at I preserved myself from
the vilest dishonour. He extorted from me a promise of forgiveness,
and that I would see him next day, as if nothing had happened: but if it
were possible to escape from a wretch, who, as I have too much reason to
believe, formed a plot to fire the house, to frighten me, almost naked,
into his arms, how could I see him next day?

I have escaped--Heaven be praised that I have!--And now have no other
concern, than that I fly from the only hope that could have made such a
husband tolerable to me; the reconciliation with my friends, so agreeably
undertaken by my uncle.

All my present hope is, to find some reputable family, or person of my
own sex, who is obliged to go beyond sea, or who lives abroad; I care not
whether; but if I might choose, in some one of our American colonies--
never to be heard of more by my relations, whom I have so grievously
offended.

Nor let your generous heart be moved at what I write. If I can escape
the dreadfullest part of my father's malediction, (for the temporary part
is already, in a manner, fulfilled, which makes me tremble in
apprehension of the other,) I shall think the wreck of my worldly
fortunes a happy composition.

Neither is there need of the renewal of your so-often-tendered goodness
to me: for I have with me rings and other valuables, that were sent me
with my clothes, which will turn into money to answer all I can want,
till Providence shall be pleased to put me into some want to help myself,
if, for my further punishment, my life is to be lengthened beyond my
wishes.

Impute not this scheme, my beloved friend, either to dejection on one
hand, or to that romantic turn on the other, which we have supposed
generally to obtain with our sex, from fifteen to twenty-two: for, be
pleased to consider my unhappy situation, in the light in which it really
must appear to every considerate person who knows it. In the first
place, the man, who has endeavoured to make me, his property, will hunt
me as a stray: and he knows he may do so with impunity; for whom have I
to protect me from him?

Then as to my estate, the envied estate, which has been the original
cause of all my misfortunes, it shall never be mine upon litigated terms.
What is there in being enabled to boast, that I am worth more than I can
use, or wish to use? And if my power is circumscribed, I shall not have
that to answer for, which I should have, if I did not use it as I ought:
which ve