eir lot) for an exit as happy as her's is
likely to be.

She had again earnestly requested of the doctor his opinion how long it
was now probable that she could continue; and he told her, that he
apprehended she would hardly see to-morrow night. She said, she should
number the hours with greater pleasure than ever she numbered any in her
life on the most joyful occasion.

How unlike poor Belton's last hours her's! See the infinite differences
in the effects, on the same awful and affecting occasion, between a good
and a bad conscience!

This moment a man is come from Miss Howe with a letter. Perhaps I shall
be able to send you the contents.

***

She endeavoured several times with earnestness, but in vain, to read the
letter of her dear friend. The writing, she said, was too fine for her
grosser sight, and the lines staggered under her eye. And indeed she
trembled so, she could not hold the paper; and at last desired Mrs.
Lovick to read it to her, the messenger waiting for an answer.

Thou wilt see in Miss Howe's letter, how different the expression of the
same impatience, and passionate love, is, when dictated by the gentler
mind of a woman, from that which results from a mind so boisterous and
knotty as thine. For Mrs. Lovick will transcribe it, and I shall send
it--to be read in this place, if thou wilt.

MISS HOWE, TO MISS CLARISSA HARLOWE
TUESDAY, SEPT. 5.

O MY DEAREST FRIEND!

What will become of your poor Anna Howe! I see by your writing, as well
as read by your own account, (which, were you not very, very ill, you
would have touched more tenderly,) how it is with you! Why have I thus
long delayed to attend you! Could I think, that the comfortings of a
faithful friend were as nothing to a gentle mind in distress, that I
could be prevailed upon to forbear visiting you so much as once in all
this time! I, as well as every body else, to desert and abandon my dear
creature to strangers! What will become of you, if you be as bad as my
apprehensions make you!

I will set out this moment, little as the encouragement is that you give
me to do so! My mother is willing I should! Why, O why was she not
before willing?

Yet she persuades me too, (lest I should be fatally affected were I to
find my fears too well justified,) to wait the return of this messenger,
who rides our swiftest horse.--God speed him with good news to me--One
line from your hand by him!--Send me but one line to bid m