Neither I nor my steward know any such man as Captain Tomlinson.
I wrote not to my niece to meet me at Reading, nor to accompany me to
my cousin Leeson’s in town.
My chancery affair, though, like most chancery affairs, it be of long
standing, is, nevertheless, now in so good a way, that it cannot give
me occasion to go to town.
Nor have I been in town these six months: nor at Hampstead for years.
Neither shall I have any temptation to go to town, except to pay my
congratulatory compliments to Mrs. Lovelace. On which occasion I should
go with the greatest pleasure; and should hope for the favour of your
accompanying me to Glenham-hall, for a month at least.
Be what will the reason of your inquiry, let me entreat you, my dear
young lady, for Lord M.’s sake; for my sake; for this giddy man’s sake,
soul as well as body; and for all our family’s sakes; not to suffer
this answer to widen differences so far as to make you refuse him, if
he already has not the honour of calling you his; as I am apprehensive
he has not, by your signing by your family-name.
And here let me offer to you my mediation to compose the difference
between you, be it what it will. Your cause, my dear young lady, cannot
be put into the hands of any body living more devoted to your service,
than into those of
Your sincere admirer, and humble servant, ELIZ. LAWRANCE.