LETTER XI
MR. BELFORD, TO MISS CLARISSA HARLOWESAT. MORN. AUG. 19.
MADAM,
I think myself obliged in honour to acquaint you that I am afraid Mr.Lovelace will try his fate by an interview with you.
I wish to Heaven you could prevail upon yourself to receive his visit.All that is respectful, even to veneration, and all that is penitent,will you see in his behaviour, if you can admit of it. But as I amobliged to set out directly for Epsom, (to perform, as I apprehend, thelast friendly offices for poor Mr. Belton, whom once you saw,) and as Ithink it more likely that Mr. Lovelace will not be prevailed upon, thanthat he will, I thought fit to give you this intimation, lest, if heshould come, you should be too much surprised.
He flatters himself that you are not so ill as I represent you to be.When he sees you, he will be convinced that the most obliging things hecan do, will be as proper to be done for the sake of his own future peaceof mind, as for your health-sake; and, I dare say, in fear of hurting thelatter, he will forbear the thoughts of any farther intrusion; at leastwhile you are so much indisposed: so that one half-hour's shock, if itwill be a shock to see the unhappy man, (but just got up himself from adangerous fever,) will be all you will have occasion to stand.
I beg you will not too much hurry and discompose yourself. It isimpossible he can be in town till Monday, at soonest. And if he resolveto come, I hope to be at Mr. Smith's before him.
I am, Madam, with the profoundest veneration,
Your most faithful and most obedient servant,J. BELFORD.