LETTER XXV
MISS HOWE, TO MRS. JUDITH NORTONTHURSDAY, MAY 11.
GOOD MRS. NORTON,
Cannot you, without naming me as an adviser, who am hated by the family,contrive a way to let Mrs. Harlowe know, that in an accidentalconversation with me, you had been assured that my beloved friend pinesafter a reconciliation with her relations? That she has hitherto, inhopes of it, refused to enter into any obligation that shall be in theleast a hinderance [sic] to it: that she would fain avoid giving Mr.Lovelace a right to make her family uneasy in relation to hergrandfather's estate: that all she wishes for still is to be indulged inher choice of a single life, and, on that condition, would make herfather's pleasure her's with regard to that estate: that Mr. Lovelace iscontinually pressing her to marry him; and all his friends likewise: butthat I am sure she has so little liking to the man, because of his faultymorals, and of the antipathy of her relations to him, that if she had anyhope given her of a reconciliation, she would forego all thoughts of him,and put herself into her father's protection. But that their resolutionmust be speedy; for otherwise she would find herself obliged to give wayto his pressing entreaties; and it might then be out of her power toprevent disagreeable litigations.
I do assure you, Mrs. Norton, upon my honour, that our dearest friendknows nothing of this procedure of mine: and therefore it is proper toacquaint you, in confidence, with my grounds for it.--These are they:
She had desired me to let Mr. Hickman drop hints to the above effect toher uncle Harlowe; but indirectly, as from himself, lest, if theapplication should not be attended with success, and Mr. Lovelace (whoalready takes it ill that he has so little of her favour) come to knowit, she may be deprived of every protection, and be perhaps subjected togreat inconveniencies from so haughty a spirit.
Having this authority from her, and being very solicitous about thesuccess of the application, I thought, that if the weight of so good awife, mother, and sister, as Mrs. Harlowe is known to be, were throwninto the same scale with that of Mr. John Harlowe (supposing he could beengaged) it could hardly fail of making a due impression.
Mr. Hickman will see Mr. John Harlowe to-morrow: by that time you may seeMrs. Harlowe. If Mr. Hickman finds the old gentleman favourable, he willtell him, that you will have seen Mrs. Harlowe upon the same account; andwill advise him to join in consultation with her how best to proceed tomelt the most obdurate heart in the world.
This is the fair state of the matter, and my true motive for writing toyou. I leave all, therefore, to your discretion; and most heartily wishsuccess to it; being of opinion that Mr. Lovelace cannot possibly deserveour admirable friend: nor indeed know I the man who does.
Pray acquaint me by a line of the result of your interposition. If itprove not such as may be reasonably hoped for, our dear friend shall knownothing of this step from me; and pray let her not from you. For, inthat case, it would only give deeper grief to a heart already too muchafflicted. I am, dear and worthy Mrs. Norton,
Your true friend,ANNA HOWE.