of so
little corn?

Women, ye reason well. I think I will begin my operations the moment she
comes in.

***

I have come at the letter brought her from Miss Howe to-day. Plot,
conjuration, sorcery, witchcraft, all going forward! I shall not be able
to see this Miss Harlowe with patience. As the nymphs below ask, so do
I, Why is night necessary? And Sally and Polly upbraidingly remind me of
my first attempts upon themselves. Yet force answers not my end--and yet
it may, if there be truth in that part of the libertine's creed, That
once subdued, is always subdued! And what woman answers affirmatively to
the question?

***

She is returned: But refuses to admit me: and insists upon having the day
to herself. Dorcas tells me, that she believes her denial is from
motives of piety.--Oons, Jack, is there impiety in seeing me?--Would it
not be the highest act of piety to reclaim me? And is this to be done by
her refusing to see me when she is in a devouter frame than usual?--But I
hate her, hate her heartily! She is old, ugly, and deformed.--But O the
blasphemy! yet she is a Harlowe: and I do and can hate her for that.

But since I must not see her, [she will be mistress of her own will, and
of her time, truly!] let me fill up my time, by telling thee what I have
come at.

The first letter the women met with, is dated April 27.* Where can she
have put the preceding ones!--It mentions Mr. Hickman as a busy fellow
between them. Hickman had best take care of himself. She says in it, 'I
hope you have no cause to repent returning my Norris--it is forthcoming
on demand.' Now, what the devil can this mean!--Her Norris forthcoming
on demand!--the devil take me, if I am out-Norris'd!--If such innocents
can allow themselves to plot (to Norris), well may I.

* See Vol. IV. Letter II.

She is sorry, that 'her Hannah can't be with her.'--And what if she
could?--What could Hannah do for her in such a house as this?

'The women in the house are to be found out in one breakfasting.' The
women are enraged at both the correspondents for this; and more than ever
make a point of my subduing her. I had a good mind to give Miss Howe to
them in full property. Say but the word, Jack, and it shall be done.

'She is glad that Miss Harlowe had thoughts of taking me at my word. She
wondered I did not offer again.' Advises her, if I don't soon, 'not to
stay with me.' Cautions her, 'to keep me at a distance; n