arlotte or Patty would
rejoice in such an opportunity of seeing France and Italy. As for
myself, I will only be your escort, in disguise, if you will have it so,
even in your livery, that your punctilio may not receive offence by my
attendance.'

I told him, I would consider of all he had said: but that I hoped for a
line or two from my aunt Hervey, if not from my sister, to both of
whom I had written, which, if I were to be so favoured, might help to
determine me. Mean time, if he would withdraw, I would particularly
consider of this proposal of his, in relation to my cousin Morden. And
if it held its weight with me, so far as to write for your opinion upon
it, he should know my mind in an hour's time.

He withdrew with great respect: and in an hour's time returned. And I
then told him it was unnecessary to trouble you for your opinion about
it. My cousin Morden was soon expected. If he were not, I could not
admit him to accompany me to him upon any condition. It was highly
improbable that I should obtain the favour of either of his cousins'
company: and if that could be brought about, it would be the same thing
in the world's eye as if he went himself.

This led us into another conversation; which shall be the subject of my
next.

LETTER XXXIII

MISS CLARISSA HARLOWE [IN CONTINUATION.]

Mr. Lovelace told me, that on the supposition that his proposal in
relation to my cousin Morden might not be accepted, he had been studying
to find out, if possible, some other expedient that might be agreeable,
in order to convince me, that he preferred my satisfaction to his own.

He then offered to go himself, and procure my Hannah to come and
attend me. As I had declined the service of either of the young Misses
Sorlings, he was extremely solicitous, he said, that I should have a
servant in whose integrity I might confide.

I told him, that you would be so kind as to send to engage Hannah, if
possible.

If any thing, he said, should prevent Hannah from coming, suppose he
himself waited upon Miss Howe, to desire her to lend me her servant till
I was provided to my mind?

I said, your mother's high displeasure at the step I had taken, (as she
supposed, voluntarily,) had deprived me of an open assistance of that
sort from you.

He was amazed, so much as Mrs. Howe herself used to admire me, and so
great an influence as Miss Howe was supposed, and deserved to have
over her mother, that Mrs. Howe should take upon h