seeing you as soon as I can with any
conveniency. I would not have you insensible of our misfortunes, but I
would not either that you should revenge them on yourself; no, that
shows a want of constancy (which you will hardly yield to be your
fault); but 'tis certain that there was never anything more mistaken
than the Roman courage, when they killed themselves to avoid misfortunes
that were infinitely worse than death. You confess 'tis an age since our
story began, as is not fit for me to own. Is it not likely, then, that
if my face had ever been good, it might be altered since then; or is it
as unfit for me to own the change as the time that makes it? Be it as
you please, I am not enough concerned in't to dispute it with you; for,
trust me, if you would not have my face better, I am satisfied it should
be as it is; since if ever I wished it otherwise, 'twas for your sake.

I know not how I stumbled upon a news-book this week, and, for want of
something else to do read it; it mentions my Lord Lisle's embassage
again. Is there any such thing towards? I met with somebody else too
in't that may concern anybody that has a mind to marry; 'tis a new form
for it, that, sure, will fright the country people extremely, for they
apprehend nothing like going before a Justice; they say no other
marriage shall stand good in law. In conscience, I believe the old one
is the better; and for my part I am resolved to stay till that comes in
fashion again.

Can your father have so perfectly forgiven already the injury I did him
(since you will not allow it to be any to you), in hindering you of Mrs.
Chambers, as to remember me with kindness? 'Tis most certain that I am
obliged to him, and, in earnest, if I could hope it might ever be in my
power to serve him I would promise something for myself. But is it not
true, too, that you have represented me to him rather as you imagine me
than as I am; and have you not given him an expectation that I shall
never be able to satisfy? If you have, I can forgive you, because I know
you meant well in't; but I have known some women that have commended
others merely out of spite, and if I were malicious enough to envy
anybody's beauty, I would cry it up to all that had not seen them;
there's no such way to make anybody appear less handsome than they are.

You must not forget that you are some letters in my debt, besides the
answer to this. If there were not conveniences of sending, I should
persecute y