ds
the ductile mind, every one will find that many a good thought
evaporates in thinking; many a good resolution goes off, driven out of
memory perhaps by some other not so good. But when I set down what I
will do, or what I have done, on this or that occasion; the resolution
or action is before me either to be adhered to, withdrawn, or amended;
and I have entered into compact with myself, as I may say; having given
it under my own hand to improve, rather than to go backward, as I live
longer.

I would willingly, therefore, write to you, if I might; the rather as it
would be the more inspiriting to have some end in view in what I write;
some friend to please; besides merely seeking to gratify my passion for
scribbling.

But why, if your mother will permit our correspondence on communicating
to her all that passes in it, and if she would condescend to one only
condition, may it not be complied with?

Would she not, do you think, my dear, be prevailed upon to have the
communication made to her, in confidence?

If there were any prospect of a reconciliation with my friends, I should
not have so much regard for my pride, as to be afraid of any body's
knowing how much I have been outwitted as you call it. I would in that
case (when I had left Mr. Lovelace) acquaint your mother, and all my own
friends, with the whole of my story. It would behove me so to do, for my
own reputation, and for their satisfaction.

But, if I have no such prospect, what will the communication of my
reluctance to go away with Mr. Lovelace, and of his arts to frighten
me away, avail me? Your mother has hinted, that my friends would insist
upon my returning home to them (as a proof of the truth of my plea)
to be disposed of, without condition, at their pleasure. If I scrupled
this, my brother would rather triumph over me, than keep my secret. Mr.
Lovelace, whose pride already so ill brooks my regrets for meeting him,
(when he thinks, if I had not, I must have been Mr. Solmes's wife,)
would perhaps treat me with indignity: and thus, deprived of all refuge
and protection, I should become the scoff of men of intrigue; a disgrace
to my sex--while that avowed loved, however indiscreetly shown, which is
followed by marriage, will find more excuses made for it, than generally
it ought to find.

But, if your mother will receive the communication in confidence, pray
shew her all that I have written, or shall write. If my past conduct
in that case shall