A message from Captain Mennell, Madam.
It won't do. She is of baby age. She cannot be--a Solomon, I was going
to say, in every thing. Solomon, Jack, was the wisest man. But didst
ever hear who was the wisest woman? I want a comparison for this lady.
Cunning women and witches we read of without number. But I fancy wisdom
never entered into the character of a woman. It is not a requisite of
the sex. Women, indeed, make better sovereigns than men: but why is
that?--because the women-sovereigns are governed by men; the men-
sovereigns by women.--Charming, by my soul! For hence we guess at the
rudder by which both are steered.
But to putting wisdom out of the question, and to take cunning in; that
is to say, to consider woman as a woman; what shall we do, if this lady
has something extraordinary in her head? Repeated charges has she given
to Wilson, by a particular messenger, to send any letter directed for her
the moment it comes.
I must keep a good look-out. She is not now afraid of her brother's
plot. I shan't be at all surprised, if Singleton calls upon Miss Howe,
as the only person who knows, or is likely to know, where Miss Harlowe
is; pretending to have affairs of importance, and of particular service
to her, if he can but be admitted to her speech--Of compromise, who
knows, from her brother?
Then will Miss Howe warn her to keep close. Then will my protection be
again necessary. This will do, I believe. Any thing from Miss Howe
must.
Joseph Leman is a vile fellow with her, and my implement. Joseph, honest
Joseph, as I call him, may hang himself. I have played him off enough,
and have very little further use for him. No need to wear one plot to
the stumps, when I can find new ones every hour.
Nor blame me for the use I make of my talents. Who, that hath such, will
let 'em be idle?
Well, then, I will find a Singleton; that's all I have to do.
Instantly find one!--Will!