Do but examine before you accuse, and I will patiently hear and
cheerfully answer to accusation. If you think it wrong in me not to
treat virtue and genius with neglect, bring me your proofs, and if I
cannot demonstrate their fallacy I will own my error. Let me add, the
accusation of reason is a duty; from which, though painful, we ought
not to shrink. It is the mistaken accusation of the passions only at
which justice bids the heart revolt.
Here, Louisa, once again I left him, with struggles apparently more
acute than the former. And my own mind is so affected, so oppressed as
it were by crowds of ideas, that I do not yet know whether this were an
accident to be wished, or even whether I have entirely acted as I
ought. My mind will grow calmer, and I will then begin the scrutiny.
I am minute in relating these particulars, because I am very desirous
of doing right. And who is so capable of being my judge, or who so
anxious I should not err, as my dear Louisa, my friend, my sister?
All good be with you!