pellant, not only in their eye, but in her own. Exalt not into judges
those who are prepared to take lessons and instructions from you. The
individuals of my family are as proud as I am said to be. But they will
cheerfully resign to your superiority--you will be the first woman of the
family in every one's eyes.

This might have done with any other woman in the world but this; and yet
she is the only woman in the world of whom it may with truth be said.
But thus, angrily, did she disclaim the compliment.

Yes, indeed!--[and there she stopt a moment, her sweet bosom heaving with
a noble disdain]--cheated out of myself from the very first!--A fugitive
from my own family! Renounced by my relations! Insulted by you!--Laying
humble claim to the protection of your's!--Is not this the light in which
I must appear not only to the ladies of your family, but to all the
world?--Think you, Sir, that in these circumstances, or even had I been
in the happiest, that I could be affected by this plea of undeserved
superiority?--You are a stranger to the mind of Clarissa Harlowe, if you
think her capable of so poor and so undue a pride!

She went from us to the farther end of the room.

The Captain was again affected--Excellent creature! I called her; and,
reverently approaching her, urged farther the plea I had last made.

It is but lately, said I, that the opinions of my relations have been
more than indifferent to me, whether good or bad; and it is for your
sake, more than for my own, that I now wish to stand well with my whole
family. The principal motive of Lady Betty's coming up, is, to purchase
presents for the whole family to make on the happy occasion.

This consideration, turning to the Captain, with so noble-minded a dear
creature, I know, can have no weight; only as it will show their value
and respect. But what a damp would their worthy hearts receive, were
they to find their admired new niece, as they now think her, not only not
their niece, but capable of renouncing me for ever! They love me. They
all love me. I have been guilty of carelessness and levity to them,
indeed; but of carelessness and levity only; and that owing to a pride
that has set me above meanness, though it has not done every thing for
me.

My whole family will be guaranties for my good behaviour to this dear
creature, their niece, their daughter, their cousin, their friend, their
chosen companion and directress, all in one.--Upon my soul,