See, my Cecilia, the heart I have to deal with. Hard to be subdued,
and obstinate in all its purposes. I expected difficulties; but was in
hopes he would be less determined in regard to his perseverance
towards me. I think however I have gained some ground; he
acknowleges Miss Burchell's merit, and seems obliged to her for the
part she has acted towards him. I have been under some difficulties on
this occasion; for as Miss Burchell was not so candid in her
acknowlegements to my mother as she has been to me, I cannot let
her know the whole of her confession; for this reason, I only told her
the general purport of what I wrote last to Mr Faulkland; and in
reading his answer to her, I passed over such passages as I thought
might induce her to require an explanation. I own I am a little hurt at
Miss Burchell's former perverting of facts on this occasion; but, as I
have already said more than once, there are great allowances to be
made for one in her very critical situation. Neither have I the least
right to reproach her for it even in my thoughts; for had she been
ever so explicit at my mother's first interview with her, it could not
have availed me.
You find, my dear, it is necessary I should speak plainly to Mr
Faulkland. I shall write to him again, and here you shall have a copy
of what I say; but I must lead this violent spirit with gentleness, and
endeavour to convince his reason, without wounding his tenderness.