as to what you both desire, that he will be present at the
ceremony, he said, that his nephew watched all his steps so narrowly,
that he thought it was not practicable (if he were inclinable) to oblige
you: but that he consented, with all his heart, that I should be the
person whom he had stipulated should be privately present at the ceremony
on his part.]

[However, I think, I have an expedient for this, if your lady continues
to be very desirous of her uncle's presence (except he should be more
determined than his answer to me seemed to import); of which I shall
acquaint you, and perhaps of what he says to it, when I have the pleasure
to see you in town. But, indeed, I think you have no time to lose. Mr.
Harlowe is impatient to hear, that you are actually one; and I hope I may
carry him down word, when I leave you next, that I saw the ceremony
performed.]

[If any obstacle arises from the lady, (from you it cannot,) I shall be
tempted to think a little hardly of her punctilio.]

Mr. Harlowe hopes, Sir, that you will rather take pains to avoid, than to
meet, this violent young man. He has the better opinion of you, let me
tell you, Sir, from the account I gave him of your moderation and
politeness; neither of which are qualities with his nephew. But we have
all of us something to amend.

You cannot imagine how dearly my friend still loves this excellent niece
of his.--I will give you an instance of it, which affected me a good
deal---'If once more, said he, (the last time but one we were together,)
I can but see this sweet child gracing the upper end of my table, as
mistress of my house, in my allotted month; all the rest of my family
present but as her guests; for so I formerly would have it; and had her
mother's consent for it--' There he stopt; for he was forced to turn his
reverend face from me. Tears ran down his cheeks. Fain would he have
hid them: but he could not--'Yet--yet, said he--how--how--' [poor
gentleman, he perfectly sobbed,] 'how shall I be able to bear the first
meeting!'

I bless God I am no hard-hearted man, Mr. Lovelace: my eyes showed to my
worthy friend, that he had no reason to be ashamed of his humanity before
me.

I will put an end to this long epistle. Be pleased to make my
compliments acceptable to the most excellent of women; as well as believe
me to be,

Dear Sir,
Your faithful friend, and humble servant,
ANTONY TOMLINSON.

***

During the conversation between me