ow over
you; and also, that if he can obtain greater, he
will.--And for this very reason (as I apprehend) it
>>> is, that Tomlinson is introduced; that is to say, to
give you the greater security, and to be a mediator,
if mortal offence be given you by any villanous
attempt.--The day seems not now to be so much
in your power as it ought to be, since that now
partly depends on your uncle, whose presence, at
your own motion, he has wished on the occasion.
A wish, were all real, very unlikely, I think, to be
granted.'

* She means the freedom Mr. Lovelace took with her before the fire-plot.
See Vol. V. Letter XI. When Miss Howe wrote this letter she could not
know of that.
** See Vol. V. Letter XII.

>>> And thus situated, should he offer greater free-
doms, must you not forgive him?

I fear nothing (as I know who has said) that
devil carnate or incarnate can fairly do against a
>>> virtue so established.*--But surprizes, my dear, in
such a house as you are in, and in such circum-
stances as I have mentioned, I greatly fear! the
>>> man one who has already triumphed over persons
worthy of his alliance.

>>> What then have you to do, but to fly this house,
this infernal house!--O that your heart would let
you fly the man!

>>> If you should be disposed so to do, Mrs. Towns-
end shall be ready at your command.--But if you
meet with no impediments, no new causes of doubt,
I think your reputation in the eye of the world,
>>> though not your happiness, is concerned, that you
should be his--and yet I cannot bear that these
libertines should be rewarded for their villany with
the best of the sex, when the worst of it are too
good for them.

But if you meet with the least ground for
suspicion; if he would detain you at the odious
house, or wish you to stay, now you know what
>>> the people are; fly him, whatever your prospects
are, as well as them.

In one of your next airings, if you have no other
>>> way, refuse to return with him. Name me for your
intelligencer, that you are in a bad house, and if you
think you cannot now break with him, seem rather
>>> to believe that he may not know it to be so; and
that I do not believe he does: and yet this belief
in us both must appear to be very gross.