the miss of you, and even hunger and thirst, as I may say, to see you,
and to take you once more to our hearts; whence indeed you was never
banished so far as our concern for the unhappy step made us think and you
believe you were. Your sister and brother both talk of seeing you in
town; so does my dear sister, your indulgent mother.

God restore your health, if it be his will; else, I know not what will
become of

Your truly loving uncle, and second papa,
JOHN HARLOWE.

LETTER XII

MR. BELFORD, TO ROBERT LOVELACE, ESQ.
FRIDAY NIGHT, SEPT. 8, PAST TEN.

I will now take up the account of our proceedings from my letter of last
night, which contained the dying words of this incomparable lady.

As soon as we had seen the last scene closed (so blessedly for herself!)
we left the body to the care of the good women, who, according to the
orders she had given them that very night, removed her into that last
house which she had displayed so much fortitude in providing.

In the morning, between seven and eight o'clock, according to
appointment, the Colonel came to me here. He was very much indisposed.
We went together, accompanied by Mrs. Lovick and Mrs. Smith, into the
deceased's chamber. We could not help taking a view of the lovely
corpse, and admiring the charming serenity of her noble aspect. The
women declared they never say death so lovely before; and that she looked
as if in an easy slumber, the colour having not quite left her cheeks and
lips.

I unlocked the drawer, in which (as I mentioned in a former*) she had
deposited her papers. I told you in mine of Monday last, that she had
the night before sealed up, with three black seals, a parcel inscribed,
As soon as I am certainly dead, this to be broke open by Mr. Belford. I
accused myself for not having done it over-night. But really I was then
incapable of any thing.

* See Vol. VIII. Letter LVII.

I broke it open accordingly, and found in it no less than eleven letters,
each sealed with her own seal, and black wax, one of which was directed
to me.

I will enclose a copy of it.

TO JOHN BELFORD, ESQ.
SUNDAY EVENING, SEPT. 3.

SIR,

I take this last and solemn occasion to repeat to you my thanks for all
your kindness to me at a time when I most needed countenance and
protection.

A few considerations I beg leave, as now at your perusal of this, from
the dead, to press upon you, with all the warmth of a sincere friendship.

By