bound down to the contrary of that,
by a solemn vow, till a reconciliation with her family take place. The
women here are told so. They know it before my beloved knows it; and
that, thou wilt say, is odd.

But how shall I do to make my fair-one keep her temper on the
intimation? Why, is she not here? At Mrs. Sinclair's?--But if she will
hear reason, I doubt not to convince her, that she ought to acquiesce.

She will insist, I suppose, upon my leaving her, and that I shall not
take up my lodgings under the same roof. But circumstances are changed
since I first made her that promise. I have taken all the vacant
apartments; and must carry this point also.

I hope in a while to get her with me to the public entertainments. She
knows nothing of the town, and has seen less of its diversions than
ever woman of her taste, her fortune, her endowments, did see. She has,
indeed, a natural politeness, which transcends all acquirement. The most
capable of any one I ever knew of judging what an hundred things are, by
seeing one of a like nature. Indeed she took so much pleasure in her
own chosen amusements, till persecuted out of them, that she had neither
leisure nor inclination for the town diversions.

These diversions will amuse, and the deuce is in it, if a little
susceptibility will not put forth, now she receives my address;
especially if I can manage it so as to be allowed to live under one roof
with her. What though the sensibility be at first faint and reluctant,
like the appearance of an early spring-flower in frosty winter, which
seems afraid of being nipt by an easterly blast! That will be enough for
me.

I hinted to thee in a former,* that I had provided books for the lady's
in-door amusement. Sally and Polly are readers. My beloved's light
closet was their library. And several pieces of devotion have been put
in, bought on purpose at second-hand.

* See Letter XXXIX. of this volume.

I was always for forming a judgment of the reading part of the sex by
their books. The observations I have made on this occasion have been of
great use to me, as well in England as out of it. The sagacious lady may
possibly be as curious in this point as her Lovelace.

So much for the present. Thou seest that I have a great deal of business
before me; yet I will write again soon.

[Mr. Lovelace sends another letter with this; in which he takes notice
of young Miss Sorlings's setting out with them, and leaving them at