d being very solicitous about the
success of the application, I thought, that if the weight of so good a
wife, mother, and sister, as Mrs. Harlowe is known to be, were thrown
into the same scale with that of Mr. John Harlowe (supposing he could be
engaged) it could hardly fail of making a due impression.

Mr. Hickman will see Mr. John Harlowe to-morrow: by that time you may see
Mrs. Harlowe. If Mr. Hickman finds the old gentleman favourable, he will
tell him, that you will have seen Mrs. Harlowe upon the same account; and
will advise him to join in consultation with her how best to proceed to
melt the most obdurate heart in the world.

This is the fair state of the matter, and my true motive for writing to
you. I leave all, therefore, to your discretion; and most heartily wish
success to it; being of opinion that Mr. Lovelace cannot possibly deserve
our admirable friend: nor indeed know I the man who does.

Pray acquaint me by a line of the result of your interposition. If it
prove not such as may be reasonably hoped for, our dear friend shall know
nothing of this step from me; and pray let her not from you. For, in
that case, it would only give deeper grief to a heart already too much
afflicted. I am, dear and worthy Mrs. Norton,

Your true friend,
ANNA HOWE.

LETTER XXVI

MRS. NORTON, TO MISS HOWE
SATURDAY, MAY 13.

DEAR MADAM,

My heart is almost broken, to be obliged to let you know, that such is
the situation of things in the family of my ever-dear Miss Harlowe, that
there can be at present no success expected from any application in her
favour. Her poor mother is to be pitied. I have a most affecting letter
from her; but must not communicate it to you; and she forbids me to let
it be known that she writes upon the subject; although she is compelled,
as it were, to do it, for the ease of her own heart. I mention it
therefore in confidence.

I hope in God that my beloved young lady has preserved her honour
inviolate. I hope there is not a man breathing who could attempt a
sacrilege so detestable. I have no apprehension of a failure in a virtue
so established. God for ever keep so pure a heart out of the reach of
surprises and violence! Ease, dear Madam, I beseech you, my over-anxious
heart, by one line, by the bearer, although but one line, to acquaint me
(as surely you can) that her honour is unsullied.--If it be not, adieu to
all the comforts this life can give: since none will it be