***

Mrs. Sinclair is just now gone from me.  Dorcas, she told me, had acquainted her, that I had dismissed her for the night.  She came to ask me how I liked my apartment, and to wish me good rest.  She expressed her concern, that they could not have my company at supper.  Mr. Lovelace, she said, had informed them of my love of retirement.  She assured me, that I should not be broken in upon.  She highly extolled him, and gave me a share in the praise as to person.  But was sorry, she said, that she was likely to lose us so soon as Mr. Lovelace talked of.

I answered her with suitable 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.