pulledherhandkerchiefoutofherpocket;andbyatwinklingmotionurgedforwardatearortwo,whichhavingarisenineachsweeteye,itwasplainbythatmotionshewouldratherhavedissipated:butansweredmeonlywithasigh,andanavertedface.

Iurgedhertospeak;tolookupatme;toblessmewithaneyemorefavourable.

Ihadreason,shetoldme,formycomplaintofherindifference.Shesawnothinginmymindthatwasgenerous.Iwasnotamantobeobligedorfavoured.MystrangebehaviourtohersinceSaturdaynight,fornocauseatallthatsheknewof,convincedherofthis.Whateverhopesshehadconceivedofmewereutterlydissipated:allmywaysweredisgustfulto

her.

Thiscutmetotheheart.Theguilty,Ibelieve,ineverycase,lesspatientlybearthedetectingtruth,thantheinnocentdothedegradingfalshood.

Ibespokeherpatience,whileItookthelibertytoaccountforthischangeonmypart.--Ire-acknowledgedtheprideofmyheart,whichcouldnotbearthethoughtofthatwantofpreferenceintheheartofaladywhomIhopedtocallmine,whichshehadalwaysmanifested.Marriage,I



said,wasastatethatwasnottobeentereduponwithindifferenceoneitherside.

Itisinsolence,interruptedshe,itisapresumption,Sir,toexpecttokensofvalue,withoutresolvingtodeservethem.Youhavenowhiningcreaturebeforeyou,Mr.Lovelace,overcomebyweakmotives,tolovewherethereisnomerit.MissHowecantellyou,Sir,thatIneverlovedthefaultsofmyfriend;noreverwishedhertolovemeformine.Itwasarulewithusnottospareeachother.Andwouldamanwhohasnothingbutfaults(forpray,Sir,whatareyourvirtues?)expectthatIshouldshowavalueforhim?Indeed,ifIdid,Ishouldnotdeserveevenhisvalue;butoughttobedespisedbyhim.

Wellhaveyou,Madam,keptuptothisnoblemannerofthinking.Youareinnodangerofbeingdespisedforanymarksoftendernessorfavourshowntothemanbeforeyou.Youhavebeenperhaps,you'llthink,laudablystudiousofmakingandtakingoccasionstodeclare,thatitwasfarfrombeingowingtoyourchoice,thatyouhadanythoughtsofme.Mywholesoul,Madam,inallitserrors,inallitswishes,inallitsviews,hadbeenlaidopenandnakedbeforeyou,hadIbeenencouragedbysuchashareinyourconfidenceandesteem,aswouldhavesecuredmeagainstyourapprehendedworstconstructionsofwhatIshouldfromtimetotimehaverevealedtoyou,andconsultedyouupon.Forneverwasthereafrankerheart;noramansoreadytoaccusehimself.[This,

Belford,istrue.]Butyouknow,Madam,howmuchotherwiseithasbeenbetweenus.--Doubt,distance,reserve,onyourpart,begatdoubt,fear,awe,onmine.--Howlittleconfidence!asifweapprehendedeachothertobeaplotterratherthanalover.HowhaveIdreadedeveryletterthathasbeenbroughtyoufromWilson's!--andwithreason:sincethelast,fromwhichIexpectedsomuch,onaccountoftheproposalsIhadmadeyouinwriting,has,ifImayjudgebytheeffects,andbyyourdenialofseeingmeyesterday,(thoughyoucouldgoabroad,andinachairtoo,toavoidmyattendanceonyou,)setyouagainstmemorethanever.

Iwasguilty,itseems,ofgoingtochurch,saidtheindignantcharmer;andwithoutthecompanyofaman,whosechoiceitwouldnothavebeentogo,hadInotgone--IwasguiltyofdesiringtohavethewholeSundayto

myself,afterIhadobligedyou,againstmywill,ataplay;andafteryouhaddetainedme(equallytomydislike)toaverylatehourover-night.--Theseweremyfaults:fortheseIwastobepunished:Iwastobecompelledtoseeyou,andtobeterrifiedwhenIdidseeyou,bythemostshockingillhumourthatwasevershowntoacreatureinmycircumstances,andnotboundtobearit.Youhavepretendedtofindfreefaultwithmyfather'stemper,Mr.Lovelace:buttheworstthatheevershowedaftermarriage,wasnotintheleasttobecomparedtowhatyouhaveshowntwentytimesbeforehand.--Andwhataremyprospectswithyou,attheverybest?--Myindignationrisesagainstyou,Mr.Lovelace,whileIspeaktoyou,whenIrecollectthemanyinstances,equallyungenerousandunpolite,ofyourbehaviourtoonewhomyouhavebroughtintodistress--andIcanhardlybearyouinmysight.

Sheturnedfromme,standingup;and,liftingupherfoldedhands,andcharmingeyesswimmingintears,Omyfather,saidtheinimitablecreature,youmighthavesparedyourheavycurse,hadyouknownhowIhavebeenpunishedeversincemyswervingfeetledmeoutofyourgarden-doorstomeetthisman!--Then,sinkingintoherchair,aburstofpassionatetearsforcedtheirwaydownherglowingcheeks.

Mydearestlife,[takingherstillfoldedhandsinmine,]whocanbearaninvocationsoaffecting,thoughsopassionate?



And,asIhopetolive,mynosetingled,asIonce,whenaboy,rememberitdid(andindeedoncemoreverylately)justbeforesometearscameintomyeyes;andIdursthardlytrustmyfaceinviewofher's.

WhathaveIdonetodeservethisimpatientexclamation?--HaveI,atanytime,byword,bydeeds,bylooks,givenyoucausetodoubtmyhonour,myreverence,myadoration,Imaycallit,ofyourvirtues?Allisowingtomisapprehension,Ihope,onbothsides.Condescendtoclearupbutyourpart,asIwillmine,andallmustspeedilybehappy.--WouldtoHeavenIlovedthatHeavenasIloveyou!andyet,ifIdoubtedareturninlove,letmeperishifIshouldknowhowtowishyoumine!--Givemehope,dearestcreature,givemebuthope,thatIamyourpreferablechoice!--Givemebuthope,thatyouhatemenot:thatyoudonotdespiseme.

OMr.Lovelace,wehavebeenlongenoughtogethertobetiredofeachother'shumoursandways;waysandhumourssodifferent,thatperhapsyououghttodislikeme,asmuchasIdoyou.--Ithink,Ithink,thatIcannotmakeananswerablereturntothevalueyouprofessforme.Mytemperisutterlyruined.Youhavegivenmeanillopinionofallmankind;ofyourselfinparticular:andwithalsobadaoneofmyself,thatIshallneverbeabletolookup,havingutterlyandforeverlostallthatself-complacency,andconsciouspride,whicharesonecessarytocarryawomanthroughthislifewithtolerablesatisfactiontoherself.

Shepaused.Iwassilent.Bymysoul,thoughtI,thissweetcreaturewillatlastundome!

Sheproceeded:Whatnowremains,butthatyoupronouncemefreeofallobligationtoyou?andthatyouhindermenotfrompursuingthedestinythatshallbeallottedme?

Againshepaused.Iwasstillsilent;meditatingwhethertorenounceallfurtherdesignsuponher;whetherIhadnotreceivedsufficientevidenceofavirtue,andofagreatnessofsoul,thatcouldnotbequestionedorimpeached.

Shewenton:Propitioustomebeyoursilence,Mr.Lovelace!--Tellme,thatIamfreeofallobligationtoyou.Youknow,Inevermadeyoupromises.Youknow,thatyouarenotunderanytome.--MybrokenfortunesImatternot--

Shewasproceeding--Mydearestlife,saidI,Ihavebeenallthistime,thoughyoufillmewithdoubtsofyourfavour,busyinthenuptialpreparations.Iamactuallyintreatyforequipage.

Equipage,Sir!--Trappings,tinsel!--Whatisequipage;whatislife;whatisanything;toacreaturesunksolowasIaminmyownopinion!--Labouringunderafather'scurse!--Unabletolookbackwardwithoutself-reproach,orforwardwithoutterror!--Thesereflectionsstrengthenedby

everycrossaccident!--Andwhatbutcrossaccidentsbefalme!--Allmydarlingschemesdashedinpieces,allmyhopesatanend;denymenotthelibertytorefugemyselfinsomeobscurecorner,whereneithertheenemiesyouhavemademe,northefewfriendsyouhaveleftme,mayeverhearofthesupposedrash-one,tillthosehappymomentsareathand,whichshallexpiateforall!

Ihadnotawordtosayformyself.SuchawarinmymindhadIneverknown.Gratitude,andadmirationoftheexcellentcreaturebeforeme,combatingwithvillanoushabit,withresolutionssopremeditatedlymade,



Vileman--Anddoyou--Andthereagainshestopt.

DoIwhat,Madam?--Andwhyvileman?

Howdareyoucurseanybodyinmypresence?

Othesweetreceder!ButthatwasnottogooffsowithaLovelace.

Whythen,dearestcreature,isthereanybodythatinstigatesyou?--Iftherebe,againIcursethem,betheywhomtheywill.

Shewasinacharmingprettypassion.AndthiswasthefirsttimethatIhadtheoddsinmyfavour.

Well,Madam,itisjustasIthought.AndnowIknowhowtoaccountforatemperthatIhopeisnotnaturaltoyou.

Artfulwretch!andisitthusyouwouldentrapme?Butknow,Sir,thatIreceivedlettersfromnobodybutMissHowe.MissHowelikessomeofyourwaysaslittleasIdo;forIhaveseteverythingbeforeher.Yetsheisthusfaryourenemy,assheismine.ShethinksIcouldnotrefuseyouroffers;butendeavourtomakethebestofmylot.Andnowyouhavethetruth.Wouldtoheavenyouwerecapableofdealingwithequal

sincerity!Iam,Madam.Andhere,onmyknee,Irenewmyvows,andmysupplication,thatyouwillmakemeyour's.Your'sforever.AndletmehavecausetoblessyouandMissHoweinthesamebreath.

Tosaythetruth,Belford,Ihadbeforebeguntothinkthatthevixenofagirl,whocertainlylikesnotHickman,wasinlovewithme.

Rise,Sir,fromyourtoo-readyknees;andmockmenot!

Too-readyknees,thoughtI!Thoughthishumbleposturesolittleaffectsthisproudbeauty,sheknowsnothowmuchIhaveobtainedofothersof

hersex,norhowoftenIhavebeenforgivenforthelastattempts,bykneeling.

Mockyou,Madam!AndIarose,andre-urgedherfortheday.Iblamedmyself,atthesametime,fortheinvitationIhadgiventoLordM.,asitmightsubjectmetodelayfromhisinfirmities:buttoldher,thatIwouldwritetohimtoexcuseme,ifshehadnoobjection;ortogivehimthedayshewouldgiveme,andnotwaitforhim,ifhecouldnotcomeintime.

Myday,Sir,saidshe,isnever.Benotsurprised.Apersonofpolitenessjudgingbetweenus,wouldnotbesurprisedthatIsayso.Butindeed,Mr.Lovelace,[andweptthroughimpatience,]youeitherknownot

howtotreatwithamindoftheleastdegreeofdelicacy,notwithstandingyourbirthandeducation,oryouareanungratefulman;and[afterapause]aworsethanungratefulone.ButIwillretire.Iwillseeyouagainto-morrow.Icannotbefore.IthinkIhateyou.Andif,uponare-examinationofmyownheart,IfindIdo,Iwouldnotfortheworldthatmattersshouldgoonfartherbetweenus.

ButIsee,Isee,shedoesnothateme!Howitwouldmortifymyvanity,ifIthoughttherewasawomanintheworld,muchmorethis,thatcouldhateme!'Tisevident,villainasshethinksme,thatIshouldnotbean



odiousvillain,ifIcouldbutatlastinoneinstanceceasetobeavillain!Shecouldnotholdit,determinedasshehadthoughtherself,Isawbyhereyes,themomentIendeavouredtodissipateherapprehensions,onmytoo-readyknees,asshecallsthem.Themomenttheroughcoveringmyteasingbehaviourhasthrownoverheraffectionsisquiteremoved,Idoubtnottofindallsilkandsilveratthebottom,allsoft,bright,andcharming.

Iwashowevertoomuchvexed,disconcerted,mortified,tohinderherfromretiring.Andyetshehadnotgone,ifDorcashadnotcoughed.

Thewenchcamein,assoonasherladyhadretired,andgavemethecopyshehadtaken.Andwhatshoulditbebutoftheanswerthetrulyadmirablecreaturehadintendedtogivetomywrittenproposalsinrelationtosettlements?

Ihavebutjustdiptmypenintothisaffectingpaper.WereItoreaditattentively,notawinkshouldIsleepthisnight.To-morrowitshallobtainmyseriousconsideration.

LETTERXLVIII

MR.LOVELACE,TOJOHNBELFORD,ESQ.TUESDAYMORNING,MAY23.

Thedearcreaturedesirestobeexcusedseeingmetillevening.Sheisnotverywell,asDorcastellsme.

Readhere,ifthouwilt,thepapertranscribedbyDorcas.ItisimpossiblethatIshouldproceedwithmyprojectsagainstthisadmirablewoman,wereitnotthatIamresolved,afterafewtrialsmore,ifasnoblysustainedasthoseshehaspassedthrough,tomakeher(ifshereallyhatemenot)legallymine.

TOMR.LOVELACE

'Whenawomanismarried,thatsupremeearthlyobligationrequires,thatinallinstances,whereherhusband'srealhonourisconcerned,sheshouldyieldherownwilltohis.But,beforehand,Icouldbeglad,conformablytowhatIhavealwayssignified,tohavethemostexplicitassurances,thateverypossiblewayshouldbetriedtoavoidlitigationwithmyfather.Timeandpatiencewillsubdueallthings.Myprospectsofhappinessareextremelycontracted.Ahusband'srightwillbealwaysthesame.InmylifetimeIcouldwishnothingtobedoneofthissort.Yourcircumstances,Sir,willnotobligeyoutoextortviolentlyfromhimwhatisinhishands.Allthatdependsuponme,eitherwithregardtomy

person,tomydiversions,ortotheeconomythatnomarriedwoman,ofwhateverrankorquality,shouldbeaboveinspecting,shallbedone,topreventanecessityforsuchmeasuresbeingtaken.Andiftherewillbenonecessityforthem,itistobehopedthatmotiveslessexcusablewillnothaveforce--motiveswhichmustbefoundedinalittlenessofmind,whichawoman,whohasnotthatlittlenessofmind,willbeundersuchtemptations,asherdutywillhardlybeableatalltimestocheck,todespiseherhusbandforhaving;especiallyincaseswhereherownfamily,somuchapartofherself,andwhichwillhaveobligationsuponher(thoughthenbutsecondaryones)fromwhichshecanneverbefreed,is



intimatelyconcerned.

'Thisarticle,then,Iurgetoyourmostseriousconsideration,aswhatliesnextmyheart.Ienternothereminutelyintothefatalmisunderstandingbetweenthemandyou:thefaultmaybeinboth.But,Sir,your'swasthefoundation-fault:atleast,yougaveatoo-plausiblepretenceformybrother'santipathytoworkupon.Condescensionwasnopartofyourstudy.Youchosetobeartheimputationslaidtoyourcharge,ratherthantomakeityourendeavourtoobviatethem.

'Butthismayleadintohatefulrecrimination.--Letitberemembered,Iwillonlysay,inthisplace,that,intheireye,youhaverobbedthemofadaughtertheydoatedupon;andthattheirresentmentsonthisoccasionrisebutinproportiontotheirloveandtheirdisappointment.Iftheywerefaultyinsomeofthemeasurestheytook,whiletheythemselvesdidnotthinkso,whoshalljudgeforthem?You,Sir,whowilljudgeeverybodyasyouplease,andwillletnobodyjudgeyouinyourownparticular,mustnotbetheirjudge.--Itmaythereforebeexpectedthattheywillstandout.

'Asformyself,Sir,Imustleaveit(soseemsittobedestined)toyourjustice,totreatmeasyoushallthinkIdeserve:but,ifyourfuturebehaviourtothemisnotgovernedbythatharsh-soundingimplacableness,whichyouchargeuponsomeoftheirtempers,thesplendourofyour

family,andtheexcellentcharacterofsomeofthem(ofallindeed,unlessyourownconsciencefurnishesyouwithoneonlyexception)will,onbetterconsideration,doeverythingwiththem:fortheymaybeovercome;perhaps,however,withthemoredifficulty,asthegreatlyprosperouslessbearcontroulanddisappointmentthanothers:forIwillowntoyou,thatIhaveofteninsecretlamented,thattheirgreatacquirementshavebeenasnaretothem;perhapsasgreatasnare,assomeotheraccidentalshavebeentoyou;whichbeinglessimmediatelyyourowngifts,youhavestilllessreasonthantheytovalueyourselfuponthem.

'Letmeonly,onthissubject,furtherobserve,thatcondescensionisnotmeanness.Thereisagloryinyielding,thathardlyanyviolentspiritcanjudgeof.Mybrother,perhaps,isnomoresensibleofthisthanyou.

Butasyouhavetalents,whichhehasnot,(who,however,has,asIhope,thatregardformorals,thewantofwhichmakesoneofhisobjectionstoyou,)Icouldwishitmaynotbeowingtoyou,thatyourmutualdislikestoeachotherdonotsubside!foritismyearnesthope,thatintimeyoumayseeeachother,withoutexcitingthefearsofawifeandasisterfortheconsequence.NotthatIshouldwishyoutoyieldinpointsthattrulyconcernedyourhonour:no,Sir;Iwouldbeasdelicateinsuch,asyouyourself:moredelicate,Iwillventuretosay,becausemoreuniformlyso.Howvain,howcontemptible,isthatpride,whichshowsitselfinstandingupondiminutiveobservances;andgivesup,andmakesajestof,themostimportantduties!

'ThisarticlebeingconsideredasIwish,alltherestwillbeeasy.

WereItoacceptofthehandsomeseparateprovisionyouseemtointendme;addedtotheconsideratesumsarisenfrommygrandfather'sestatesincehisdeath(moreconsiderablethanperhapsyoumaysupposefromyouroffer);Ishouldthinkitmydutytolayupforthefamilygood,andforunforseenevents,outofit:for,astomydonations,Iwouldgenerallyconfinemyselfinthemtothetenthofmyincome,beitwhatitwould.IaimatnoglareinwhatIdoofthatsort.AllIwishfor,isthepowerofrelievingthelame,theblind,thesick,andtheindustriouspoor,andthosewhomaccidenthasmadeso,orsuddendistressreduced.ThecommonorbredbeggarsIleavetoothers,andtothepublicprovision.They



cannotbelower:perhapstheywishnottobehigher:and,notabletodoforeveryone,Iaimnotatworksofsupererogation.TwohundredpoundsayearwoulddoallIwishtodooftheseparatesort:forallabove,Iwouldcontentmyselftoaskyou;except,mistrustingyourowneconomy,youwouldgiveuptomymanagementandkeeping,inordertoprovideforfuturecontingencies,alargerportion;forwhich,asyoursteward,Iwouldregularlyaccount.

'Astoclothes,Ihaveparticularlytwosuits,which,havingbeenonlyinamannertriedon,wouldanswerforanypresentoccasion.JewelsIhaveofmygrandmother's,whichwantonlynew-setting:anothersetIhave,whichonparticulardaysIusedtowear.Althoughthesearenotsentme,Ihavenodoubt,beingmerelypersonals,buttheywill,whenIshouldsendfortheminanothername:tillwhenIshouldnotchoosetowearany.

'Astoyourcomplaintsofmydiffidences,andthelike,Iappealtoyourownheart,ifitbepossibleforyoutomakemycaseyourownforonemoment,andtoretrospectsomepartsofyourbehaviour,words,andactions,whetherIamnotrathertobejustifiedthancensured:andwhether,ofallthemenintheworld,avowingwhatyouavow,yououghtnottothinkso.Ifyoudonot,letmeadmonishyou,Sir,fromtheverygreatmismatchthatthenmustappeartobeinourminds,nevertoseek,norsomuchastowish,tobringaboutthemostintimateunionofinterestsbetweenyourselfand

CLARISSAHARLOWE.MAY20.'

***

Theoriginalofthischarmingpaper,asDorcastellsme,wastornalmostintwo.Inoneofherpets,Isuppose!Whatbusinesshavethesex,whoseprincipalgloryismeekness,andpatience,andresignation,tobeinapassion,Itrow?--Willnotshewhoallowsherselfsuchlibertiesasamaidentakegreaterwhenmarried?

Andawifetobeinapassion!--Letmetelltheladies,itisanimpudentthing,beggingtheirpardon,andasimprudentasimpudent,forawifetobeinapassion,ifshemeannoteternalseparation,orwickeddefiance,byit:Forisitnotrejectingatonceallthatexpostulatorymeekness,andgentlereasoning,mingledwithsighsasgentle,andgracedwithbentknees,supplicatinghands,andeyeslifteduptoyourimperialcountenance,justrunningover,thatyoushouldmakeareconciliationspeedy,andaslastingasspeedy?Evensupposethehusbandisinthewrong,willnotthisbeingsogivethegreaterforcetoherexpostulation?

NowIthinkofit,amanshouldbeinthewrongnow-and-then,tomakehis

wifeshine.MissHowetellsmycharmer,thatadversityishershining-time.'Tisagenerousthinginamantomakehiswifeshineathisownexpense:togiveherleavetotriumphoverhimbypatientreasoning:forwerehetobetooimperialtoacknowledgehisfaultonthespot,shewillfindthebenefitofherdutyandsubmissioninfuture,andinthehighopinionhewillconceiveofherprudenceandobligingness--andso,bydegrees,shewillbecomehermaster'smaster.

Butforawifetocomeupwithkemboedarm,theotherhandthrownout,perhapswithapointingfinger--Lookyehere,Sir!--Takenotice!--Ifyou



arewrong,I'llbewrong!--Ifyouareinapassion,I'llbeinapassion!--Rebuff,forrebuff,Sir!--Ifyoufly,I'lltear!--Ifyouswear,I'llcurse!--Andthesameroom,andthesamebed,shallnotholdus,Sir!-For,remember,Iammarried,Sir!--Iamawife,Sir!--Youcan'thelpyourself,Sir!--Yourhonour,aswellasyourpeace,isinmykeeping!And,ifyoulikenotthistreatment,youmayhaveworse,Sir!

Ah!Jack!Jack!Whatman,whohasobservedthesethings,eitherimpliedorexpressed,inotherfamilies,wouldwishtobeahusband!

Dorcasfoundthispaperinoneofthedrawersofherlady'sdressing-table.Shewasreperusingit,asshesupposes,whenthehonestwenchcarriedmymessagetodesirehertofavourmeatthetea-table;forshesawherpopapaperintothedrawerasshecamein;andthere,onhermistress'sgoingtomeetmeinthedining-room,shefoundit;andtobethis.

ButIhadbetternottohavehadacopyofit,asfarasIknow:for,determinedasIwasbeforeuponmyoperations,itinstantlyturnedallmyresolutionsinherfavour.YetIwouldgivesomethingtobeconvincedthatshedidnotpopitintoherdrawerbeforethewench,inorderformetoseeit;andperhaps(ifIweretotakenoticeofit)todiscoverwhetherDorcas,accordingtoMissHowe'sadvice,weremostmyfriend,orher's.

Theverysuspicionofthiswilldohernogood:forIcannotbeartobeartfullydealtwith.Peoplelovetoenjoytheirownpeculiartalentsinmonopoly,asargumentsagainstmeinherbehalf.ButIknowevertittlethoucanstsayuponit.Sparethereforethywamblingnonsense,Idesirethee;andleavethissweetexcellenceandmetoourfate:thatwilldetermineforus,asitshallpleaseitself:forasCowleysays,

Anunseenhandmakesallourmoves:Andsomearegreat,andsomearesmall;Someclimbtogood,somefromgreatfortunesfall:Somewisemen,andsomefoolswecall:Figures,alas!ofspeech!--Fordestinyplaysusall.

But,afterall,Iamsorry,almostsorry(forhowshallIdotobequitesorry,whenitisnotgiventometobeso?)thatIcannot,untilIhavemadefurthertrials,resolveuponwedlock.

Ihavejustreadoveragainthisintendedanswertomyproposals:andhowIadoreherforit!

Butyet;anotheryet!--Shehasnotgivenitorsentittome.--Itisnotthereforeheranswer.Itisnotwrittenforme,thoughtome.

Nay,shehasnotintendedtosendittome:shehaseventornit,perhapswithindignation,asthinkingittoogoodforme.Bythisactionshe

absolutelyretractsit.Whythendoesmyfoolishfondnessseektoestablishforherthesamemeritinmyheart,asifsheavowedit?Pr'ythee,dearBelford,oncemore,leaveustoourfate;anddonotthouinterposewiththynonsense,toweakenaspiritalreadytoosqueamish,andstrengthenaconsciencethathasdeclareditselfofherparty.

Thenagain,rememberthyrecentdiscoveries,Lovelace!Rememberherindifference,attendedwithalltheappearanceofcontemptandhatred.Viewher,evennow,wraptupinreserveandmystery;meditatingplots,asfarasthouknowest,againstthesovereigntythouhast,byrightof



conquest,obtainedoverher.Remember,inshort,allthouhastthreatenedtorememberagainstthisinsolentbeauty,whoisarebeltothepowershehaslistedunder.

Butyet,howdostthouproposetosubduethysweetenemy!--Abhorredbeforce,bethenecessityofforce,ifthatcanbeavoided!Thereisnotriumphinforce--noconquestoverthewill--noprevailingbygentledegreesoverthegentlepassions!--forceisthedevil!

Mycursedcharacter,asIhaveoftensaid,wasagainstmeatsettingout--Yetisshenotawoman?CannotIfindoneyieldingorbuthalf-yieldingmoment,ifshedonotabsolutelyhateme?

ButwithwhatcanItempther?--RICHESshewasbornto,anddespises,knowingwhattheyare.JEWELSandornaments,toamindsomuchajewel,andsorichlyset,herworthyconsciousnesswillnotlethervalue.LOVE--ifshebesusceptibleoflove,itseemstobesomuchunderthedirectionofprudence,thatoneunguardedmoment,Ifear,cannotbereasonablyhopedfor:andsomuchVIGILANCE,somuchapprehensiveness,thatherfearsareeveraforehandwithherdangers.ThenherLOVEorVIRTUEseemstobeprinciple,nativeprinciple,or,ifnotnative,sodeeplyrooted,thatitsfibreshavestruckintoherheart,and,asshegrewup,soblendedandtwistedthemselveswiththestringsoflife,thatIdoubtthereisnoseparatingoftheonewithoutcuttingtheothers

asunder.Whatthencanbedonetomakesuchamatchlesscreaturegetoverthefirsttests,inordertoputhertothegrandproof,whetheronceovercome,shewillnotbealwaysovercome?

Ourmotherandhernymphssay,IamaperfectCraven,andnoLovelace:andsoIthink.Butthisisnosimpering,smilingcharmer,asIhavefoundotherstobe,whenIhavetoucheduponaffectingsubjectsatadistance;asonceortwiceIhavetriedtoher,themotherintroducingthem(tomakesexpalliatethefreedomtosex)whenonlywethreetogether.Sheisabovetheaffectationofnotseemingtounderstandyou.Sheshowsbyherdispleasure,andafiercenessnotnaturaltohereye,

thatshejudgesofanimpureheartbyanimpuremouth,anddartsdeadatonceeventheembryohopesofanencroachinglover,howeverdistantlyinsinuated,beforethemeaninghintcandawnintodoubleentendre.

Bymyfaith,Jack,asIsitgazinguponher,mywholesoulinmyeyes,contemplatingherperfections,andthinking,whenIhaveseenhereasyandserene,whatwouldbeherthoughts,didsheknowmyheartaswellasIknowit;whenIbeholdherdisturbedandjealous,andthinkofthejustnessofherapprehensions,andthatshecannotfearsomuchasthereisroomforhertofear;myheartoftenmisgivesme.

Andmust,thinkI,Ocreaturesodivinelyexcellent,andsobelovedofmysoul,thosearms,thoseencirclingarms,thatwouldmakeamonarchhappy,

beusedtorepelbrutalforce;alltheirstrength,unavailinglyperhaps,exertedtorepelit,andtodefendapersonsodelicatelyframed?Canviolenceenterintotheheartofawretch,whomightentitlehimselftoallherwillingyetvirtuouslove,andmaketheblessingsheaspirethafter,herdutytoconfer?--Begone,villain-purposes!Sinkyealltothehellthatcouldonlyinspireye!AndIamthenreadytothrowmyselfatherfeet,toconfessmyvillainousdesigns,toavowmyrepentance,andputitoutofmypowertoactunworthilybysuchanexcellence.

Howthencomesit,thatallthesecompassionate,and,assomewouldcall



them,honestsensibilitiesgooff!--Why,MissHowewilltellthee:shesays,Iamthedevil.--Bymyconscience,Ithinkhehasatpresentagreatshareinme.

There'singenuousness!--HowIlaymyselfopentothee!--Butseestthounot,thatthemoreIsayagainstmyself,thelessroomthereisfortheetotakemetotask?--OBelford,Belford!Icannot,cannot(atleastatpresent)Icannotmarry.

Thenherfamily,mybitterenemies--tosuppletothem,orifIdonot,tomakeherasunhappyasshecanbefrommyattempts----

Thendoesshenotlovethemtoomuch,metoolittle?

Shenowseemstodespiseme:MissHowedeclares,thatshereallydoesdespiseme.TobedespisedbyaWIFE--Whatathoughtisthat!--TobeexcelledbyaWIFEtoo,ineverypartofpraise-worthyknowledge!--Totakelessons,totakeinstructions,fromaWIFE!--Morethandespiseme,sheherselfhastakentimetoconsiderwhethershedoesnothateme:--Ihateyou,Lovelace,withmywholeheart,saidshetomebutyesterday!Mysoulisabovethee,man!--UrgemenottotelltheehowsincerelyIthinkmysoulabovethee!--HowpoorindeedwasIthen,eveninmyownheart!--Sovisibleasuperiority,tosoproudaspiritasmine!--Andherefrombelow,fromBELOWindeed!fromthesewomen!Iamsogoadedon----

Yet'tispoortoo,tothinkmyselfamachineinthehandsofsuchwretches.--Iamnomachine.--Lovelace,thouartbasetothyself,buttosupposethyselfamachine.

Buthavinggonethusfar,Ishouldbeunhappy,ifaftermarriage,inthepetulanceofillhumour,Ihadittoreproachmyself,thatIdidnottryhertotheutmost.AndyetIdon'tknowhowitis,butthislady,themomentIcomeintoherpresence,half-assimilatesmetoherownvirtue.--Onceortwice(tosaynothingofhertriumphovermeonSundaynight)Iwasprevailedupontoflustermyself,withanintentiontomakesomeadvances,which,ifobligedtorecede,Imightlayuponraisedspirits:buttheinstantIbeheldher,Iwassoberizedintoaweandreverence:and

themajestyofherevenvisiblepurityfirstdamped,andthenextinguished,mydoubleflame.

Whatasurprisinglypowerfuleffect,somuchandsolonginmypowershe!soinstigatedbysomeofherownsex,andsostimulatedbypassionI!--HowcanthisbeaccountedforinaLovelace!

ButwhataheapofstuffhaveIwritten!--HowhaveIbeenrunawaywith!--Bywhat?--Canstthousaybywhat?--OthoulurkingvarletessCONSCIENCE!--Isitthouthathastthusmademeofpartyagainstmyself?--Howcamestthouin?--Inwhatdisguise,thouegregioushaunterofmymoreagreeablehours?--Standthou,withfate,butneuterinthiscontroversy;and,ifIcannotdocredittohumannature,andtothefemalesex,bybringingdown

suchanangelasthistoclasswithandadornit,(foradornitshedoesinherveryfoibles,)thenIamallyour's,andneverwillresistyoumore.

HereIarose.Ishookmyself.Thewindowwasopen.Alwaysthetroublesomebosom-visiter,theintruder,isflown.--Iseeityet!--Andnowitlessenstomyachingeye!--Andnowthecleftairisclosedafterit,anditisoutofsight!--andoncemoreIam

ROBERTLOVELACE.



LETTERXLIX


WelldidI,andbutjustintimetoconcludetohavedonewithMrs.Fretchvilleandthehouse:forhereMennellhasdeclared,thathecannotinconscienceandhonourgoanyfarther.--Hewouldnotfortheworldbeaccessorytothedeceivingofsuchalady!--Iwasafooltoleteitheryouorhimseeher;foreversinceyehavebothhadscruples,whichneitherwouldhavehad,wereawomantohavebeeninthequestion.

Well,Ican'thelpit!

Mennellhas,however,thoughwithsomereluctance,consentedtowritemealetter,providedIwillallowittobethelaststepheshalltakeinthisaffair.

Ipresumed,Itoldhim,thatifIcouldcauseMrs.Fretchville'swomantosupplyhisplace,hewouldhavenoobjectiontothat.

None,hesays--Butisitnotpity--

Apitifulfellow!Sucharidiculouskindofpityhis,asthosesillysoulshave,whowouldnotkillaninnocentchickenfortheworld;butwhenkilledtotheirhands,arealwaysthemostgreedydevourersofit.

Nowthislettergivestheservantthesmall-pox:andshehasgivenittoherunhappyvapourishlady.Vapourishpeopleareperpetualsubjectsfordiseasestoworkupon.Namebutthemalady,anditistheirsinamoment.Everfittedforinoculation.--Thephysicaltribe'smilch-cows.--Avapourishorspleneticpatientisafiddleforthedoctors;andtheyareeternallyplayinguponit.Sweetmusicdoesitmakethem.Alltheir

difficulty,exceptacaseextraordinaryhappens,(aspoorMrs.Fretchville's,whohasrealizedherapprehensions,)isbuttoholdtheircountenance,whiletheirpatientisdrawingupabillofindictmentagainsthimself;--andwhentheyhaveheardit,proceedtopunish--therightwordforprescribe.Whyshouldtheynot,whenthecriminalhasconfessedhisguilt?--Andpunishtheygenerallydowithavengeance.

Yet,sillytoadstoo,nowIthinkofit.Forwhy,whentheyknowtheycannotdogood,maytheynotaswellendeavourtogratify,astonauseate,thepatient'spalate?

WereIaphysician,I'dgetallthetradetomyself:forMalmsey,andCyprus,andthegenerousproductoftheCape,alittledisguised,should

bemyprincipaldoses:asthesewouldcreatenewspirits,howwouldtherevivedpatientcovetthephysic,andadorethedoctor!

Givealltheparadersofthefacultywhomthouknowestthishint.--Therecouldbutoneinconveniencearisefromit.TheAPOTHECARIESwouldfindtheirmedicinescostthemsomething:butthedemandforquantitieswouldanswerthat:sincethehonestNURSEwouldbethepatient'staster;perpetuallyrequiringrepetitionsofthelastcordialjulap.

Well,buttotheletter--Yetwhatneedoffurtherexplanationafterthe



hintsinmyformer?Thewidowcan'tberemoved;andthat'senough:andMennell'sworkisover;andhisconsciencelefttoplaguehimforhisownsins,andnotanotherman's:and,verypossibly,plagueenoughwillgivehimforthose.

Thisletterisdirected,ToRobertLovelace,Esq.or,inhisabsence,tohisLady.Shehasrefuseddiningwithme,orseeingme:andIwasoutwhenitcame.Sheopenedit:soismyladybyherownconsent,proudandsaucyassheis.

Iamgladatmyheartthatitcamebeforeweentirelymakeup.Shewouldelseperhapshaveconcludedittobecontrivedforadelay:andnow,moreover,wecanaccommodateouroldandnewquarrelstogether;andthat'scontrivance,youknow.ButhowisherdearhaughtyhearthumbledtowhatitwaswhenIknewherfirst,thatshecanapprehendanydelaysfromme;andhavenothingtodobuttovexatthem!

Icameintodinner.Shesentmedowntheletter,desiringmyexcuseforopeningit.--Diditbeforeshewasaware.Lady-pride,Belford!recollection,thenretrogradation!

Irequestedtoseeheruponitthatmoment.--Butshedesirestosuspendourinterviewtillmorning.Iwillbringhertoown,beforeIhavedonewithher,thatshecan'tseemetoooften.

Myimpatiencewassogreat,onanoccasionsounexpected,thatIcouldnothelpwritingtotellher,'howmuchvexedIwasattheaccident:butthatitneednotdelaymyhappyday,asthatdidnotdependuponthehouse.[Sheknewthatbefore,she'llthink;andsodidI.]AndasMrs.Fretchville,byMr.Mennell,sohandsomelyexpressedherconcernuponit,andherwishesthatitcouldsuitustobearwiththeunavoidabledelay,Ihoped,thatgoingdowntoTheLawnfortwoorthreeofthesummer-months,whenIwasmadethehappiestofmen,wouldbefavourabletoallround.'

Thedearcreaturetakesthisincidenttoheart,Ibelieve:Shehassentwordtomyrepeatedrequesttoseehernotwithstandingherdenial,that

shecannottillthemorning:itshallbethenatsixo'clock,ifIplease!

TobesureIdoplease!

Canseeherbutonceadaynow,Jack!

DidItellthee,thatIwrotealettertomycousinMontague,wonderingthatIheardnotfromLordM.asthesubjectwassoveryinteresting!InitIacquaintedherwiththehouseIwasabouttaking;andwithMrs.Fretchville'svapourishdelays.

Iwasverylothtoengagemyownfamily,eithermanorwoman,inthis

affair;butImusttakemymeasuressecurely:andalreadytheyallthinkasbadofmeastheywellcan.YouobservebymyLordM.'slettertoyourself,thatthewell-manner'dpeerisafraidIshouldplaythisadmirablecreatureoneofmyusualdog'stricks.

IhavereceivedjustnowananswerfromCharlotte.

Charloti'n'twell.Astomachdisorder!

Nowonderagirl'sstomachshouldplagueher.Asinglewoman;that'sit.



Whenshehasamantoplague,itwillhavesomethingbesidesitselftopreyupon.Knowestthounotmoreover,thatmanisthewoman'ssun;womanistheman'searth?--Howdreary,howdesolate,theearth,thatthesunsshinesnotupon!

PoorCharlotte!ButIheardshewasnotwell:thatencouragedmetowritetoher;andtoexpressmyselfalittleconcerned,thatshehadnot,ofherownaccord,thoughtofavisitintowntomycharmer.

Herefollowsacopyofherletter.Thouwiltseebyitthateverylittlemonkeyistocatechiseme.Theyalldependuponmygood-nature.

M.HALL,MAY22.

DEARCOUSIN,

Wehavebeenindailyhopeforalongtime,Imustcallit,ofhearingthatthehappyknotwastied.MyLordhasbeenverymuchoutoforder:andyetnothingwouldservehim,buthewouldhimselfwriteananswertoyourletter.Itwastheonlyopportunityheshouldeverhave,perhaps,tothrowinalittlegoodadvicetoyou,withthehopeofitsbeingofanysignification;andhehasbeenseveralhoursinaday,ashisgoutwouldlethim,busiedinit.Itwantsnowonlyhislastrevisal.He

hopesitwillhavethegreaterweightwithyou,asitappearallinhisownhand-writing.

Indeed,Mr.Lovelace,hisworthyheartiswraptupinyou.Iwishyoulovedyourselfbuthalfaswell.ButIbelievetoo,thatifallthefamilylovedyouless,youwouldloveyourselfmore.

HisLordshiphasbeenverybusy,atthetimeshecouldnotwrite,inconsultingPritchardaboutthoseestateswhichheproposestotransfertoyouonthehappyoccasion,thathemayansweryourletterinthemostacceptablemanner;andshow,byeffects,howkindlyhetakesyourinvitation.Iassureyouheismightyproudofit.

Asformyself,Iamnotatallwell,andhavenotbeenforsomeweekspast,withmyoldstomach-disorder.IhadcertainlyelsebeforenowhavedonemyselfthehonouryouwonderIhavenotdonemyself.LadyBetty,whowouldhaveaccompaniedme,(forwehavelaiditallout,)hasbeenexceedinglybusyinherlaw-affair;herantagonist,whoisactuallyonthespot,havingbeenmakingproposalsforanaccommodation.Butyoumayassureyourself,thatwhenourdearrelation-electshallbeentereduponthenewhabitationyoutellmeof,wewilldoourselvesthehonourofvisitingher;andifanydelayarisesfromthedearlady'swantofcourage,(whichconsideringherman,letmetellyou,mayverywellbe,)wewillendeavourtoinspireherwithit,andbesponsorsforyou;--for,cousin,Ibelieveyouhaveneedtobechristenedoveragainbeforeyouareentitledtosogreatablessing.Whatthinkyou?

Justnow,myLordtellsme,hewilldispatchamanonpurposewithhisletterto-morrow:soIneedednottohavewritten.ButnowIhave,letitgo;andbyEmpson,whosetsoutdirectlyonhisreturntotown.

Mybestcompliments,andsister's,tothemostdeservingladyintheworld[youwillneednootherdirectiontothepersonmeant]concludeme

Youraffectionatecousinandservant,CHARL.MONTAGUE.



***

Thouseesthowseasonablythislettercomes.IhopemyLordwillwritenothingbutwhatImayshowtomybeloved.IhaveactuallysentherupthisletterofCharlotte's,andhopeforhappyeffectsfromit.

R.L.

***

[TheLady,inhernextletter,givesMissHoweanaccountofwhatpassedbetweenMr.Lovelaceandherself.Sheresentshisbehaviourwithherusualdignity.ButwhenshecomestomentionMr.Mennell'sletter,shere-urgesMissHowetoperfectherschemeforherdeliverance;beingresolvedtoleavehim.But,datingagain,onhissendinguptoherMissMontague'sletter,shealtershermind,anddesireshertosuspendforthepresentherapplicationtoMrs.Townsend.]

Ihadbegun,saysshe,tosuspectallhehadsaidofMrs.Fretchvilleand

herhouse;andevenMr.Mennellhimself,thoughsowell-appearingaman.ButnowthatIfindMr.Lovelacehasapprizedhisrelationsofhisintenttotakeit,andhadengagedsomeoftheladiestovisitmethere,Icouldhardlyforbearblamingmyselfforcensuringhimascapableofsovileanimposture.Butmayhenotthankhimselfforactingsoveryunaccountably,andtakingsuchneedlessly-awrysteps,ashehaddone,embarrassing,asItoldhim,hisownmeanings,iftheyweregood?

LETTERL


WEDNESDAY,MAY24.

[Hegiveshisfriendanaccountoftheirinterviewthatmorning;andofthehappyeffectsofhiscousinMontague'sletterinhisfavour.Herreserves,however,hetellshim,arenotabsolutelybanished.Butthisheimputestoform.]

Itisnotinthepowerofwoman,sayshe,tobealtogethersincereontheseoccasions.Butwhy?--Dotheythinkitsogreatadisgracetobefoundouttobereallywhattheyare?

IregrettedtheillnessofMrs.Fretchville;astheintentionIhadto

fixherdearselfinthehousebeforethehappyknotwastied,wouldhavesetherinthatindependenceinappearance,aswellasfact,whichwasnecessarytoshowtoalltheworldthatherchoicewasfree;andastheladiesofmyfamilywouldhavebeenproudtomaketheircourttoherthere,whilethesettlementsandourequipageswerepreparing.But,onanyotheraccount,therewasnogreatmatterinit;sincewhenmyhappydaywasover,wecould,withsomuchconvenience,godowntoTheLawn,tomyLordM.'s,andtoLadySarah'sorLadyBetty's,inturn;whichwouldgivefulltimetoprovideourselveswithservantsandotheraccommodations.



Howsweetlythecharmerlistened!

Iaskedher,ifshehadhadthesmall-pox?

Tenthousandpoundstheworseinmyestimation,thoughtI,ifshehasnot;fornooneofhercharminggracescanIdispensewith.

'TwasalwaysadoubtfulpointwithhermotherandMrs.Norton,sheowned.Butalthoughshewasnotafraidofit,shechosenotunnecessarilytorushintoplaceswhereitwas.

Right,thoughtI--Else,Isaid,itwouldnothavebeenamissforhertoseethehousebeforeshewentintothecountry;forifshelikeditnot,Iwasnotobligedtohaveit.

Sheasked,ifshemighttakeacopyofMissMontague'sletter?

Isaid,shemightkeeptheletteritself,andsendittoMissHowe,ifshepleased;forthat,Isuppose,washerintention.

Shebowedherheadtome.

There,Jack!Ishallhavehercourtesytomeby-and-by,Iquestionnot.

Whata-devilhadItodo,toterrifythesweetcreaturebymytermagantprojects!--Yetitwasnotamiss,Ibelieve,tomakeherafraidofme.Shesays,Iamanunpoliteman.Andeverypoliteinstancefromsuchaoneisdeemedafavour.

Talkingofthesettlements,ItoldherIhadratherthatPritchard(mentionedbymycousinCharlotte)hadnotbeenconsultedonthisoccasion.Pritchard,indeed,wasaveryhonestman;andhadbeenforagenerationinthefamily;andknewoftheestates,andtheconditionofthem,betterthaneithermyLordormyself:butPritchard,likeotheroldmen,wasdiffidentandslow;andvaluedhimselfuponhisskillasadraughts-man;and,forthesakeofthepaltryreputation,musthaveallhisformspreserved,wereanimperialcrowntodependuponhisdispatch.

Ikissedherunrepulsinghandnolessthanfivetimesduringthisconversation.Lord,Jack,howmygenerousheartranover!--Shewasquiteobligingatparting.--Sheinamanneraskedmeleavetoretire;toreperuseCharlotte'sletter.--Ithinkshebentherkneestome;butIwon'tbesure.--Howhappymightwebothhavebeenlongago,hadthedearcreaturebeenalwaysascomplaisanttome!ForIdoloverespect,and,whetherIdeserveitornot,alwayshadit,tillIknewthisproudbeauty.

Andnow,Belford,areweinatrain,orthedeuceisinit.Everyfortifiedtownhasitsstronganditsweakplace.Ihavecarriedonmyattacksagainsttheimpregnableparts.IhavenotdoubtbutIshall

eithershineorsmuggleheroutofhercloke,sincesheandMissHowehaveintendedtoemployasmuggleragainstme.--AllwewaitfornowismyLord'sletter.

ButIhadliketohaveforgottotellthee,thatwehavebeennotalittlealarmed,bysomeinquiriesthathavebeenmadeaftermeandmybelovedbyamanofgoodappearance;whoyesterdayprocuredatradesmanintheneighbourhoodtosendforDorcas:ofwhomheaskedseveralquestionsrelatingtous;particularly(asweboardedandlodgedinonehouse)whetherweweremarried?



Thishasgivenmybelovedgreatuneasiness.AndIcouldnothelpobservinguponit,toher,howrightathingitwasthatwehadgivenoutbelowthatweweremarried.Theinquiry,mostprobably,Isaid,wasfromherbrother'squarter;andnowperhapsthatourmarriagewasowned,weshouldhearnomoreofhismachinations.Theperson,itseems,wascurioustoknowthedaythattheceremonywasperformed.ButDorcasrefusedtogivehimanyotherparticularsthanthatweweremarried;andshewasthemorereserved,ashedeclinedtotellherthemotivesofhisinquiry.

LETTERLI

MR.LOVELACE,TOJOHNBELFORD,ESQ.MAY24.

Thedeviltakethisuncleofmine!HehasatlastsentmealetterwhichIcannotshow,withoutexposingtheheadofourfamilyforafool.Aconfoundedparcelofpop-gunshasheletoffuponme.Iwasinhopeshehadexhaustedhiswholestockofthissortinhislettertoyou.--Tokeepitback,todelaysendingit,tillhehadrecollectedallthisfarragoof

nonsense--confoundhiswisdomofnations,ifsomuchofitistobescrapedtogether,indisgraceofitself,tomakeoneegregioussimpleton!--ButIamgladIamfortifiedwiththispieceofflagrantfolly,however;since,inallhumanaffairs,theconvenientaresomingled,thatthereisnohavingtheonewithouttheother.

Ihavealreadyofferedthebillenclosedinittomybeloved;andreadtoherpartoftheletter.Butsherefusedthebill:and,asIamincashmyself,Ishallreturnit.Sheseemedverydesiroustoperusethewholeletter.AndwhenItoldher,that,wereitnotforexposingthewriter,Iwouldobligeher,shesaid,itwouldnotbeexposinghisLordshiptoshowittoher;andthatshealwayspreferredthehearttothehead.Iknewhermeaning;butdidnotthankherforit.

AllthatmakesformeinitIwilltranscribeforher--yet,hangit,sheshallhavetheletter,andmysoulwithit,foroneconsentingkiss.

***

Shehasgottheletterfrommewithoutthereward.Deucetakeme,ifIhadthecouragetoproposethecondition.Anewcharacterthisofbashfulnessinthyfriend.Isee,thatatrulymodestwomanmaymakeevenaconfidentmankeephisdistance.Bymysoul,Belford,Ibelieve,thatninewomeninten,whofall,falleitherfromtheirownvanityor

levity,orforwantofcircumspectionandproperreserves.

***

Ididintendtotakemyrewardonherreturningalettersofavourabletousboth.Butshesentittome,sealedup,byDorcas.Imighthavethoughtthatthereweretwoorthreehintsinit,thatshewouldbetooniceimmediatelytoappearto.Isendittothee;andherewillstop,



togivetheetimetoreadit.Returnitassoonasthouhastperusedit.

LETTERLII

LORDM.TOROBERTLOVELACE,ESQ.TUESDAY,MAY23.

Itisalonglanethathasnoturning.--Donotdespisemeformyproverbs--youknowIwasalwaysfondofthem;andifyouhadbeensotoo,itwouldhavebeenthebetterforyou,letmetellyou.Idareswear,thefineladyyouaresolikelytobesoonhappywith,willbefarfromdespisingthem;forIamtold,thatshewriteswell,andthatallherlettersarefullofsentences.Godconvertyou!fornobodybutheandthisladycan.

Ihavenomannerofdoubtbutthatyouwillmarry,asyourfather,andallyourancestors,didbeforeyou:elseyouwouldhavehadnotitletobemyheir;norcanyourdescendantshaveanytitletobeyour's,unlesstheyarelegitimate;that'sworthyourremembrance,Sir!--Nomanisalwaysafool,everymanissometimes.--Butyourfollies,Ihope,arenowatanend.

Iknow,youhavevowedrevengeagainstthisfinelady'sfamily:butnomoreofthat,now.Youmustlookuponthemallasyourrelations;andforgiveandforget.Andwhentheyseeyoumakeagoodhusbandandagoodfather,[whichGodsend,foralloursakes!]theywillwonderattheirnonsensicalantipathy,andbegyourpardon:Butwhiletheythinkyouavilefellow,andarake,howcantheyeitherloveyou,orexcusetheirdaughter?

AndmethinksIcouldwishtogiveawordofcomforttothelady,who,doubtless,mustbeundergreatfears,howsheshallbeabletoholdinsuchawildcreatureasyouhavehithertobeen.Iwouldhinttoher,thatbystrongarguments,andgentlewords,shemaydoanythingwith

you;forthoughyouareapttobehot,gentlewordswillcoolyou,andbringyouintothetemperthatisnecessaryforyourcure.

WouldtoGod,mypoorlady,youraunt,whoisdeadandgone,hadbeenaproperpatientforthesameremedy!Godresthersoul!Noreflectionsuponhermemory!Worthisbestknownbywant!Iknowher'snow;andifIhadwentfirst,shewouldbythistimehaveknownmine.

Thereisgreatwisdominthatsaying,Godsendmeafriend,thatmaytellmeofmyfaults:ifnot,anenemy,andhewill.NotthatIamyourenemy;andthatyouwellknow.Themorenobleanyoneis,themorehumble;sobearwithme,ifyouwouldbethoughtnoble.--AmInotyouruncle?anddoInotdesigntobebettertoyouthanyourfathercouldbe?

Nay,Iwillbeyourfathertoo,whenthehappydaycomes;sinceyoudesireit:andpraymakemycomplimentstomydearniece;andtellher,Iwondermuchthatshehassolongdeferredyourhappiness.

PrayletherknowasthatIwillpresentHER(notyou)eithermyLancashireseatorTheLawninHertfordshire,andsettleuponherathousandpoundsayearpenny-rents;toshowher,thatwearenotafamilytotakebaseadvantages:andyoumayhavewritingsdrawn,andsettleasyouwill.--HonestPritchardhastherent-rollofboththeseestates;andashehasbeenagoodoldservant,Irecommendhimtoyourlady'sfavour.



Ihavealreadyconsultedhim:hewilltellyouwhatisbestforyou,andmostpleasingtome.

Iamstillverybadwithmygout,butwillcomeinalitter,assoonasthedayisfixed;itwouldbethejoyofmyhearttojoinyourhands.And,letmetellyou,ifyoudonotmakethebestofhusbandstosogoodayounglady,andonewhohashadsomuchcourageforyoursake,Iwillrenounceyou;andsettleallIcanuponherandher'sbyyou,andleaveyououtofthequestion.

Ifanythingbewantingforyourfurthersecurity,Iamreadytogiveit;thoughyouknow,thatmywordhasalwaysbeenlookeduponasmybond.AndwhentheHarlowesknowallthis,letusseewhethertheyareabletoblush,andtakeshametothemselves.

LadySarahandLadyBettywantonlytoknowtheday,tomakeallthecountryroundthemblaze,andalltheirtenantsmad.And,ifanyoneofminebesoberupontheoccasion,Pritchardshallejecthim.And,onthebirthofthefirstchild,ifason,Iwilldosomethingmoreforyou,andrepeatallourrejoicings.

Ioughtindeedtohavewrittensooner.ButIknew,thatifyouthoughtmelong,andwereinhasteastoyournuptials,youwouldwriteandtellmeso.Butmygoutwasverytroublesome:andIambutaslowwriter,you

know,atbest:forcomposingisathingthat,thoughformerlyIwasveryreadyatit,(asmyLordLexingtonusedtosay,)yethavingleftitoffagreatwhile,Iamnotsonow.AndIchose,onthisoccasion,towritealloutofmyownhandandmemory;andtogiveyoumybestadvice;forImayneverhavesuchanopportunityagain.Youhavehad[Godmendyou!]astrangewayofturningyourbackuponallIhavesaid:thisonce,Ihope,youwillbemoreattentivetotheadviceIgiveyouforyourowngood.

Ihavestillanotherend;nay,twootherends.

Theonewas,thatnowyouareuponthebordersofwedlock,asImaysay,andallyourwildoatswillbesown,Iwouldgiveyousomeinstructionsastoyourpublicaswellasprivatebehaviourinlife;which,intending

yousomuchgoodasIdo,yououghttohear;andperhapswouldneverhavelistenedto,onanylessextraordinaryoccasion.

Thesecondis,thatyourdearlady-elect(whoisitseemsherselfsofineandsosententiousawriter)willseebythis,thatitisnotourfaults,norforwantofthebestadvice,thatyouwasnotabettermanthanyouhavehithertobeen.

Andnow,inafewwords,fortheconductIwouldwishyoutofollowinpublic,aswellasinprivate,ifyouwouldthinkmeworthyofadvising.--Itshallbeshort;sobenotuneasy.

Astotheprivatelife:Loveyourladyasshedeserves.Letyouractions

praiseyou.Beagoodhusband;andsogivethelietoallyourenemies;andmakethemashamedoftheirscandals.Andletushaveprideinsaying,thatMissHarlowehasnotdoneeitherherselforfamilyanydiscreditbycomingamongus.Dothis;andI,andLadySarah,andLadyBetty,willloveyouforever.

Astoyourpublicconduct:ThisasfollowsiswhatIcouldwish:butIreckonyourlady'swisdomwillputusbothright--nodisparagement,Sir;since,withallyourwit,youhavenothithertoshownmuchwisdom,youknow.



Getintoparliamentassoonasyoucan:foryouhavetalonstomakeagreatfigurethere.Whosopropertoassistinmakingnewholdinglaws,asthosewhomnolawinbeingcouldhold?

Then,forsolongasyouwillgiveattendanceinSt.Stephen'schapel--itsbeingcalledachapel,Ihope,willnotdisgustyou:IamsureIhaveknownmanyariotthere--aspeakerhasahardtimeofit!butwepeershavemoredecorum--ButwhatwasIgoingtosay?--Imustgoback.

Forsolongasyouwillgiveyourattendanceinparliament,forsolongwillyoubeoutofmischief;outofprivatemischief,atleast:andmaySt.Stephen'sfatebeyour's,ifyouwilfullydopublicmischief!

Whenanewelectioncomes,youwillhavetwoorthreeboroughs,youknow,tochooseoutof:--butifyoustaytillthen,Ihadratheryouwerefortheshire.

Youwillhaveinterestenough,Iamsure;andbeingsohandsomeaman,thewomenwillmaketheirhusbandsvoteforyou.

Ishalllongtoreadyourspeeches.Iexpectyouwillspeak,ifoccasionoffer,theveryfirstday.Youwantnocourage,andthinkhighlyenoughofyourself,andlowlyenoughofeverybodyelse,tospeakonall

occasions.Astothemethodsofthehouse,youhavespiritenough,Ifear,tobetoomuchabovethem:takecareofthat.--Idon'tsomuchfearyourwantofgood-manners.Tomen,youwantnodecency,iftheydon'tprovokeyou:astothat,Iwishyouwouldonlylearntobeaspatientofcontradictionfromothers,asyouwouldhaveotherpeoplebetoyou.

AlthoughIwouldnothaveyoutobeacourtier;neitherwouldIhaveyoutobeamalcontent.Iremember(forIhaveitdown)whatmyoldfriendArchibaldHutchesonsaid;anditwasaverygoodsaying--(toMr.SecretaryCraggs,Ithinkitwas)--'Ilookuponanadministration,asentitledtoeveryvoteIcanwithgoodconsciencegiveit;forahouseof

commonsshouldnotneedlesslyputdragsuponthewheelsofgovernment:andwhenIhavenotgivenitmyvote,itwaswithregret:and,formycountry'ssake,IwishedwithallmyheartthemeasurehadbeensuchasIcouldhaveapproved.'

Andanothersayinghehad,whichwasthis:'Neithercananopposition,neithercanaministry,bealwayswrong.Tobeaplumbmanthereforewitheither,isaninfalliblemark,thatthatmanmustmeanmoreandworsethanhewillownhedoesmean.'

Arethesesayingsbad,Sir?aretheytobedespised?--Well,then,whyshouldIbedespisedforrememberingthem,andquotingthem,asIlovetodo?Letmetellyou,ifyoulovedmycompanymorethanyoudo,youwould

notbetheworseforit.Imaysaysowithoutanyvanity;sinceitisothermen'swisdom,andnotmyown,thatIamsofondof.

Buttoaddawordortwomoreonthisoccasion;andImayneverhavesuchanother;foryoumustreadthisthrough--Lovehonestmen,andherdwiththem,inthehouseandoutofthehouse;bywhatevernamestheybedignifiedordistinguished:Keepgoodmencompany,andyoushallbeoutoftheirnumber.ButdidI,ordidInot,writethisbefore?--Writing,atsomanydifferenttimes,andsuchaquantity,onemayforget.



YoumaycomeinforthetitlewhenIamdeadandgone--Godhelpme!--SoIwouldhaveyoukeepanequilibrium.Ifonceyougetthenameofbeingafinespeaker,youmayhaveanything:and,tobesure,youhavenaturallyagreatdealofelocution;atonguethatwoulddeludeanangel,asthewomensay--totheirsorrow,someofthem,poorcreatures!--Aleadingmaninthehouseofcommonsisaveryimportantcharacter;becausethathousehasthegivingofmoney:andmoneymakesthemaretogo;ay,andqueensandkingstoo,sometimes,togoinamannerverydifferentfromwhattheymightotherwisechoosetogo,letmetellyou.

However,methinks,Iwouldnothaveyoutakeaplaceneither--itwilldoubleyourvalue,andyourinterest,ifitbebelieved,thatyouwillnot:for,asyouwillthenstandinnoman'sway,youwillhavenoenvy;butpuresterlingrespect;andbothsideswillcourtyou.

Foryourpart,youwillnotwantaplace,assomeothersdo,topieceuptheirbrokenfortunes.Ifyoucannowlivereputablyupontwothousandpoundsayear,itwillbehardifyoucannothereafterliveuponsevenoreight--lessyouwillnothave,ifyouobligeme;asnow,bymarryingsofinealady,verymuchyouwill--andallthis,andaboveLadyBetty'sandLadySarah'sfavours!What,inthenameofwonder,couldpossiblypossesstheproudHarlowes!--Thatson,thatsonoftheirs!--But,forhisdearsister'ssake,Iwillsaynomoreofhim.

Ineverwasofferedaplacemyself:andtheonlyoneIwouldhavetaken,hadIbeenofferedit,wasmasterofthebuckhounds;forIlovedhuntingwhenIwasyoung;anditcarriesagoodsoundwithitforuswholiveinthecountry.OftenhaveIthoughtofthatexcellentoldadage;Hethateatstheking'sgoose,shallbechokedwithhisfeathers.IwishtotheLord,thiswasthoroughlyconsideredbyplace-hunters!itwouldbebetterforthem,andfortheirpoorfamilies.

Icouldsayagreatdealmore,andallequallytothepurpose.ButreallyIamtired;andsoIdoubtareyou.Andbesides,Iwouldreservesomethingforconversation.

MyniecesMontague,andLadySarahandLadyBetty,joinincomplimentsto

myniecethatistobe.Ifshewouldchoosetohavetheknottiedamongus,praytellherthatweshallallseeitsecurelydone:andwewillmakeallthecountryringandblazeforaweektogether.ButsoIbelieveIsaidbefore.

Ifanythingfurthermaybeneedfultowardpromotingyourreciprocalfelicity,letmeknowit;andhowyouorderabouttheday;andallthat.Theenclosedbillisverymuchatyourservice.'Tispayableatsight,aswhateverelseyoumayhaveoccasionforshallbe.

SoGodblessyouboth;andmakethingsasconvenienttomygoutasyoucan;though,beitwheneveritwill,Iwillhobbletoyou;forIlongtoseeyou;andstillmoretoseemyniece;andam(inexpectationofthat

happyopportunity)

YourmostaffectionateUncleM.

LETTERLIII




THURSDAY,MAY25.

Thouseest,Belford,howwenowdrivebeforethewind.--Thedearcreaturenowcomesalmostatthefirstword,wheneverIdesirethehonourofhercompany.Itoldherlastnight,thatapprehendingdelayfromPritchard'sslowness,IwasdeterminedtoleaveittomyLordtomakehiscomplimentsinhisownway;andhadactuallythatafternoonputmywritingsintothehandsofaveryeminentlawyer,CounsellorWillians,withdirectionsforhimtodrawupsettlementsfrommyownestate,andconformablytothoseofmymother!whichIputintohishandsatthesametime.Ithadbeen,Iassuredher,nosmallpartofmyconcern,thatherfrequentdispleasure,andourmutualmisapprehensions,hadhinderedmefromadvisingwithherbeforeonthissubject.Indeed,indeed,mydearestlife,saidI,youhavehithertoaffordedmebutaverythornycourtship.

Shewassilent.Kindlysilent.ForwellknowI,thatshecouldhaverecriminateduponmewithavengeance.ButIwaswillingtoseeifshewerenotlothtodisobligemenow.Icomfortedmyself,Isaid,withthehopesthatallmydifficultieswerenowover;andthateverypastdisobligationswouldbeburiedinoblivion.

Now,Belford,IhaveactuallydepositedthesewritingswithCounsellorWilliams;andIexpectthedraughtsinaweekatfarthest.Soshallbe

doublyarmed.ForifIattempt,andfail,theseshallbereadytothrowin,tomakeherhavepatiencewithmetillIcantryagain.

Ihavemorecontrivancesstillinembryo.Icouldtelltheeofanhundred,andyetholdanotherhundredinpetto,topopinasIgoalong,toexcitethysurprize,andtokeepupthyattention.Norravethouatme;but,ifthouartmyfriend,thinkofMissHowe'sletters,andofhersmugglingscheme.Allowingtomyfaircaptive'sinformationsincitements.AmInotavillain,afool,aBeelzebub,withthemalready?--Yetnoharmdonebyme,norsomuchasattempted?

Everythingofthisnature,thedearcreatureanswered,(withadowncasteye,andablushingcheek,)shelefttome.

IproposedmyLord'schapelforthecelebration,wherewemighthavethepresenceofLadyBetty,LadySarah,andmytwocousinsMontague.

Sheseemednottofavourapubliccelebration!andwavedthissubjectforthepresent.IdoubtednotbutshewouldbeaswillingasItodeclineapublicwedding;soIpressednotthismatterfartherjustthen.

ButpatternsIactuallyproduced;andajewellerwastobringasthisdayseveralsetsofjewelsforherchoice.Butthepatternsshewouldnotopen.Shesighedatthementionofthem:thesecondpatterns,shesaid,thathadbeenofferedtoher:*andveryperemptorilyforbidthejeweller'scoming;aswellasdeclinedmyofferofcausingmymother'sto

benew-set,atleastforthepresent.

*SeeVol.I.LetterXLI.

Idoassurethee,Belford,Iwasinearnestinallthis.Mywholeestateisnothingtome,putincompetitionwithherhoped-forfavour.

Shethentoldme,thatshehadputintowritingheropinionofmygeneral



proposals;andtherehadexpressedhermindastoclothesandjewels:butonmystrangebehaviourtoher(fornocausethatsheknewof)onSundaynight,shehadtornthepaperintwo.

Iearnestlypressedhertoletmebefavouredwithasightofthispaper,tornasitwas.And,aftersomehesitation,shewithdrew,andsentittomebyDorcas.

Iperuseditagain.Itwasinamannernewtome,thoughIhadreaditsolately:and,bymysoul,Icouldhardlystandit.AnhundredadmirablecreaturesIcalledhertomyself.ButIchargethee,writenotawordtomeinherfavour,ifthoumeanestherwell;for,ifIspareher,itmustbeallexmeromotu.

Youmayeasilysuppose,whenIwasre-admittedtoherpresence,thatIranoverinherpraises,andinvowsofgratitude,andeverlastinglove.Buthere'sthedevil;shestillreceivesallIsaywithreserve;orifitbenotwithreserve,shereceivesitsomuchasherdue,thatsheisnotatallraisedbyit.Somewomenareundonebypraise,byflattery.Imyself,aman,amproudofpraise.Perhapsthouwiltsay,thatthosearemostproudofitwholeastdeserveit;asthoseareofrichesandgrandeurwhoarenotborntoeither.Iown,thattobesuperiortothesefoibles,itrequiresasoul.HaveInotthenasoul?--Surely,Ihave.--Letmethenbeconsideredasanexceptiontotherule.

NowhaveIfoundationtogouponinmyterms.MyLord,intheexuberanceofhisgenerosity,mentionsathousandpoundsayearpenny-rents.ThisIknow,thatwereItomarrythislady,hewouldrathersettleuponherallhehasamindtosettle,thanuponme.Hehaseventthreatened,thatifIprovenotagoodhusbandtoher,hewillleaveallhecanathisdeathfrommetoher.Yetconsidersnotthatawomansoperfectcanneverbedispleasedwithherhusbandbuttohisdisgrace:Forwhowillblameher?--AnotherreasonwhyaLOVELACEshouldnotwishtomarryaCLARISSA.

Butwhataprettyfellowofanuncleisthisfoolishpeer,tothinkofmakingawifeindependentofheremperor,andarebelofcourse;yetsmartedhimselfforanerrorofthiskind!

Mybeloved,inhertornpaper,mentionsbuttwohundredpoundsayear,forherseparateuse.Iinsisteduponhernamingalargersum.Shesaiditmightbethree;andI,forfearsheshouldsuspectverylargeoffers,namedonlyfive;butaddedtheentiredisposalofallarrearsinherfather'shandsforthebenefitofMrs.Norton,orwhomshepleased.

Shesaid,thatthegoodwomanwouldbeuneasyifanythingmorethanacompetencyweredoneforher.Shewasmoreforsuitingallherdispositionsofthiskind,shesaid,totheusualwayoflifeoftheperson.Togobeyondit,wasbuttoputthebenefiteduponprojects,ortomakethemawkwardinanewstate;whentheymightshineinthattowhichtheywereaccustomed.Andtoputitintosogoodamother'spower

togivehersonabeginninginhisbusinessatapropertime;yettoleavehersomethingforherself,tosetherabovewant,orabovethenecessityoftakingbackfromherchildwhatshehadbeenenabledtobestowuponhim;wouldbetheheightofsuchaworthyparent'sambition.

Here'sprudence!Here'sjudgmentinsoyoungacreature!HowdoIhatetheHarlowesforproducingsuchanangel!--Owhy,why,didsherefusemysincereaddresstotietheknotbeforewecametothishouse!

Butyet,whatmortifiesmyprideis,thatthisexaltedcreature,ifI



weretomarryher,wouldnotbegovernedinherbehaviourtomebylove,butbygenerositymerely,orbyblindduty;andhadratherlivesingle,thanbemine.

Icannotbearthis.IwouldhavethewomanwhomIhonourwithmyname,ifeverIconferthishonouruponany,foregoevenhersuperiordutiesforme.IwouldhaveherlookaftermewhenIgooutasfarasshecanseeme,asmyRosebudafterherJohnny;andmeetmeatmyreturnwithrapture.Iwouldbethesubjectofherdreams,aswellasofherwakingthoughts.Iwouldhaveherthinkeverymomentlostthatisnotpassedwithme:singtome,readtome,playtomewhenIpleased:nojoysogreatasinobeyingme.WhenIshouldbeinclinedtolove,overwhelmmewithit;whentobeseriousorsolitary,ifapprehensiveofintrusion,retiringatanod;approachingmeonlyifIsmiledencouragement:stealintomypresencewithsilence;outofit,ifnotnoticed,ontiptoe.Bealadyeasytoallmypleasures,andvaluingthosemostwhomostcontributedtothem;onlysighinginprivate,thatitwasnotherselfatthetime.Thusofolddidthecontendingwivesofthehonestpatriarchs;eachrecommendingherhandmaidtoherlord,asshethoughtitwouldobligehim,andlookinguponthegenialproductasherown.

ThegentleWallersays,womenareborntobecontrouled.Gentleashewas,heknewthat.Atyranthusbandmakesadutifulwife.Andwhydothesexloverakes,butbecausetheyknowhowtodirecttheiruncertain

wills,andmanagethem?

***

Anotheragreeableconversation.Thedayofdaysthesubject.Astofixingaparticularone,thatneednotbedone,mycharmersays,tillthesettlementsarecompleted.AstomarryingatmyLord'schapel,theLadiesofmyfamilypresent,thatwouldbemakingapublicaffairofit;andthedearcreatureobserved,withregret,thatitseemedtobemyLord'sintentiontomakeitso.

Itcouldnotbeimagined,Isaid,butthathisLordship'ssettingoutinalitter,andcomingtotown,aswellashistasteforglare,andthejoyhewouldtaketoseememarriedatlast,andtoherdearself,wouldgiveitasmuchtheairofapublicmarriageasiftheceremonywereperformedathisownchapel,alltheLadiespresent.

Icannot,saidshe,endurethethoughtsofapublicday.Itwillcarrywithitanairofinsultuponmywholefamily.Andformypart,ifmyLordwillnottakeitamiss,[andperhapshewillnot,asthemotioncamenotfromhimself,butfromyou,Mr.Lovelace,]IwillverywillinglydispensewithhisLordship'spresence;therather,asdressandappearancewillthenbeunnecessary;forIcannotbeartothinkofdeckingmypersonwhilemyparentsareintears.

Howexcellentthis!Yetdonotherparentsrichlydeservetobeintears?

See,Belford,withsocharminganiceness,wemighthavebeenalongtimeagouponthevergeofthestate,andyetfoundagreatdealtodobeforeweenteredintoit.

Allobedience,allresignation--nowillbuther's.Iwithdrew,andwrotedirectlytomyLord;andshenotdisapprovingofit,Isentitaway.The



purportasfollows;forItooknocopy.

'ThatIwasmuchobligedtohisLordshipforhisintendedgoodnesstomeonanoccasionthemostsolemnofmylife.ThattheadmirableLady,whomhesojustlypraised,thoughthisLordship'sproposalsinherfavourtoohigh.Thatshechosenottomakeapublicappearance,if,withoutdisobligingmyfriends,shecouldavoidit,tillareconciliationwithherowncouldbeeffected.ThatalthoughsheexpressedagratefulsenseofhisLordship'sconsenttogivehertomewithhisownhand;yet,presumingthatthemotivetothiskindintentionwasrathertodoherhonour,thanitotherwisewouldhavebeenhisownchoice,(especiallyastravellingwouldbeatthistimesoinconvenienttohim,)shethoughtitadvisabletosavehisLordshiptroubleonthisoccasion;andhopedhewouldtakeasmeantherdecliningthefavour.

'ThatTheLawnwillbemostacceptabletousbothtoretireto;andtherather,asitissotohisLordship.

'But,ifhepleases,thejointuremaybemadefrommyownestate;leavingtohisLordship'sgoodnessthealternative.'

Iconcludewithtellinghim,'thatIhadofferedtopresenttheLadyhisLordship'sbill;butonherdecliningtoacceptofit(havingmyselfnopresentoccasionforit)Ireturnitenclosed,withmythanks,&c.'

Andisnotthisgoingaplaguylength?WhatafigureshouldImakeinrakishannals,ifatlastIshouldbecaughtinmyowngin?

Thesexmaysaywhattheywill,butapoorinnocentfellowhadneedtotakegreatcareofhimself,whenhedancesupontheedgeofthematrimonialprecipice.Manyafaint-heartedman,whenhebegantojest,oronlydesignedtoapegallantry,hasbeenforcedintoearnest,bybeingover-prompt,andtakenathisword,notknowinghowtoownthathemeantlessthantheladysupposedhemeant.Iamthebetterenabledtojudgethatthismusthavebeenthecaseofmanyasneakingvarlet;becauseI,whoknowthefemaleworldaswellasanymaninitofmystanding,amsofrequentlyindoubtofmyself,andknownotwhattomakeofthematter.

Thentheselittleslyrogues,howtheyliecouchant,readytospringuponusharmlessfellowsthemomentweareintheirreach!--Whentheiceisoncebrokenforthem,howswiftlycantheymaketoport!--Meantime,thesubjecttheycanleastspeakto,theymostthinkof.Norcanyoutalkoftheceremony,beforetheyhavelaidoutintheirmindshowitisalltobe.Littlesaucy-faceddesigners!howfirsttheydrawthemselvesin,thenus!

Butbeallthesethingsastheywill,LordM.neverinhislifereceivedsohandsomealetterasthisfromhisnephew

LOVELACE.

***

[TheLady,afterhavinggiventoMissHoweontheparticularscontainedinMr.Lovelace'slastletter,thusexpressesherself:]

Aprincipalconsolationarisingfromthesefavourableappearances,is,thatI,whohavenowbutoneonlyfriend,shallmostprobably,andifit



benotmyownfault,haveasmanynewonesastherearepersonsinMr.Lovelace'sfamily;andthiswhetherMr.Lovelacetreatmekindlyornot.Andwhoknows,butthat,bydegrees,thosenewfriends,bytheirrankandmerit,mayhaveweightenoughtogetmerestoredtothefavourofmyrelations?tillwhichcanbeeffected,Ishallnotbetolerablyeasy.HappyIneverexpecttobe.Mr.Lovelace'smindandminearevastlydifferent;differentinessentials.

Butasmattersareatpresentcircumstanced,Iprayyou,mydearfriend,tokeeptoyourselfeverythingthatmightbringdiscredittohim,ifrevealed.--Betteranybodyexposeamanthanawife,ifIamtobehis;andwhatissaidbyyouwillbethoughttocomefromme.

Itshallbemyconstantprayer,thatallthefelicitieswhichthisworldcanaffordmaybeyour's:andthattheAlmightywillneversufferyounoryour's,totheremotestposterity,towantsuchafriendasmyAnnaHowehasbeento

HerCLARISSAHARLOWE.

LETTERLIV


Andnow,thatmybelovedseemssecureinmynet,formyprojectuponthevixenMissHowe,anduponhermother:inwhichtheofficiousprancerHickmanistocomeinforadash.

Butwhyuponhermother,methinksthouaskest,who,unknowntoherself,hasonlyacted,bytheimpulse,throughthyagentJosephLeman,uponthefollyofoldTonytheuncle?

Nomatterforthat:shebelievessheactsuponherownjudgment:and

deservestobepunishedforpretendingtojudgment,whenshehasnone.--Everylivingsoul,butmyself,Icantellthee,shallbepunished,thattreatseithercruellyordisrespectfullysoadoredalady.--Whataplague!isitnotenoughthatsheisteasedandtormentedinpersonbyme?

Ihavealreadybrokenthemattertoourthreeconfederates;asasupposed,notaresolved-oncaseindeed.Andyettheyknow,thatwithme,inapieceofmischief,execution,withitsswiftestfeel,isseldomthreepacesbehindprojection,whichhardlyeverlimpsneither.

MOWBRAYisnotagainstit.Itisascheme,hesays,worthyofus:andwehavenotdoneanythingforagoodwhilethathasmadeanoise.

BELTON,indeed,hesitatesalittle,becausemattersgowrongbetweenhimandhisThomasine;andthepoorfellowhasnotthecouragetohavehissoreplaceprobedtothebottom.

TOURVILLEhasstartedafreshgame,andshrugshisshoulders,andshouldnotchoosetogoabroadatpresent,ifIplease.ForIapprehendthat(fromthenatureoftheproject)therewillbeakindofnecessitytotravel,tillallisblownover.



ToME,onecountryisasgoodasanother;andIshallsoon,Isuppose,choosetoquitthispaltryisland;exceptthemistressofmyfatewillconsenttocohabitathome;andsolaymeundernonecessityofsurprisingherintoforeignparts.TRAVELLING,thouknowest,givesthesexescharmingopportunitiesofbeingfamiliarwithoneanother.Averyfewdaysandnightsmustnowdecideallmattersbetwixtmeandmyfairinimitable.

DOLEMAN,whocanactinthesecausesonlyaschamber-counsel,willinformusbypenandink[hisrighthandandrightsidehavingnotyetbeenstruck,andtheothersidebeginningtobesensible]ofallthatshalloccurinourabsence.

AsforTHEE,wehadratherhavethycompanythannot;for,althoughthouartawretchedfellowatcontrivance,yetartthouintrepidatexecution.Butasthypresentengagementsmakethyattendanceuncertain,Iamnotformakingthypartnecessarytoourscheme;butforleavingtheetocomeafteruswhenabroad.Iknowthoucanstnotlonglivewithoutus.

Theproject,inshort,isthis:--Mrs.HowehasaneldersisterintheIsleofWight,whoislatelyawidow;andIamwellinformed,thatthemotheranddaughterhaveengaged,beforethelatterismarried,topayavisittothislady,whoisrich,andintendsMissforherheiress;andintheinterimwillmakehersomevaluablepresentsonherapproaching

nuptials;which,asMrs.Howe,wholovesmoneymorethananythingbutherself,toldoneofmyacquaintance,wouldbeworthfetching.

Now,Jack,nothingmoreneedbedone,thantohirealittletrimvessel,whichshallsailapleasuringbackwardandforwardtoPortsmouth,Spithead,andtheIsleofWight,foraweekorfortnightbeforeweenteruponourpartsoftheplot.AndasMrs.Howewillbeformakingthebestbargainshecanforherpassage,themasterofthevesselmayhaveorders(asaperquisiteallowedhimbyhisowners)totakewhatshewillgive:andthemaster'sname,beitwhatitwill,shallbeGanmoreontheoccasion;forIknowarogueofthatname,whoisnotobligedtobeofanycountry,anymorethanwe.

Well,then,wewillimaginethemonboard.Iwillbethereindisguise.Theyknownotanyofyefour--supposing(theschemesoinviting)thatthoucanstbeone.

'Tisplaguyhard,ifwecannotfind,ormakeastorm.

Perhapstheywillbesea-sick:butwhethertheybeornot,nodoubttheywillkeeptheircabin.

HerewillbeMrs.Howe,MissHowe,Mr.Hickman,amaid,andafootman,Isuppose:andthuswewillorderit.

Iknowitwillbehardweather:Iknowitwill:and,beforetherecanbe

theleastsuspicionofthematter,weshallbeinsightofGuernsey,Jersey,Dieppe,Cherbourg,oranywhereontheFrenchcoastthatitshallpleaseustoagreewiththewindstoblowus:andthen,securingthefootman,andthewomenbeingseparated,oneofus,accordingtolotsthatmaybecast,shallovercome,eitherbypersuasionorforce,themaidservant:thatwillbenohardtask;andsheisalikelywench,[Ihaveseenheroften:]one,Mrs.Howe;norcantherebemuchdifficultythere;forsheisfullofhealthandlife,andhasbeenlongawidow:another,[that,saystheprincelylion,mustbeI!]thesaucydaughter;whowillbemuchtoofrightenedtomakegreatresistance,[violentspirits,in



thatsex,areseldomtruespirits--'tisbutwheretheycan:]andafterbeatingaboutthecoastforthreeorfourdaysforrecreation'ssake,andtomakesurework,tillweseeoursullenbirdsbegintoeatandsip,wewillsetthemallashorewhereitwillbemostconvenient;sellthevessel,[toMrs.Townsend'sagents,withallmyheart,ortosomeothersmugglers,]orgiveittoGanmore;andpursueourtravels,andtarryabroadtillallishushedup.

NowIknowthouwiltmakedifficulties,asitisthyway;whileitisminetoconquerthem.Myothervassalsmadetheirs;andIcondescendedtoobviatethem:asthusIwillthine,firststatingthemfortheeaccordingtowhatIknowofthyphlegm.

What,inthefirstplace,wiltthouask,shallbedonewithHickman?whowillbeinfullparadeofdressandprimness,inordertoshowtheoldauntwhatadevilishcleverfellowofanephewsheistohave.

What!--I'lltellthee--Hickman,ingoodmanners,willleavethewomenintheircabin--and,toshowhiscouragewithhisbreeding,beupondeck--

Well,andsupposeheis!--WhythenIhopeitiseasyforGanmore,oranybodyelse,myselfsupposeinmypea-jacketandgreatwatchcoat,(ifanyothermakescrupletodoit),whilehestandsintheway,gapingandstaringlikeanovice,tostumbleagainsthim,andpushhimoverboard!

--Arichthought--isitnot,Belford?--Heiscertainlyplaguyofficiousintheladies'correspondence;andIaminformed,playsdoublebetweenmotheranddaughter,infearofboth.--Dostnotseehim,Jack?--Ido--poppingupanddown,hiswigandhatfloatingbyhim;andpaddling,pawing,anddashing,likeafrightedmongrel--Iamafraidheneverventuredtolearntoswim.

Butthouwiltnotdrownthepoorfellow;wiltthou?

No,no!--thatisnotnecessarytotheproject--Ihatetodomischiefssupererogatory.Theskiffshallbereadytosavehim,whilethevesselkeepsitscourse:heshallbesetonshorewiththelossofwigandhatonly,andofhalfhislittlewits,attheplacewhereheembarked,orany

whereelse.

Well,butshallwenotbeindangerofbeinghangedforthreesuchenormousrapes,althoughHickmanshouldescapewithonlyabellyfulofsea-water?

Yes,tobesure,whencaught--Butisthereanylikelihoodofthat?--Besides,havewenotbeenindangerbeforenowforworsefacts?andwhatisthereinbeingonlyindanger?--IfweactuallyweretoappearinopendayinEnglandbeforemattersaremadeup,therewillbegreaterlikelihoodthatthesewomenwillnotprosecutethattheywill.--Formyownpart,Ishouldwishtheymay.Wouldnotabravefellowchoosetoappearincourttosuchanarraignment,confrontingwomenwhowoulddo

credittohisattempt?Thecountryismoremercifulinthesecases,thaninanyothers:Ishouldthereforeliketoputmyselfuponmycountry.

Letmeindulgeinafewreflectionsuponwhatthoumayestthinktheworstthatcanhappen.Iwillsupposethatthouartoneofus;andthatallfiveareactuallybroughttotrialonthisoccasion:howbravelyshallweenteracourt,Iattheheadofyou,dressedouteachman,asiftohisweddingappearance!--Youaresureofallthewomen,oldandyoung,ofyourside.--Whatbravefellows!--whatfinegentlemen!--Theregoesacharminghandsomeman!--meaningme,tobesure!--whocouldfindintheir



heartstohangsuchagentlemanasthat?whispersonelady,sittingperhapsontherighthandoftherecorder:[IsupposethescenetobeinLondon:]whileanotherdisbelievesthatanywomancouldfairlyswearagainstme.Allwillcrowdafterme:itwillbeeachman'shappiness(ifyeshallchancetobebashful)tobeneglected:Ishallbefoundtobethegreatestcriminal;andmysafety,forwhichthegeneralvoicewillbeengaged,willbeyours.

Butthencomesthetriumphoftriumphs,thatwillmaketheaccusedlookup,whiletheaccusersarecoveredwithconfusion.

Makeroomthere!--standby!--giveback!--Onereceivingarap,anotheranelbow,halfascoreapushapiece!--

Entertheslow-moving,hooded-faced,down-lookingplaintiffs.--

Andfirstthewidow,withasorrowfulcountenance,thoughhalf-veiled,pityingherdaughtermorethanherself.Thepeople,thewomenespecially,whoonthisoccasionwillbefive-sixthsofthespectators,reproachingher--You'dhavetheconscience,wouldyou,tohavefivesuchbravegentlemenasthesehangedforyouknownotwhat?

Nextcomesthepoormaid--who,perhaps,hasbeenravishedtwentytimesbefore;andhadnotappearednow,butforcompany-sake;mincing,

simpering,weeping,byturns;notknowingwhethersheshouldbesorryorglad.

ButeveryeyedwellsuponMiss!--See,see,thehandsomegentlemanbowstoher!

Totheveryground,tobesure,Ishallbow;andkissmyhand.

Seeherconfusion!see!sheturnsfromhim!--Ay!that'sbecauseitisinopencourt,criesanarchone!--Whileothersadmireher--Ay!that'sagirlworthventuringone'sneckfor!

Thenweshallbepraised--eventhejudges,andthewholecrowdedbench,

willacquitusintheirhearts!andeverysinglemanwishhehadbeenme!--thewomen,allthetime,disclaimingprosecution,werethecasetobetheirown.Tobesure,Belford,thesuffererscannotputhalfsogoodafaceuponthematteraswe.

Thenwhatanoisewillthismattermake!--Isitnotenough,supposeusmovingfromtheprisontothesessions-house,*tomakeanobleheartthumpitawaymostgloriously,whensuchanonefindshimselfattendedtohistrialbyaparadeofguardsandofficers,ofmiensandaspectswarlikeandunwarlike;himselfoftheirwholecare,andtheirbusiness!weaponsintheirhands,somebright,somerusty,equallyvenerablefortheirantiquityandinoffensiveness!othersofmoreauthoritativedemeanour,struttingbeforewithfinepaintedstaves!shoalsofpeople

following,withaWhichishewhomtheyoungladyappearsagainst?--Then,letuslookdown,lookup,lookround,whichwaywewill,weshallseeallthedoors,theshops,thewindows,thesign-irons,andbalconies,(garrets,gutters,andchimney-topsincluded,)allwhite-capt,black-hooded,andperiwigg'd,orcrop-ear'dupbytheimmobilevulgus:whilethefloatingstreet-swarmers,whohaveseenuspassbyatoneplace,runwithstretched-outnecks,andstrainedeye-balls,aroundaboutway,andelbowandshoulderthemselvesintoplacesbywhichwehavenotpassed,inordertoobtainanothersightofus;everystreetcontinuingtopouroutitsswarmsoflate-comers,toaddtothegatheringsnowball;whoare



contenttotakedescriptionsofourpersons,behaviour,andcountenances,fromthosewhohadthegoodfortunetohavebeenintimetoseeus.

*Withinthesefewyearspast,apassagehasbeenmadefromtheprisontothesessions-house,wherebymalefactorsarecarriedintocourtwithoutgoingthroughthestreet.Lovelace'striumphontheirsupposedmarchshowsthewisdomofthisalteration.

Letmetellthee,Jack,Iseenotwhy(tojudgeaccordingtoourprinciplesandpractices)weshouldnotbeasmuchelatedinourmarch,werethistohappentous,asothersmaybeuponanyotherthemostmob-attractingoccasion--supposealord-mayoronhisgawdy--supposeavictoriousgeneral,orambassador,onhispublicentry--suppose(asIbeganwiththelowest)thegrandestparadethatcanbesupposed,acoronation--for,inallthese,donottheroyalguard,theheroictrained-bands,thependent,clingingthrongsofspectators,withtheirwavingheadsrollingto-and-frofromhouse-topstohouse-bottomsandstreet-ways,asIhaveabovedescribed,maketheprincipalpartoftheraree-show?

Andletmeaskthee,ifthoudostnotthink,thateitherthemayor,theambassador,orthegeneralwouldnotmakeverypitifulfiguresontheir

galas,didnotthetrumpetsandtabretscalltogetherthecanailletogazeatthem?--Norperhapsshouldwebethemostguiltyheroesneither:forwhoknowshowthemagistratemayhaveobtainedhisgoldchain?whilethegeneralprobablyreturnsfromcuttingofthroats,andfrommurders,sanctifiedbycustomonly.--Caesar,wearetold,*hadwon,attheageoffifty-six,whenhewasassassinated,fiftypitchedbattles,hadtakenbyassaultaboveathousandtowns,andslainnear1,200,000men;Isupposeexclusiveofthosewhofellonhisownsideinslayingthem.ArenotyouandI,Jack,innocentmen,andbabesinswaddling-clothes,comparedtoCaesar,andtohispredecessorinheroism,Alexander,dubbed,formurdersanddepredation,Magnus?

*Plinygivesthisaccount,puttingthenumberofmenslainat1,100,092.SeealsoLipsiusdeConstandia.

Theprincipaldifferencethatstrikesmeinthecomparisonbetweenusandthemayor,theambassador,thegeneral,ontheirgawdies,is,thatthemobmakeagreaternoise,alouderhuzzaing,intheonecasethantheother,whichiscalledacclamation,andendsfrequentlyinhighertaste,bythrowingdeadanimalsatoneanother,beforetheydisperse;inwhichtheyhaveasmuchjoy,asintheformerpartofthetriumph:whiletheywillattenduswithallthemarksofanawfulorsilent(atmostonlyawhispering)respect;theirmouthsdistended,asifsetopenwithgags,andtheirvoicesgenerallylostingoggle-ey'dadmiration.

Well,butsuppose,afterall,weareconvicted;whathavewetodo,butintimemakeoverourestates,thatthesheriffsmaynotrevelinourspoils?--Thereisnofearofbeinghangedforsuchacrimeasthis,whilewehavemoneyorfriends.--Andsupposeeventheworst,thattwoorthreeweretodie,havewenotachance,eachmanofus,toescape?Thedevil'sinthem,ifthey'llhangfiveforravishingthree!

IknowIshallgetoffforone--wereitbutforfamilysake:andbeingahandsomefellow,Ishallhaveadozenortwoyoungmaidens,alldressed



inwhite,gotocourttobegmylife--andwhataprettyshowtheywillmake,withtheirwhitehoods,whitegowns,whitepetticoats,whitescarves,whitegloves,kneelingforme,withtheirwhitehandkerchiefsattheireyes,intwoprettyrows,ashisMajestywalksthroughthemandnodsmypardonfortheirsakes!--And,ifoncepardoned,allisover:for,Jack,inacrimeofthisnaturethereliesnoappeal,asinamurder.

Sothouseesttheworstthatcanhappen,shouldwenotmakethegrandtouruponthisoccasion,butstayandtakeourtrials.Butitismostlikely,thattheywillnotprosecuteatall.Ifnot,norisqueonoursidewillberun;onlytakingourpleasureabroad,attheworst;leavingfriendstiredofus,inorder,afteratime,toreturntothesamefriendsendearedtous,aswetothem,byabsence.

This,Jack,ismyscheme,atthefirstrunning.Iknowitiscapableofimprovement--forexample:IcanlandtheseladiesinFrance;whipoverbeforetheycangetapassageback,orbeforeHickmancanhaverecoveredhisfright;andsofindmeanstoentrapmybelovedonboard--andthenallwillberight;andIneednotcareifIwerenevertoreturntoEngland.

Memorandum,Tobeconsideredof--Whether,inordertocompletemyvengeance,IcannotcontrivetokidnapawayeitherJamesHarloweorSolmes?orboth?Aman,Jack,wouldnotgointoexilefornothing.

LETTERLV


If,Belford,thoulikestnotmyplotuponMissHowe,Ihavethreeorfourmoreasgoodinmyownopinion;better,perhaps,theywillbeinthine:andso'tisbutgettingloosefromthypresentengagement,andthoushaltpickandchoose.Butasforthythreebrethren,theymustdoasIwouldhavethem:andso,indeed,mustthou--ElsewhyamIyourgeneral?ButIwillreferthissubjecttoitsproperseason.Thouknowest,thatInever

absolutelyconcludeuponaproject,till'tistimeforexecution;andthenlightningstrikesnotquickerthanI.

Andnowtothesubjectnextmyheart.

Wiltthoubelieveme,whenItellthee,thatIhavesomanycontrivancesrisingupandcrowdinguponmeforpreference,withregardtomyGloriana,thatIhardlyknowwhichtochoose?--Icouldtelltheeofnolessthansixprincelyones,anyofwhichmustdo.Butasthedearcreaturehasnotgrudgedgivingmetrouble,IthinkIoughtnot,ingratitude,tosparecombustiblesforher;but,onthecontrary,tomakeherstareandstandaghast,byspringingthreeorfourminesatonce.

ThouremembrestwhatShakespeare,inhisTroilusandCressida,makesHector,who,however,isnotusedtoboast,saytoAchillesinaninterviewbetweenthem;andwhich,appliedtothiswatchfullady,andtothevexationshehasgivenme,andtothecertaintyInowthinkIhaveofsubduingher,willrunthus:supposingthecharmerbeforeme;andImeditatinghersweetpersonfromheadtofoot:

Henceforth,Owatchfulfair-one,guardtheewell:ForI'llnotkilltheethere!northere!northere!But,bythezonethatcirclesVenus'waist,



I'llkilltheeev'rywhere;yea,o'erando'er.--Thou,wisestBelford,pardonmethisbrag:Herwatchfulnessdrawsfollyfrommylips;ButI'llendeavourdeedstomatchthewords,OrImaynever----

ThenIimaginetheeinterposingtoqualifymyimpatience,asAjaxdidtoAchilles:

----Donotchafethee,cousin:----Andletthesethreatsalone,Tillaccidentorpurposebringtheetoit.

Allthatvexesme,inthemidstofmygloried-indevices,is,thatthereisasorryfellowintheworld,whohaspresumedtoquestion,whethertheprize,whenobtained,isworthyofthepainsitcostsme:yetknows,withwhatpatienceandtroubleabird-manwillspreadanacreofgroundwithginsandsnares;setuphisstalkinghorse,hisglasses;planthisdecoy-birds,andinvitethefeatheredthrongbyhiswhistle;andallhisprizeatlast(therewardofearlyhours,andofawholemorning'spains)onlyasimplelinnet.

Tobeserious,Belford,Imustacknowledge,thatallourpursuits,fromchildhoodtomanhood,areonlytriflesofdifferentsortandsizes,

proportionedtoouryearsandviews:butthenisnotafinewomanthenoblesttrifle,thateverwasorcouldbeobtainedbyman?--Andtowhatpurposedowesayobtained,ifitbenotinthewaywewishfor?--Ifamanisrathertobeherprize,thanshehis?

***

Andnow,Belford,whatdostthink?

Thatthouartacursedfellow,if--

If--noif's--butIshallbeverysickto-morrow.Ishall,'faith.

Sick!--Whysick?Whata-devilshouldstthoubesickfor?

Formoregoodreasonsthanone,Jack.

Ishouldbegladtohearbutone.--Sick,quotha!OfallthyroguishinventionsIshouldnothavethoughtofthis.

Perhapsthouthinkestmyviewtobe,todrawtheladytomybedside.That'satrickofthreeorfourthousandyearsold;andIshouldfinditmuchmoretomypurpose,ifIcouldgettoher's.However,I'llcondescendtomaketheeaswiseasmyself.

IamexcessivelydisturbedaboutthissmugglingschemeofMissHowe.Ihavenodoubt,thatmyfair-one,wereItomakeanattempt,andmiscarry,willflyfromme,ifshecan.Ioncebelievedshelovedme:butnowIdoubtwhethershedoesornot:atleast,thatitiswithsuchanardour,asMissHowecallsit,aswillmakeheroverlookapremeditatedfault,shouldIbeguiltyofone.

Andwhatwillbeingsickdoforthee?



Havepatience.Idon'tintendtobesoverybadasDorcasshallrepresentmetobe.ButyetIknowIshallreachconfoundedly,andbringupsomeclottedblood.Tobesure,Ishallbreakavessel:there'snodoubtofthat:andabottleofEaton'sstypticshallbesentfor;butnodoctor.Ifshehashumanity,shewillbeconcerned.Butifshehaslove,letithavebeenpushedeversofarback,itwill,onthisoccasion,comeforward,andshowitself;notonlyinhereye,butineverylineofhersweetface.

Iwillbeveryintrepid.Iwillnotfeardeath,oranythingelse.Iwillbesureofbeingwellinanhourortwo,havingformerlyfoundgreatbenefitbythisastringentmedicine,onoccasionofaninwardbruisebyafallfrommyhorseinhunting,ofwhichperhapsthismaladymaybetheremains.Andthiswillshowher,thatthoughthoseaboutmemaymakethemostofit,Idonot;andsocanhavenodesigninit.

Well,methinksthousayest,Ibegintothinktolerablyofthisdevice.

Iknewthouwouldst,whenIexplainedmyself.Anothertimepreparetowonder;andbanishdoubt.

Now,Belford,Ishallexpect,thatshewillshowsomeconcernatthebrokenvessel,asitmaybeattendedwithfataleffects,especiallytoonesofieryinhistemperasIhavethereputationtobethoughttobe:

andtherather,asIshallcalmlyattributetheaccidenttotheharassesanddoubtsunderwhichIhavelabouredforsometimepast.Andthiswillbeafurtherproofofmylove,andwilldemandagratefulreturn--

Andwhatthen,thouegregiouscontriver?

WhythenIshallhavethelessremorse,ifIamtousealittleviolence:forcanshedeservecompassion,whoshowsnone?

Andwhatifsheshowsagreatdealofconcern?

ThenshallIbeinhopesofbuildingonagoodfoundation.Lovehidesamultitudeoffaults,anddiminishesthoseitcannothide.Love,when

acknowledged,authorizesfreedom;andfreedombegetsfreedom;andIshallthenseehowfarIcango.

Wellbut,Lovelace,howthedeucewiltthou,withthatfullhealthandvigourofconstitution,andwiththatbloominthyface,makeanybodybelievethouartsick?

How!--Why,takeafewgrainsofipecacuanha;enoughtomakemereachlikeafury.

Good!--Buthowwiltthoumanagetobringupblood,andnothurtthyself?

Foolishfellow!Aretherenopigeonsandchickensineverypoulterer's

shop?

Crythymercy.

ButthenIwillbepersuadedbyMrs.Sinclair,thatIhaveoflateconfinedmyselftoomuch;andsowillhaveachaircalled,andbecarriedtothePark;whereIwilltrytowalkhalfthelengthoftheMall,orso;andinmyreturn,amusemyselfatWhite'sortheCocoa.

Andwhatwillthisdo?



Questioningagain!--Iamafraidthou'rtaninfidel,Belford--WhythenshallInotknowifmybelovedofferstogooutinmyabsence?--AndshallInotseewhethershereceivesmewithtendernessatmyreturn?Butthisisnotall:IhaveaforebodingthatsomethingaffectingwillhappenwhileIamout.Butofthismoreinitsplace.

Andnow,Belford,wiltthou,orwiltthounot,allow,thatitisarightthingtobesick?--Lord,Jack,somuchdelightdoItakeinmycontrivances,thatIshallbehalfsorrywhentheoccasionforthemisover;fornever,never,shallIagainhavesuchcharmingexerciseformyinvention.

Meantimetheseplaguywomenaresoimpertinent,sofullofreproaches,thatIknownothowtodoanythingbutcursethem.Andthen,truly,theyareforhelpingmeoutwithsomeoftheirtriteandvulgarartifices.Sally,particularly,whopretendstobeamightycontriver,hasjustnow,inaninsolentmanner,toldme,onmyrejectingherprofferedaids,thatIhadnomindtoconquer;andthatIwassowickedastointendtomarry,thoughIwouldnotownittoher.

Becausethislittledevilmadeherfirstsacrificeatmyaltar,shethinksshemaytakeanylibertywithme:andwhatmakesheroutrageousattimesis,thatIhave,foralongtime,studiously,asshesays,slighted

hertoo-readily-offeredfavours:Butisitnotveryimpudentinhertothink,thatIwillbeanyman'ssuccessor?Itisnotcometothatneither.This,thouknowest,wasalwaysmyrule--Onceanyotherman's,andIknowit,andnevermoremine.Itisforsuchasthou,andthybrethren,totakeupwithharlots.Ihavebeenalwaysaimingatthemeritofafirstdiscoverer.

ThemoredevilI,perhapsthouwiltsay,toendeavourtocorrupttheuncorrupted.

ButIsay,not;since,hence,Ihavebutveryfewadulteriestoanswerfor.

Oneaffair,indeed,atParis,withamarriedlady[IbelieveInevertoldtheeofit]touchedmyconsciencealittle:yetbroughtonbythespiritofintrigue,morethanbysheerwickedness.I'llgiveittheeinbrief:

'AFrenchmarquis,somewhatinyears,employedbyhiscourtinapublicfunctionatthatofMadrid,hadputhischarmingyoungnew-marriedwifeunderthecontroulandwardship,asImaysay,ofhisinsolentsister,anoldprude.

'Isawtheladyattheopera.Ilikedheratfirstsight,andbetteratsecond,whenIknewthesituationshewasin.So,pretendingtomakemyaddressestotheprude,gotadmittancetoboth.

'ThefirstthingIhadtodo,wastocomplimenttheprudeintoshynessbycomplaintsofshyness:next,totakeadvantageofthemarquise'ssituation,betweenherhusband'sjealousyandhissister'sarrogance;andtoinspireherwithresentment;and,asIhoped,witharegardtomyperson.TheFrenchladieshavenodisliketointrigue.

'Thesisterbegantosuspectme:theladyhadnomindtopartwiththecompanyoftheonlymanwhohadbeenpermittedtovisither;andtoldmeofhersister'ssuspicions.Iputheruponconcealingtheprude,asifunknowntome,inaclosetinoneofherownapartments,lockingherin,



andputtingthekeyinherownpocket:andshewastoquestionmeonthesincerityofmyprofessionstohersister,inhersister'shearing.

'Shecomplied.Mymistresswaslockedup.TheladyandItookourseats.Iownedferventlove,andmadehighprofessions:forthemarquiseputithometome.Theprudewasdelightedwithwhatsheheard.

'Andhowdostthouthinkitended?--Itookmyadvantageoftheladyherself,whodurstnotforherlifecryout;anddrewheraftermetothenextapartment,onpretenceofgoingtoseekhersister,whoallthetimewaslockedupinthecloset.'

Nowomanevergavemeaprivatemeetingfornothing;mydearestMissHarloweexcepted.

'Myingenuityobtainedmypardon:theladybeingunabletoforbearlaughingthroughoutthewholeaffair,tofindbothsouncommonlytricked;hergaoleressherprisoner,safelockedup,andasmuchpleasedaseitherofus.'

TheEnglish,Jack,donotoftenout-wittheFrench.

'Wehadcontrivancesafterwardsequallyingenious,inwhichthelady,theiceoncebroken[oncesubdued,alwayssubdued]co-operated.Butamore

tender tell tale revealed the secret revealed it before the marquiseld th di Th i t i t t th h b d

volume 4 clarissa

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