itable civility; and she withdrew with great tokens
of respect. With greater, I think, than should be from distance of
years, as she was the wife of a gentleman; and as the appearance of every
thing about her, as well house as dress, carries the marks of such good
circumstances, as require not abasement.

If, my dear, you will write, against prohibition, be pleased to direct,
To Miss Laetitia Beaumont; to be left till called for, at Mr. Wilson's,
in Pall Mall.

Mr. Lovelace proposed this direction to me, not knowing of your desire
that your letters should pass by a third hand. As his motive for it was,
that my brother might not trace out where we are, I am glad, as well from
this instance as from others, that he seems to think he has done mischief
enough already.

Do you know how my poor Hannah does?

Mr. Lovelace is so full of his contrivances and expedients, that I think
it may not be amiss to desire you to look carefully to the seals of my
letters, as I shall to those of yours. If I find him base in this
particular, I shall think him capable of any evil; and will fly him as my
worst enemy.

LETTER II

MISS HOWE, TO MISS CLARISSA HARLOWE
[WITH HER TWO LAST LETTERS, NO. LVIII. LIX. OF VOL. III., ENCLOSED.]
THURSDAY NIGHT, APRIL 27.

I have your's; just brought me. Mr. Hickman has helped me to a lucky
expedient, which, with the assistance of the post, will enable me to
correspond with you every day. An honest higler, [Simon Collins his
name,] by whom I shall send this, and the two enclosed, (now I have your
direction whither,) goes to town constantly on Mondays, Wednesdays, and
Fridays; and can bring back to me from Mr. Wilson's what you shall have
caused to be left for me.

I congratulate you on your arrival in town, so much amended in spirits.
I must be brief. I hope you'll have no cause to repent returning my
Norris. It is forthcoming on demand.

I am sorry your Hannah can't be with you. She is very ill still; but not
dangerously.

I long for your account of the women you are with. If they are not right
people, you will find them out in one breakfasting.

I know not what to write upon his reporting to them that you are actually
married. His reasons for it are plausible. But he delights in odd
expedients and inventions.

Whether you like the people or not, do not, by your noble sincerity and
plain dealing, make yourself enemies. You are in the real world now you
know.

I am glad yo