f.

I believe, between you and me, the good lady forgot herself. I heard her
loud. She possibly imagined that my father was come to life again. Yet
the meekness of the man might have soon convinced her, I should have
thought; for my father, it seems, would talk as loud as she, I suppose,
(though within a few yards of each other,) as if both were out of their
way, and were hallooing at half a mile's distance, to get in again.

I know you'll blame me for this sauciness--but I told you I was vexed;
and if I had not a spirit, my parentage on both sides might be doubted.

You must not chide me too severely, however, because I have learned of
you not to defend myself in an error: and I own I am wrong: and that's
enough: you won't be so generous in this case as you are in every other,
if you don't think it is.

Adieu, my dear! I must, I will love you, and love you for ever! So
subscribes your

ANNA HOWE.

LETTER LIX

FROM MISS HOWE [ENCLOSED IN THE ABOVE.] THURSDAY, APRIL 27.

I have been making inquiry, as I told you I would, whether your
relations had really (before you left them) resolved upon that change of
measures which your aunt mentions in her letter; and by laying together
several pieces of intelligence, some drawn from my mother, through your
uncle Antony's communications; some from Miss Lloyd, by your sister's;
and some by a third way that I shall not tell you of; I have reason to
think the following a true state of the case.

'That there was no intention of a change of measures till within two or
three days of your going away. On the contrary, your brother and sister,
though they had no hope of prevailing with you in Solmes's favour, were
resolved never to give over their persecutions till they had pushed you
upon taking some step, which, by help of their good offices, should be
deemed inexcusable by the half-witted souls they had to play upon.

'But that, at last, your mother (tired with, and, perhaps, ashamed of
the passive part she had acted) thought fit to declare to Miss Bell,
that she was determined to try to put an end to the family feuds, and to
get your uncle Harlowe to second her endeavours.

'This alarmed your brother and sister, and then a change of measures
was resolved upon. Solmes's offers were, however, too advantageous to
be given up; and your father's condescension was now to be their sole
dependence, and (as they give it out) the trying of what that would do
with you, their l