ter from John Arnold, in which he tells me, that his master is
preparing for his London journey; and believes, afterwards, he will come
into these parts: But he says, Lady Davers is at their house, and is to
accompany her brother to London, or meet him there, he knows not which.
He professes great zeal and affection to your service: and I find he
refers to a letter he sent me before, but which is not come to my hand.
I think there can be no treachery; for it is a particular friend at
Gainsborough, that I have ordered him to direct to; and this is come
safe to my hands by this means; for well I know, I durst trust nothing
to Brett, at the post-house here. This gives me a little pain; but I
hope all will end well, and we shall soon hear, if it be necessary to
pursue our former intentions. If it be, I will lose no time to provide a
horse for you, and another for myself; for I can never do either God or
myself better service, though I were to forego all my expectations for
it here, I am 'Your most faithful humble servant.'

'I was too free indeed with Mrs. Jewkes, led to it by her dissimulation,
and by her pretended concern to make me happy with you. I hinted, that I
would not have scrupled to have procured your deliverance by any means;
and that I had proposed to you, as the only honourable one, marriage
with me. But I assured her, though she would hardly believe me, that
you discouraged my application: which is too true! But not a word of the
back-door key, etc.'

Mrs. Jewkes continues still sullen and ill-natured, and I am almost
afraid to speak to her. She watches me as close as ever, and pretends to
wonder why I shun her company as I do.

I have just put under the tiles these lines inspired by my fears, which
are indeed very strong; and, I doubt, not without reason.

'SIR,

'Every thing gives me additional disturbance. The missed letter of John
Arnold's makes me suspect a plot. Yet am I loath to think myself of so
much importance, as to suppose every one in a plot against me. Are you
sure, however, the London journey is not to be a Lincolnshire one? May
not John, who has been once a traitor, be so again?--Why need I be thus
in doubt?--If I could have this horse, I would turn the reins on his
neck, and trust to Providence to guide him for my safeguard! For I would
not endanger you, now just upon the edge of your preferment. Yet, sir, I
fear your fatal openness will make you suspected as accessary, let us be
eve