reature more impatient on
the most interesting uncertainty than I was, to know the event of the
interview between you and Solmes.

It behoves me to account to my dear friend, in her present unhappy
situation, for every thing that may have the least appearance of
negligence or remissness on my part. I sent Robin in the morning early,
in hopes of a deposit. He loitered about the place till near ten to
no purpose; and then came away; my mother having given him a letter to
carry to Mr. Hunt's, which he was to deliver before three, when only, in
the day-time, that gentleman is at home; and to bring back an answer to
it. Mr. Hunt's house, you know, lies wide from Harlowe-place. Robin but
just saved his time; and returned not till it was too late to send him
again. I only could direct him to set out before day this morning; and
if he got any letter, to ride as for his life to bring it to me.

I lay by myself: a most uneasy night I had through impatience; and being
discomposed with it, lay longer than usual. Just as I was risen, in came
Kitty, from Robin, with your three letters. I was not a quarter dressed;
and only slipt on my morning sack; proceeding no further till I had
read them all through, long as they are: and yet I often stopped to rave
aloud (though by myself) at the devilish people you have to deal with.

How my heart rises at them all! How poorly did they design to trick
you into an encouragement of Solmes, from the extorted interview!--I
am very, very angry at your aunt Hervey--to give up her own judgment so
tamely!--and, not content to do so, to become such an active instrument
in their hands!--But it is so like the world!--so like my mother
too!--Next to her own child, there is not any body living she values so
much as you:--Yet it is--Why should we embroil ourselves, Nancy, with
the affairs of other people?

Other people!--How I hate the poor words, where friendship is concerned,
and where the protection to be given may be of so much consequence to a
friend, and of so little detriment to one's self?

I am delighted with your spirit, however. I expected it not from you
Nor did they, I am sure. Nor would you, perhaps, have exerted it, if
Lovelace's intelligence of Solmes's nursery-offices had not set you up.
I wonder not that the wretch is said to love you the better for it. What
an honour would it be to him to have such a wife? And he can be even
with you when you are so. He must indeed be a savage, as you s