I
indulge these sort of reflections against your Narcissus's of men, to
keep my mother's choice for me of Hickman in countenance with myself--I
don't know but there is something in it; at least, enough to have given
birth to the reflection.

I think there can be no objection to your going to London. There, as
in the centre, you will be in the way of hearing from every body, and
sending to any body. And then you will put all his sincerity to the
test, as to his promised absence, and such like.

But indeed, my dear, I think you have nothing for it but marriage. You
may try (that you may say you have tried) what your relations can be
brought to: but the moment they refuse your proposals, submit to the
yoke, and make the best of it. He will be a savage, indeed, if he makes
you speak out. Yet, it is my opinion, that you must bend a little; for
he cannot bear to be thought slightly of.

This was one of his speeches once; I believe designed for me--'A woman
who means one day to favour her lover with her hand, should show the
world, for her own sake, that she distinguishes him from the common
herd.'

Shall I give you another very fine sentence of his, and in the
true libertine style, as he spoke it, throwing out his challenging
hand?--'D--n him, if he would marry the first princess on earth, if
he but thought she balanced a minute in her choice of him, or of an
emperor.'

All the world, in short, expect you to have this man. They think, that
you left your father's house for this very purpose. The longer the
ceremony is delayed, the worse appearance it will have in the world's
eye. And it will not be the fault of some of your relations, if a slur
be not thrown upon your reputation, while you continue unmarried. Your
uncle Antony, in particular, speaks rough and vile things, grounded upon
the morals of his brother Orson. But hitherto your admirable character
has antidoted the poison; the detractor is despised, and every one's
indignation raised against him.

I have written through many interruptions: and you will see the first
sheet creased and rumpled, occasioned by putting it into my bosom on my
mother's sudden coming upon me. We have had one very pretty debate,
I will assure you; but it is not worth while to trouble you with the
particulars.--But upon my world--no matter though--

Your Hannah cannot attend you. The poor girl left her place about a
fortnight ago, on account of the rheumatic disorder, which has confined