r, who is as covetous as the
grave. And my agent's agent, old Antony, has already given the mother a
hint which will make her jealous of pecuniaries.

Besides, if Miss Howe has money by her, I can put her mother upon
borrowing it of her: nor blame me, Jack, for contrivances that have
their foundation in generosity. Thou knowest my spirit; and that I
should be proud to lay an obligation upon my charmer to the amount of
half, nay, to the whole of my estate. Lord M. has more for me than I
can ever wish for. My predominant passion is girl, not gold; nor value I
this, but as it helps me to that, and gives me independence.

I was forced to put it into the sweet novice's head, as well for my sake
as for hers (lest we should be traceable by her direction) whither to
direct the sending of her clothes, if they incline to do her that small
piece of justice.

If they do I shall begin to dread a reconciliation; and must be forced
to muse for a contrivance or two to prevent it, and to avoid mischief.
For that (as I have told honest Joseph Leman) is a great point with me.

Thou wilt think me a sad fellow, I doubt. But are not all rakes sad
fellows?--And art not thou, to thy little power, as bad as any? If thou
dost all that's in thy head and in thy heart to do, thou art worse than
I; for I do not, I assure you.

I proposed, and she consented, that her clothes, or whatever else her
relations should think fit to send her, should be directed to thy cousin
Osgood's. Let a special messenger, at my charge, bring me any letter, or
portable parcel, that shall come. If not portable, give me notice of it.
But thou'lt have no trouble of this sort from her relations, I dare be
sworn. And in this assurance, I will leave them, I think, to act upon
their own heads. A man would have no more to answer for than needs must.

But one thing, while I think of it; which is of great importance to be
attended to--You must hereafter write to me in character, as I shall do
to you. It would be a confounded thing to be blown up by a train of
my own laying. And who knows what opportunities a man in love may have
against himself? In changing a coat or waistcoat, something might be
forgotten. I once suffered that way. Then for the sex's curiosity, it
is but remembering, in order to guard against it, that the name of their
common mother was Eve.

Another thing remember; I have changed my name: changed it without an
act of parliament. 'Robert Huntingford' it is