two guineas in my name.

If I have nothing for it, as you say, but matrimony, it yields little
comfort, that his relations do not despise the fugitive, as persons of
their rank and quality-pride might be supposed to do, for having been a
fugitive.

But O my cruel, thrice cruel uncle! to suppose--but my heart checks my
pen, and will not let it proceed, on an intimation so extremely shocking
as that which he supposes!--Yet, if thus they have been persuaded, no
wonder if they are irreconcilable.

This is all my hard-hearted brother's doings!--His surmisings:--God
forgive him--prays his injured sister!

LETTER XXXVIII

MISS CLARISSA HARLOWE, TO MISS HOWE THURSDAY, APRIL 20.

Mr. Lovelace's servant is already returned with an answer from his
friend Mr. Doleman, who has taken pains in his inquiries, and is very
particular. Mr. Lovelace brought me the letter as soon as he had read
it: and as he now knows that I acquaint you with every thing that he
offers, I desired him to let me send it to you for your perusal. Be
pleased to return it by the first opportunity. You will see by it, that
his friends in town have a notion that we are actually married.

TO ROBERT LOVELACE, ESQ. TUESDAY NIGHT, APRIL 18.

DEAR SIR,

I am extremely rejoiced to hear, that we shall so soon have you in town
after so long an absence. You will be the more welcome still, if what
report says, be true; which is, that you are actually married to the
fair lady upon whom we have heard you make such encomiums. Mrs. Doleman,
and my sister, both wish you joy if you are; and joy upon your near
prospect if you are not.

I have been in town for this week past, to get help if I could, from my
paralytic complaints; and am in a course for them. Which, nevertheless,
did not prevent me from making the desired inquiries. This is the
result.

You may have a first floor, well furnished, at a mercer's in
Belford-street, Covent-garden, with conveniencies for servants: and
these either by the quarter or month. The terms according to the
conveniences required.

Mrs. Doleman has seen lodgings in Norfolk-street and others in
Cecil-street; but though the prospects to the Thames and Surrey-hills
look inviting from both these streets, yet I suppose they are too near
the city.

The owner of those in Norfolk-street would have half the house go
together. It would be too much for your description therefore: and
I suppose, tat when you think fit to declare you