uncle's proposal, to have it thought that you were married from the time
that you had lived in one house together; and that to be made to agree
with the time of Mr. Hickman's visit to your uncle; the insisting on a
trusty person's being present at the ceremony, at that uncle's nomination
--these things make me [assured that he now at last means honourably.]

* See Letter XX. of this volume.

[But if any unexpected delays should happen on his side, acquaint me, my
dear, with the very street where Mrs. Sinclair lives; and where Mrs.
Fretchville's house is situated (which I cannot find that you have ever
mentioned in your former letters--which is a little odd); and I will make
strict inquiries of them, and of Tomlinson too; and I will (if your heart
will let you take my advice) soon procure you a refuge from him with Mrs.
Townsend.]

[But why do I now, when you seem to be in so good a train, puzzle and
perplex you with my retrospections? And yet they may be of use to you,
if any delay happen on his part.]

[But that I think cannot well be. What you have therefore now to do, is
so to behave to this proud-spirited wretch, as may banish from his mind
all remembrance of] past disobligations,* and to receive his addresses,
as those of a betrothed lover. You will incur the censure of prudery and
affectation, if you keep him at that distance which you have hitherto
[kept him at.] His sudden (and as suddenly recovered) illness has given
him an opportunity to find out that you love him (Alas! my dear, I knew
you loved him!) He has seemed to change his nature, and is all love and
gentleness. [And no more quarrels now, I beseech you.]

* See Letter XX. of this volume.

[I am very angry with him, nevertheless, for the freedoms which he took
with your person;* and I think some guard is necessary, as he is
certainly an encroacher. But indeed all men are so; and you are such a
charming creature, and have kept him at such a distance!--But no more of
this subject. Only, my dear, be not over-nice, now you are so near the
state. You see what difficulties you laid yourself under,] when
Tomlinson's letter called you again into [the wretch's] company.

* See Letter XI. of this volume.

If you meet with no impediments, no new causes of doubt,* your reputation
in the eye of the world is concerned, that you should be his, [and, as
your uncle rightly judges, be thought to have been his before now.] And
yet, [let me t