LETTER IX
MISS CLARISSA HARLOWE, TO MISS HOWETUESDAY, MAY 2.
With infinite regret I am obliged to tell you, that I can no longer writeto you, or receive letters from you.--Your mother has sent me a letterenclosed in a cover to Mr. Lovelace, directed for him at Lord M.'s, (andwhich was brought him just now,) reproaching me on this subject in veryangry terms, and forbidding me, 'as I would not be thought to intend tomake her and you unhappy, to write to you without her leave.'
This, therefore, is the last you must receive from me, till happier days.And as my prospects are not very bad, I presume we shall soon have leaveto write again; and even to see each other: since an alliance with afamily so honourable as Mr. Lovelace's is will not be a disgrace.
She is pleased to write, 'That if I would wish to inflame you, I shouldlet you know her written prohibition: but if otherwise, find some way ofmy own accord (without bringing her into the question) to decline acorrespondence, which I must know she has for some time past forbidden.'But all I can say is, to beg of you not to be inflamed: to beg of you notto let her know, or even by your behaviour to her, on this occasion,guess, that I have acquainted you with my reason for declining to writeto you. For how else, after the scruples I have heretofore made on thisvery subject, yet proceeding to correspond, can I honestly satisfy youabout my motives for this sudden stop? So, my dear, I choose, you see,rather to rely upon your discretion, than to feign reasons with which youwould not be satisfied, but with your usual active penetration, sift tothe bottom, and at last find me to be a mean and low qualifier; and thatwith an implication injurious to you, that I supposed you had notprudence enough to be trusted with the naked truth.
I repeat, that my prospects are not bad. 'The house, I presume, willsoon be taken. The people here are very respectful, notwithstanding mynicety about Miss Partington. Miss Martin, who is near marriage with aneminent tradesman in the Strand, just now, in a very respectful manner,asked my opinion of some patterns of rich silks for the occasion. Thewidow has a less forbidding appearance than at first. Mr. Lovelace, onmy declared dislike of his four friends, has assured me that neither theynor any body else shall be introduced to me without my leave.'
These circumstances I mention (as you will suppose) that your kind heartmay be at ease about me; that you may be induced by them to acquiescewith your mother's commands, (cheerfully acquiesce,) and that for mysake, lest I should be thought an inflamer; who am, with very contraryintentions, my dearest and best beloved friend,
Your ever obliged and affectionate,CLARISSA HARLOWE.