anner, accounted to you, as to the
executor of my beloved friend, for all that relates to you, as such, to
know; and even for more than I needed to do, against myself; only that
you will find as much against me in some of her letters; and so, losing
nothing, I gain the character of ingenuousness with you.

And thus much for the double reprimand, on my delaying my part of the
performance of my dear friend's will.

And now, while you are admonishing me on this subject, let me remind you
of one great article relating to yourself: it is furnished me by my dear
creature's posthumous letter to you--I hope you will not forget, that the
most benevolent of her sex expresses herself as earnestly concerned for
your thorough reformation, as she does for my marrying. You'll see to
it, then, that her wishes are as completely answered in that particular,
as you are desirous they should be in all others.

I have, I own, disobeyed her in one article; and that is, where she
desires I would not put myself into mourning. I could not help it.

I send this and mine of Saturday last together; and will not add another
word, after I have told you that I think myself

Your obliged servant,
A. HOWE.

LETTER L

MR. BELFORD, TO MISS HOWE
THURSDAY NIGHT, OCT. 5.

I return you, Madam, my most respectful thanks for your condescending
hint, in relation to the pious wishes of your exalted friend for my
thorough reformation.

I will only say, that it will be my earnest and unwearied endeavour to
make those generous wishes effectual: and I hope for the Divine blessing
upon such my endeavours, or else I know they will be in vain.

I cannot, Madam, express how much I think myself obliged to you for your
farther condescension, in writing to me so frankly the state of your past
and present mind, in relation to the single and matrimonial life. If the
lady by whom, as the executor of her inimitable friend, I am thus
honoured, has failings, never were failings so lovely in woman!--How much
more lovely, indeed, than the virtues of many of her sex!

I might have ventured into the hands of such a lady the Colonel's
original letter entire. The worthy gentleman exceedingly admires you;
and this caution was the effect of his politeness only, and of his regard
for you.

I send you, Madam, a letter from Lord M. to myself; and the copies of
three others written in consequence of that. These will acquaint you
with Mr. Lovelace's departure from E