n
but by particular permission: for, O my dear, good woman, it sets my
heart a bleeding in as many streams as there are veins in it!

Yet think me not impenetrable by a proper contrition and remorse--But
what a torment is it to have a will without a power!

Adieu! adieu! God give us both comfort; and to the once dear--the ever-
dear creature (for can a mother forget her child?) repentance, deep
repentance! and as little suffering as may befit his blessed will, and
her grievous fault, prays

Your real friend,
CHARLOTTE HARLOWE.

LETTER XXIX

MISS HOWE, TO MISS CLARISSA HARLOWE
SUNDAY, MAY 14.

How it is now, my dear, between you and Mr. Lovelace, I cannot tell.
But, wicked as the man is, I am afraid he must be your lord and master.

I called him by several very hard names in my last. I had but just heard
of some of his vilenesses, when I sat down to write; so my indignation
was raised. But on inquiry, and recollection, I find that the facts laid
to his charge were all of them committed some time ago--not since he has
had strong hopes of your favour.

This is saying something for him. His generous behaviour to the
innkeeper's daughter is a more recent instance to his credit; to say
nothing of the universal good character he has as a kind landlord. And
then I approve much of the motion he made to put you in possession of
Mrs. Fretchville's house, while he continues at the other widow's, till
you agree that one house shall hold you. I wish this were done. Be sure
you embrace this offer, (if you do not soon meet at the altar,) and get
one of his cousins with you.

Were you once married, I should think you cannot be very unhappy, though
you may not be so happy with him as you deserve to be. The stake he has
in his country, and his reversions; the care he takes of his affairs; his
freedom from obligation; nay, his pride, with your merit, must be a
tolerable security for you, I should think. Though particulars of his
wickedness, as they come to my knowledge, hurt and incense me; yet, after
all, when I give myself time to reflect, all that I have heard of him to
his disadvantage was comprehended in the general character given of him
long ago, by Lord M.'s and his own dismissed bailiff,* and which was
confirmed to me by Mrs. Fortescue, as I heretofore told you,** and to you
by Mrs. Greme.***

* See Vol. I. Letter IV.
** Ibid. Letter XII.
*** See Vol. III. Letter VI.

You can have nothing, there