LETTER LVII
MRS. NORTON, TO MRS. HARLOWEFRIDAY, JULY 28.
HONOURED MADAM,
Being forbid (without leave) to send you any thing I might happen toreceive from my beloved Miss Clary, and so ill, that I cannot attendyou to ask your leave, I give you this trouble, to let you know that Ihave received a letter from her; which, I think, I should hereafter beheld inexcusable, as things may happen, if I did not desire permissionto communicate to you, and that as soon as possible.
Applications have been made to the dear young lady from Lord M., fromthe two ladies his sisters, and from both his nieces, and from the wickedman himself, to forgive and marry him. This, in noble indignation forthe usage she has received from him, she has absolutely refused. Andperhaps, Madam, if you and the honoured family should be of opinion thatto comply with their wishes is now the properest measure that can betaken, the circumstances of things may require your authority or advice,to induce her to change her mind.
I have reason to believe that one motive for her refusal is her fullconviction that she shall not long be a trouble to any body; and so shewould not give a husband a right to interfere with her family, inrelation to the estate her grandfather devised to her. But of this,however, I have not the least intimation from her. Nor would she, I daresay, mention it as a reason, having still stronger reasons, from his viletreatment of her, to refuse him.
The letter I have received will show how truly penitent the dear creatureis; and, if I have your permission, I will send it sealed up, with a copyof mine, to which it is an answer. But as I resolve upon this stepwithout her knowledge, [and indeed I do,] I will not acquaint her withit, unless it be attended with desirable effects: because, otherwise,besides making me incur her displeasure, it might quite break her alreadyhalf-broken heart. I am,
Honoured Madam,Your dutiful and ever-obliged servant,JUDITH NORTON.