MR. BELFORD, TO ROBERT LOVELACE, ESQ.
WEDNESDAY, ELEVEN O'CLOCK.
Dr. H. has just been here. He tarried with me till the minister had done
praying by the lady; and then we were both admitted. Mr. Goddard, who
came while the doctor and the clergyman were with her, went away with
them when they went. They took a solemn and everlasting leave of her, as
I have no scruple to say; blessing her, and being blessed by her; and
wishing (when it came to be their lot) for an exit as happy as her's is
likely to be.
She had again earnestly requested of the doctor his opinion how long it
was now probable that she could continue; and he told her, that he
apprehended she would hardly see to-morrow night. She said, she should
number the hours with greater pleasure than ever she numbered any in her
life on the most joyful occasion.
How unlike poor Belton's last hours her's! See the infinite differences
in the effects, on the same awful and affecting occasion, between a good
and a bad conscience!
This moment a man is come from Miss Howe with a letter. Perhaps I shall
be able to send you the contents.
***
She endeavoured several times with earnestness, but in vain, to read the
letter of her dear friend. The writing, she said, was too fine for her
grosser sight, and the lines staggered under her eye. And indeed she
trembled so, she could not hold the paper; and at last desired Mrs.
Lovick to read it to her, the messenger waiting for an answer.
Thou wilt see in Miss Howe's letter, how different the expression of the
same impatience, and passionate love, is, when dictated by the gentler
mind of a woman, from that which results from a mind so boisterous and
knotty as thine. For Mrs. Lovick will transcribe it, and I shall send
it--to be read in this place, if thou wilt.
MISS HOWE, TO MISS CLARISSA HARLOWE
TUESDAY, SEPT. 5.