she demonstrated so much prudent knowledge in every thing
that relates to that part of the domestic management which falls under
the care of a mistress of a family, that I believe she has no equal of
her years in the world.

But, indeed, I know not the subject on which she does not talk with
admirable distinction; insomuch that could I but get over my prejudices
against matrimony, and resolve to walk in the dull beaten path of my
ancestors, I should be the happiest of men--and if I cannot, I may be ten
times more to be pitied than she.

My heart, my heart, Belford, is not to be trusted--I break off, to
re-peruse some of Miss Howe's virulence.

***

Cursed letters, these of Miss Howe, Jack!--Do thou turn back to those of
mine, where I take notice of them--I proceed--

Upon the whole, my charmer was all gentleness, all ease, all serenity,
throughout this sweet excursion. Nor had she reason to be otherwise: for
it being the first time that I had the honour of her company alone, I was
resolved to encourage her, by my respectfulness, to repeat the favour.

On our return, I found the counsellor's clerk waiting for me, with a
draught of the marriage-settlements.

They are drawn, with only the necessary variations, from those made for
my mother. The original of which (now returned by the counsellor) as
well as the new draughts, I have put into my beloved's hands.

These settlements of my mother made the lawyer's work easy; nor can she
have a better precedent; the great Lord S. having settled them, at the
request of my mother's relations; all the difference, my charmer's are
100l. per annum more than my mother's.

I offered to read to her the old deed, while she looked over the draught;
for she had refused her presence at the examination with the clerk: but
this she also declined.

I suppose she did not care to hear of so many children, first, second,
third, fourth, fifth, sixth, and seventh sons, and as many daughters, to
be begotten upon the body of the said Clarissa Harlowe.

Charming matrimonial recitativoes!--though it is always said lawfully
begotten too--as if a man could beget children unlawfully upon the body
of his own wife.--But thinkest thou not that these arch rogues the
lawyers hereby intimate, that a man may have children by his wife before
marriage?--This must be what they mean. Why will these sly fellows put
an honest man in minds of such rogueries?--but hence, as in numberless
other instan