become of Lord M. I trow, that he writes not to me, in
answer to my invitation? If he would send me such a letter as I could
show, it might go a great way towards a perfect reconciliation. I have
written to Charlotte about it. He shall soon hear from me, and that in a
way he won't like, if he writes not quickly. He has sometimes threatened
to disinherit me. But if I should renounce him, it would be but justice,
and would vex him ten times more than any thing he can do will vex me.
Then, the settlements unavoidably delayed, by his neglect!--How shall I
bear such a life of procrastination!--I, who, as to my will, and
impatience, and so forth, am of the true lady-make, and can as little
bear controul and disappointment as the best of them!

***

Another letter from Miss Howe. I suppose it is that which she promises
in her last to send her relating to the courtship between old Tony the
uncle, and Annabella the mother. I should be extremely rejoiced to see
it. No more of the smuggler-plot in it, surely! This letter, it seems,
she has put in her pocket. But I hope I shall soon find it deposited
with the rest.

MONDAY MORNING.

At my repeated request she condescended to meet me in the dining-room to
afternoon-tea, and not before.

She entered with bashfulness, as I thought; in a pretty confusion, for
having carried her apprehensions too far. Sullen and slow moved she
towards the tea-table.--Dorcas present, busy in tea-cup preparations. I
took her reluctant hand, and pressed it to my lips.--Dearest, loveliest
of creatures, why this distance? why this displeasure?--How can you thus
torture the faithfullest heart in the world?

She disengaged her hand. Again I would have snatched it.

Be quiet, [peevishly withdrawing it.] And down she sat; a gentle
palpitation in the beauty of beauties indicating a mingled sullenness and
resentment; her snowy handkerchief rising and falling, and a sweet flush
overspreading her charming cheeks.

For God's sake, Madam!--[And a third time I would have taken her
repulsing hand.]

And for the same sake, Sir, no more teasing.

Dorcas retired; I drew my chair nearer her's, and with the most
respectful tenderness took her hand; and told her, that I could not
forbear to express my apprehensions (from the distance she was so
desirous to keep me at) that if any man in the world was more indifferent
to her, to use no harsher word, than another, it was the unhappy wretch
bef