MR. LOVELACE, TO JOHN BELFORD, ESQ.
SATURDAY, SIX O'CLOCK, JUNE 10.
The lady gave Will.'s sweetheart a letter last night to be carried to the
post-house, as this morning, directed for Miss Howe, under cover to
Hickman. I dare say neither cover nor letter will be seen to have been
opened. The contents but eight lines--To own--'The receipt of her
double-dated letter in safety; and referring to a longer letter, which
she intends to write, when she shall have a quieter heart, and less
trembling fingers. But mentions something to have happened [My detecting
her she means] which has given her very great flutters, confusions, and
apprehensions: but which she will wait the issue of [Some hopes for me
hence, Jack!] before she gives her fresh perturbation or concern on her
account.--She tells her how impatient she shall be for her next,' &c.
Now, Belford, I thought it would be but kind in me to save Miss Howe's
concern on these alarming hints; since the curiosity of such a spirit
must have been prodigiously excited by them. Having therefore so good a
copy to imitate, I wrote; and, taking out that of my beloved, put under
the same cover the following short billet; inscriptive and conclusive
parts of it in her own words.