u hear, my dear Everina, that I have been in London near a
fortnight without writing to you or Eliza, you will perhaps accuse
me of insensibility; for I shall not lay any stress on my not being
well in consequence of a violent cold I caught during the time I
was nursing, but tell you that I put off writing because I was at a
loss what I could do to render Eliza's situation more comfortable.
I instantly gave Jones ten pounds to send, for a very obvious
reason, in his own name to my father, and could send her a trifle
of this kind immediately, were a temporary assistance necessary. I
believe I told you that Mr. Imlay had not a fortune when I first
knew him; since that he has entered into very extensive plans which
promise a degree of success, though not equal to the first
prospect. When a sufficient sum is actually realized, I know he
will give me for you and Eliza five or six hundred pounds, or more
if he can. In what way could this be of the most use to you? I am
above concealing my sentiments, though I have boggled at uttering
them. It would give me sincere pleasure to be situated near you
both. I cannot yet say where I shall determine to spend the rest of
my life; but I do not wish to have a third person in the house with
me; my domestic happiness would perhaps be interrupted, without my
being of much use to Eliza. This is not a hastily formed opinion,
nor is it in consequence of my present attachment, yet I am obliged
now to express it because it appears to me that you have formed
some such expectation for Eliza. You may wound me by remarking on
my determination, still I know on what principle I act, and
therefore you can only judge for yourself. I have not heard from
Charles for a great while. By writing to me immediately you would
relieve me from considerable anxiety. Mrs. Imlay, No. 26 Charlotte
Street, Rathbone Place.

Yours sincerely,
MARY.

Two days later she wrote to this effect to Mrs. Bishop. Both letters are
almost word for word the same, so that it would be useless to give the
second. It was too much for Eliza's inflammable temper. All her worst
feelings were stirred by what she considered an insult. The kindness of
years was in a moment effaced from her memory. Her indignation was
probably fanned into fiercer fury by her disappointment. From a few words