at least seem to place
some confidence in him. So long as he is decent, you may. Very visibly
observable, to such delicacy as yours, must be that behaviour in him,
which will make him unworthy of some confidence.

Your relations, according to what old Antony says to my mother, and she
to me, (by way of threatening, that you will not gain your supposed ends
upon them by your flight,) seem to expect that you will throw yourself
into Lady Betty's protection; and that she will offer to mediate
for you. And they vow, that they will never hearken to any terms of
accommodation that shall come from that quarter; for I dare aver, that
your brother and sister will not let them cool--at least, till their
uncles have made such dispositions, and perhaps your father too, as they
would have them make.

As this letter will apprize you of an alteration in the place to which
you must direct your next, I send it by a friend of Mr. Hickman, who may
be depended upon. He has business in the neighbourhood of Mrs. Sorlings;
and he knows her. He will return to Mr. Hickman this night; and bring
back any letter you shall have ready to send, or can get ready. It is
moon-light. He'll not mind waiting for you. I choose not to send by any
of Mr. Hickman's servants--at present, however. Every hour is now,
or may be, important; and may make an alteration in your resolutions
necessary.

I hear at this instant, my mother calling about her, and putting every
body into motion. She will soon, I suppose, make me and my employment
the subjects of her inquiry.

Adieu, my dear. May heaven preserve you, and restore you with honour as
unsullied as your mind to

Your ever affectionate ANNA HOWE.

LETTER IX

MISS CLARISSA HARLOWE, TO MISS HOWE THURSDAY AFTERNOON, APRIL 13.

I am infinitely concerned, my ever dear and ever kind friend, that I am
the sad occasion of the displeasure between your mother and you.--How
many persons have I made unhappy.

Had I not to console myself, that my error is not owing to wicked
precipitation, I should be the most miserable of all creatures. As it
is, I am enough punished in the loss of my character, more valuable
to me than my life; and in the cruel doubts and perplexities which,
conflicting with my hopes, and each getting the victory by turns, harrow
up my soul between them.

I think, however, that you should obey your mother, and decline a
correspondence with me; at least for the present. Take care how you