respondence.

They said there was no need of an executor out of their family; and they
hoped that you would relinquish so unnecessary a trust, as they called
it. My cousin James declared that he would write to you, as soon as the
funeral was over, to desire that you would do so, upon proper assurances
that all the will prescribed should be performed.

I said you were a man of resolution: that I thought he would hardly
succeed; for that you made a point of honour of it.

I then showed them their sister's posthumous letter to you; in which she
confesses her obligations to you, and regard for you, and for your future
welfare.* You may believe, Sir, they were extremely affected with the
perusal of it.

* See Letter XII. of this volume.

They were surprised that I had given up to you the produce of her
grandfather's estate since his death. I told them plainly that they must
thank themselves if any thing disagreeable to them occurred from their
sister's devise; deserted, and thrown into the hands of strangers, as she
had been.

They said they would report all I had said to their father and mother;
adding, that great as their trouble was, they found they had still more
to come. But if Mr. Belford were to be the executor of her will,
contrary to their hopes, they besought me to take the trouble of
transacting every thing with you; that a friend of the man to whom they
owed all their calamity might not appear to them.

They were extremely moved at the text their sister had chosen for the
subject of their funeral discourse.* I had extracted from the will that
article, supposing it probable that I might not so soon have an
opportunity to show them the will itself, as would otherwise have been
necessary, on account of the interment, which cannot be delayed.

* See the Will, in pg. 112 of this volume.

MONDAY MORNING, BETWEEN EIGHT AND NINE.

The unhappy family are preparing for a mournful meeting at breakfast.
Mr. James Harlowe, who has had as little rest as I, has written to Mr.
Melvill, who has promised to draw up a brief eulogium on the deceased.
Miss Howe is expected here by-and-by, to see, for the last time, her
beloved friend.

Miss Howe, by her messenger, desires she may not be taken any notice of.
She shall not tarry six minutes, was the word. Her desire will be easily
granted her.

Her servant, who brought the request, if it were denied, was to return,
and meet her; for she was ready to set o