LETTER XV.
Mr. Lovelace, To John Belford, Esq;
Saturday, 6 o' clock, June 10.
The Lady gave Will's Sweetheart a Letter last night to be carried to the Post-house as this morning, directed for Miss Howe, under cover to
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Hickman. I dare say neither Cover nor Letter will be seen to have been opened. The contents but eight lines---To own---'The receipt of her double-dated Letter in safety; and referring to a longer Letter, which she intends to write, when she shall have a quieter heart, and less trembling fingers. But mentions something to have happened [My detecting her, she means] which has given her very great flutters, confusions, and apprehensions: But which she will await the issue of [Some hopes for me hence, Jack!] before she gives her fresh perturbation or concern on her account.---She tells her how impatient she shall be for her next, &c.'
Now, Belford, I thought it would be but kind in me to save Miss Howe's concern on these alarming hints; since the curiosity of such a spirit must have been prodigiously excited by them. Having therefore so good a copy to imitate, I wrote; and, taking out that of my Beloved, put under the same cover the following short billet; inscriptive and conclusive parts of it in her own words.
Hamstead, Tuesday Evening.
My ever-dear Miss Howe,
A few lines only, till calmer spirits and quieter fingers be granted me, and till I can get over the shock which your intelligence has given me---To acquaint you---that your kind long Letter of Wednesday, and, as I may say, of Thursday morning, is come safe to my hands. On receipt of yours by my messenger to you, I sent for it from Wilson's. There, thank Heaven! it lay. May that Heaven reward you for all your past, and for all your intended goodness to
Your for-ever obliged
Cl. Harlowe.
I took great pains in writing this. It cannot, I
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hope, be suspected. Her hand is so very delicate. Yet hers is written less beautifully than she usually writes: And I hope Miss Howe will allow somewhat for hurry of spirits, and unsteady fingers.
My consideration for Miss Howe's ease of mind extended still farther than to the Instance I have mentioned.
That this billet might be with her as soon as possible (and before it could have reached Hickman by the post) I dispatched it away by a servant of Mowbray's. Miss Howe, had there been any failure or delay, might, as thou wilt think, have communicated her anxieties to her fugitive friend; and she to me, perhaps in a way I should not have been pleased with.
Once more wilt thou wonderingly question---All this pains for a single girl?
Yes, Jack!---But is not this girl a Clarissa?---And who knows, but kind Fortune, as a reward for my perseverance, may toss me in her charming friend? Less likely things have come to pass, Belford. And to be sure I shall have her, if I resolve upon it.