--All this pains for a single
girl?

Yes, Jack--But is not this girl a CLARISSA?--And who knows, but kind
fortune, as a reward for my perseverance, may toss me in her charming
friend? Less likely things have come to pass, Belford. And to be sure I
shall have her, if I resolve upon it.

LETTER XXXII

MR. LOVELACE, TO JOHN BELFORD, ESQ.
EIGHT O'CLOCK, SAT. MORN. JUNE 10.

I am come back from Mrs. Moore's, whither I went in order to attend my
charmer's commands. But no admittance--a very bad night.

Doubtless she must be as much concerned that she has carried her
resentments so very far, as I have reason to be that I made such poor use
of the opportunity I had on Wednesday night.

But now, Jack, for a brief review of my present situation; and a slight
hint or two of my precautions.

I have seen the women this morning, and find them half-right, half-
doubting.

Miss Rawlins's brother tells her, that she lives at Mrs. Moore's.

Mrs. Moore can do nothing without Miss Rawlins.

People who keep lodgings at public places expect to get by every one who
comes into their purlieus. Though not permitted to lodge there myself, I
have engaged all the rooms she has to spare, to the very garrets; and
that, as I have told thee before, for a month certain, and at her own
price, board included; my spouse's and all: but she must not at present
know it. So I hope I have Mrs. Moore fast by the interest.

This, devil-like, is suiting temptations to inclinations.

I have always observed, and, I believe, I have hinted as much formerly,*
that all dealers, though but for pins, may be taken in by customers for
pins, sooner than by a direct bribe of ten times the value; especially if
pretenders to conscience: for the offer of a bribe would not only give
room for suspicion, but would startle and alarm their scrupulousness;
while a high price paid for what you buy, is but submitting to be cheated
in the method of the person makes a profession to get by. Have I not
said that human nature is a rogue?**--And do not I know that it is?

* See Vol. III. Letter XXXIV.
** See Vol. III. Letter XXXV. and Vol. IV. Letter XXI.

To give a higher instance, how many proud senators, in the year 1720,
were induced, by presents or subscription of South-sea stock, to
contribute to a scheme big with national ruin; who yet would have spurned
the man who should have presumed to offer them even twice the sum certain
that they had a chance to