orious, and may think us
nearer of kin than I would have it supposed, I must take care that I am
not seen abroad in your company.'

But let me add, Mr. Belford, that if this compliment of Mr. Hickman (or
this more than compliment, as I may call it, since the worthy man speaks
not of my dear cousin without emotion) does not produce a short day, I
shall think Miss Howe has less generosity in her temper than I am willing
to allow her.

You will excuse me, Mr. Belford, for the particularities which you
invited and encouraged. Having now seen every thing that relates to the
will of my dear cousin brought to a desirable issue, I will set about
making my own. I shall follow the dear creature's example, and give my
reasons for every article, that there may be no room for
after-contention.

What but a fear of death, a fear unworthy of a creature who knows that he
must one day as surely die as he was born, can hinder any one from making
such a disposition?

I hope soon to pay my respects to you in town. Mean time, I am, with
great respect, dear Sir,

Your faithful and affectionate humble servant,
WM. MORDEN.

LETTER XLVII

MR. BELFORD, TO MISS HOWE
THURSDAY, SEPT. 28.

MADAM,

I do myself the honour to send you by this, according to my promise,*
copies of the posthumous letters written by your exalted friend.

* See Letter XXXVI. of this volume.

These will be accompanied with other letters, particularly a copy of one
from Mr. Lovelace, begun to be written on the 14th, and continued down to
the 18th.* You will see by it, Madam, the dreadful anguish that his
spirits labour with, and his deep remorse.

* See Letter XXXVII. ibid.

Mr. Lovelace sent for this letter back. I complied; but I first took a
copy of it. As I have not told him that I have done so, you will be
pleased to forbear communicating of it to any body but Mr. Hickman. That
gentleman's perusal of it will be the same as if nobody but yourself saw
it.

One of the letters of Colonel Morden, which I enclose, you will observe,
Madam, is only a copy.* The true reason for which, as I will ingenuously
acknowledge, is, some free, but respectful animadversions which the
Colonel has made upon your declining to carry into execution your part of
your dear friend's last requests. I have therefore, in respect to that
worthy gentleman, (having a caution from him on that head,) omitted those
parts.

* The preceding Letter.

Will you