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LETTER XCIII.
Mrs. Norton, To Miss Clarissa Harlowe.
Monday, July 24.
Excuse, my dearest young Lady, my long silence. I have been extremely ill. My poor Boy has also been at death's door; and, when I hoped that he was better, he has relapsed. Alas! my dear, he is very dangerously ill. Let us both have your prayers!
Very angry Letters have passed between your Sister and Miss Howe. Every one of your family is incensed against that young Lady. I wish you would remonstrate against her warmth; since it can do no good; for they will not believe, but that her interposition has your connivance; nor that you are so ill as Miss Howe assures them you are.
Before she wrote, they were going to send up young Mr. Brand the Clergyman, to make private enquiries of your health, and way of life.---But now they are so exasperated, that they have laid aside their intention.
We have flying reports here, and at Harlowe-Place, of some fresh insults which you have undergone: And that you are about to put yourself into Lady Betty Lawrance's protection. I believe they would now be glad (as I should be) that you would do so; and this, perhaps, will make them suspend for the present any determination in your favour.
How unhappy am I, that the dangerous way my Son is in prevents my attendance on you! Let me beg of you to write me word how you are, both as to person and mind. A servant of Sir Robert Beachcroft, who rides post on his master's business to town, will present you with this; and, perhaps, will bring me the favour of a few lines in return. He will be obliged to stay in town several hours, for an answer to his dispatches.
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This is the anniversary, that used to give joy to as many as had the pleasure and honour of knowing you. May the Almighty bless you, and grant, that it may be the only unhappy one that may be ever known by you, my dearest young Lady; and by
Your ever-affectionate
Judith Norton.