asked her, if she would be willing that I should appear to
support you in court, if you complied?--By all means, she said, if that
would induce you to begin with him, and with the horrid women. I think I
could probably attend you, I am sure I could, were there but a
probability of bringing the monster to his deserved end.

Once more your thoughts of it, supposing it were to meet with the
approbation of your relations.

But whatever be your determination on this head, it shall be my constant
prayer, that God will give you patience to bear your heavy afflictions,
as a person ought to do who has not brought them upon herself by a faulty
will: that He will speak peace and comfort to your wounded mind; and give
you many happy years. I am, and ever will be,

Your affectionate and faithful
ANNA HOWE.

***

[The two preceding letters were sent by a special messenger: in the cover
were written the following lines:]

MONDAY, JULY 10.

I cannot, my dearest friend, suffer the enclosed to go unaccompanied by a
few lines, to signify to you that they are both less tender in some
places than I would have written, had they not been to pass my mother's
inspection. The principal reason, however, of my writing thus separately
is, to beg of you to permit me to send you money and necessaries, which
you must needs want; and that you will let me know, if either I, or any
body I can influence, can be of service to you. I am excessively
apprehensive that you are not enough out of the villain's reach where you
are. Yet London, I am persuaded, is the place, of all others, to be
private in.

I could tear my hair for vexation, that I have it not in my power to
afford you personal protection!--I am

Your ever devoted
ANNA HOWE.

Once more forgive me, my dearest creature, for my barbarous taunting in
mine of the 5th! Yet I can hardly forgive myself. I to be so cruel, yet
to know you so well!--Whence, whence, had I this vile impatiency of
spirit!--

LETTER LXXIII

MISS CLARISSA HARLOWE, TO MISS HOWE
TUESDAY, JULY 11.

Forgive you, my dear!--Most cordially do I forgive you--Will you forgive
me for some sharp things I wrote in return to your's of the 5th? You
could not have loved me as you do, nor had the concern you have always
shown for my honour, if you had not been utterly displeased with me, on
the appearance which my conduct wore to you when you wrote that letter.
I most heartily thank you, my best and