ould be so construed. I have the
utmost honour for her. Miss Howe loves her, as she loves her own soul;
and that she would not do, if she were not sure she were as virtuous as
herself.

As herself, Sir!--I have a high opinion of Miss Howe, Sir--but, I dare
say--

What, Sir, dare you say of Miss Howe!--I hope, Sir, you will not presume
to say any thing to the disparagement of Miss Howe.

Presume, Mr. Hickman!--that is presuming language, let me tell you, Mr.
Hickman!

The occasion for it, Mr. Lovelace, if designed, is presuming, if you
please.--I am not a man ready to take offence, Sir--especially where I am
employed as a mediator. But no man breathing shall say disparaging
things of Miss Howe, in my hearing, without observation.

Well said, Mr. Hickman. I dislike not your spirit, on such a supposed
occasion. But what I was going to say is this. That there is not, in my
opinion, a woman in the world, who ought to compare herself with Miss
Clarissa Harlowe till she has stood her trials, and has behaved under
them, and after them, as she has done. You see, Sir, I speak against
myself. You see I do. For, libertine as I am thought to be, I never
will attempt to bring down the measures of right and wrong to the
standard of my actions.

Why, Sir, this is very right. It is very noble, I will say. But 'tis
pity, that the man who can pronounce so fine a sentence, will not square
his actions accordingly.

That, Mr. Hickman, is another point. We all err in some things. I wish
not that Miss Howe should have Miss Harlowe's trials: and I rejoice that
she is in no danger of any such from so good a man.

(Poor Hickman!--he looked as if he knew not whether I meant a compliment
or a reflection!)

But, proceeded I, since I find that I have excited your curiosity, that
you may not go away with a doubt that may be injurious to the most
admirable of women, I am enclined to hint to you what I have in the third
place to blame her for.

Sir, as you please--it may not be proper--

It cannot be very improper, Mr. Hickman--So let me ask you, What would
Miss Howe think, if her friend is the more determined against me, because
she thinks (to revenge to me, I verily believe that!) of encouraging
another lover?

How, Sir!--Sure this cannot be the case!--I can tell you, Sir, if Miss
Howe thought this, she would not approve of it at all: for, little as you
think Miss Howe likes you, Sir, and little as she approves of your
ac