_Anna Wenbourne St. Ives to Louisa Clifton_
_London, Grosvenor-Street_
No; I will not attempt to console my Louisa, for I will not suppose
even at the present moment that she yields to grief, or is in need of
consolation. She will not repine at what is not to be remedied, nor
debilitate her mind by dwelling on her own causes of discontent,
instead of awakening it to the numerous sources of happiness, which by
increasing the happiness of others incite it to activity. These are
truths too deeply engraven on the heart of Louisa to be forgotten, and
it is scarcely necessary to revive them even at this serious moment.
With respect to myself, my friend shall be my judge; my whole conduct
shall be submitted to her, with an injunction not to indulge any
partialities in my favour, but to censure, advise, and instruct me
whenever she finds opportunity. Such, Louisa, has been our intercourse;
and we have mutual reason to congratulate each other on its effects.
I have just had a conversation with Sir Arthur. He has received a
letter from Abimelech, which he shewed me. Of all the proofs Frank has
yet given of energy, this relative to his father is perhaps the
strongest. You know the character of Abimelech. Could you think it
possible? He is willing not only to raise twenty thousand pounds for
Sir Arthur, but to pay down thirty more for his son! He begins to be
vain of this son, and has even some slight perception that there may be
other good qualities beside that of getting and hoarding money.
But his cunning is still predominant. Having conceived the possibility
of this marriage, the accomplishment of it is now become his ruling
passion, and has for a moment subjected avarice itself. He neglects no
motive which he thinks may influence Sir Arthur, not even threatening;
though his language is couched in all the art of apparent kindness and
adulation. His letter however has produced its effect on my father, as
you will perceive by the following dialogue, which was begun by Sir
Arthur.
What think you of this proposal, Anna?