LETTER LIII
MISS CLARISSA HARLOWE, TO HANNAH BURTONTHURSDAY, JUNE 29.
MY GOOD HANNAH,
Strange things have happened to me, since you were dismissed my service(so sorely against my will) and your pert fellow servant set over me.But that must all be forgotten now--
How do you, my Hannah? Are you recovered of your illness? If you are,do you choose to come and be with me? Or can you conveniently?
I am a very unhappy creature, and, being among all strangers, should bevery glad to have you with me, of whose fidelity and love I have had somany acceptable instances.
Living or dying, I will endeavour to make it worth your while, my Hannah.
If you are recovered, as I hope, and if you have a good place, it may bethey would bear with your absence, and suffer somebody in your room for amonth or so: and, by that time, I hope to be provided for, and you maythen return to your place.
Don't let any of my friends know of this my desire: whether you can comeor not.
I am at Mr. Smith's, a hosier's and glove shop, in King-street,Covent-garden.
You must direct to me by the name of Rachel Clark.
Do, my good Hannah, come if you can to your poor young mistress, whoalways valued you, and always will whether you come or not.
I send this to your mother at St. Alban's, not knowing where to directto you. Return me a line, that I may know what to depend upon: and Ishall see you have not forgotten the pretty hand you were taught, inhappy days, by
Your true friend,CLARISSA HARLOWE.