MISS CLARISSA HARLOWE, TO MISS HOWE
SUNDAY, APRIL 30.
[Mr. Lovelace, in his last letters, having taken notice of the most
material passages contained in this letter, the following extracts
from it are only inserted.
She gives pretty near the same account that he does of what passed
between them on her resolution to go to church; and of his proposal
of St. Paul's, and desire of attending her.--She praises his good
behaviour there; as also the discourse, and the preacher.--Is pleased
with its seasonableness.--Gives particulars of the conversation
between them afterwards, and commends the good observations he makes
upon the sermon.]
I am willing, says she, to have hopes of him: but am so unable to know
how to depend upon his seriousness for an hour together, that all my
favourable accounts of him in this respect must be taken with allowance.
Being very much pressed, I could not tell how to refuse dining with the
widow and her nieces this day. I am better pleased with them than I ever
thought I should be. I cannot help blaming myself for my readiness to
give severe censures where reputation is concerned. People's ways,
humours, constitutions, education, and opportunities allowed for, my
dear, many persons, as far as I know, may appear blameless, whom others,
of different humours and educations, are too apt to blame; and who, from
the same fault, may be as ready to blame them. I will therefore make it
a rule to myself for the future--Never to judge peremptorily on first
appearances: but yet I must observe that these are not people I should
choose to be intimate with, or whose ways I can like: although, for the
stations they are in, they may go through the world with tolerable
credit.
Mr. Lovelace's behaviour has been such as makes me call this, so far as
it is passed, an agreeable day. Yet, when easiest as to him, my
situation with my friends takes place in my thoughts, and causes me many
a tear.
I am the more pleased with the people of the house, because of the
persons of rank they are acquainted with, and who visits them.