te (as to the probability that the dreaded Wednesday was more dreaded
than it needed to be) to think, that I should be thus tricked by this
man; and that, in all likelihood, through his vile agent Joseph Leman.
So premeditated and elaborate a wickedness as it must be!--Must I
not, with such a man, be wanting to myself, if I were not jealous and
vigilant?--Yet what a life to live for a spirit so open, and naturally
so unsuspicious, as mine?

I am obliged to Mr. Hickman for the assistance he is so kindly ready to
give to our correspondence. He is so little likely to make to himself an
additional merit with the daughter upon it, that I shall be very sorry,
if he risk any thing with the mother by it.

I am now in a state of obligation: so must rest satisfied with whatever
I cannot help. Whom have I the power, once so precious to me, of
obliging?--What I mean, my dear, is, that I ought, perhaps, to
expect, that my influences over you are weakened by my indiscretion.
Nevertheless, I will not, if I can help it, desert myself, nor give up
the privilege you used to allow me, of telling you what I think of such
parts of your conduct as I may not approve.

You must permit me therefore, severe as your mother is against an
undesigning offender, to say that I think your liveliness to her
inexcusable--to pass over, for this time, what nevertheless concerns me
not a little, the free treatment you almost indiscriminately give to my
relations.

If you will not, for your duty's sake, forbear your tauntings and
impatience, let me beseech you, that you will for mine.--Since
otherwise, your mother may apprehend that my example, like a leaven, is
working itself into the mind of her beloved daughter. And may not such
an apprehension give her an irreconcilable displeasure against me?

I enclose the copy of my letter to my sister, which you are desirous to
see. You will observe, that although I have not demanded my estate in
form, and of my trustees, yet that I have hinted at leave to retire to
it. How joyfully would I keep my word, if they would accept of the offer
I renew!--It was not proper, I believe you will think, on many accounts,
to own that I was carried off against my inclination. I am, my dearest
friend,

Your ever obliged and affectionate, CL. HARLOWE.

LETTER X

TO MISS ARABELLA HARLOWE [ENCLOSED TO MISS HOWE IN THE PRECEDING.] ST.
ALBAN'S, APR. 11.

MY DEAR SISTER,

I have, I confess, been guilty of an action w