r such, from the time of Mr. Hickman's
application to that uncle;*** and that the worthy Capt. Tomlinson should
be allowed to propagate that belief: as he had actually reported to two
families (they possibly to more); purposely that it might come to the
ears of James Harlowe; and serve for a foundation for uncle John to build
his reconciliation-scheme upon? And canst thou think that nothing was
meant by all this contrivance? and that I am not still further prepared
to support my story?

** See Vol. IV. Letter IV. towards the conclusion.
*** Ibid. Letter XVI.
Ibid.

Indeed, I little thought, at the time that I formed these precautionary
schemes, that she would ever have been able, if willing, to get out of my
hands. All that I hoped I should have occasion to have recourse to them
for, was only, in case I should have the courage to make the grand
attempt, and should succeed in it, to bring the dear creature [and this
out of tenderness to her, for what attention did I ever yet pay to the
grief, the execrations, the tears of a woman I had triumphed over?] to
bear me in her sight: to expostulate with me, to be pacified by my pleas,
and by my own future hopes, founded upon the reconciliatory-project, upon
my reiterated vows, and upon the Captain's assurances. Since in that
case, to forgive me, to have gone on with me, for a week, would have been
to forgive me, to have gone on with me, for ever. And that, had my
eligible life of honour taken place, her trials would all have been then
over: and she would have known nothing but gratitude, love, and joy, to
the end of one of our lives. For never would I, never could I, have
abandoned such an admirable creature as this. Thou knowest I never was a
sordid villain to any of her inferiors--Her inferiors, I may say--For who
is not her inferior?

You speak like a gentleman; you look like a gentleman, said Miss
Rawlins--but, Sir, this is a strange case; the lady sees to dread the
sight of you.

No wonder, Madam; taking her a little on one side, nearer to Mrs. Moore.
I have three times already forgiven the dear creature--but this is
jealousy!--There is a spice of that in it--and of phrensy too [whispered
I, that it might have the face of a secret, and of consequence the more
engage their attention]--but our story is too long.

I then made a motion to go to my beloved. But they desired that I would
walk into the next room; and they would endeavour to prevail upon her to
li