MR. LOVELACE, TO JOHN BELFORD, ESQ.
WEDNESDAY, MAY 24.
[He gives his friend an account of their interview that morning; and of
the happy effects of his cousin Montague's letter in his favour. Her
reserves, however, he tells him, are not absolutely banished. But
this he imputes to form.]
It is not in the power of woman, says he, to be altogether sincere on
these occasions. But why?--Do they think it so great a disgrace to be
found out to be really what they are?
I regretted the illness of Mrs. Fretchville; as the intention I had to
fix her dear self in the house before the happy knot was tied, would have
set her in that independence in appearance, as well as fact, which was
necessary to show to all the world that her choice was free; and as the
ladies of my family would have been proud to make their court to her
there, while the settlements and our equipages were preparing. But, on
any other account, there was no great matter in it; since when my happy
day was over, we could, with so much convenience, go down to The Lawn, to
my Lord M.'s, and to Lady Sarah's or Lady Betty's, in turn; which would
give full time to provide ourselves with servants and other
accommodations.
How sweetly the charmer listened!