Read Clarissa Harlowe; or the history of a young lady — Volume 9 Page 52

  LETTER L

  MR. BELFORD, TO MISS HOWETHURSDAY NIGHT, OCT. 5.

  I return you, Madam, my most respectful thanks for your condescendinghint, in relation to the pious wishes of your exalted friend for mythorough reformation.

  I will only say, that it will be my earnest and unwearied endeavour tomake those generous wishes effectual: and I hope for the Divine blessingupon such my endeavours, or else I know they will be in vain.

  I cannot, Madam, express how much I think myself obliged to you for yourfarther condescension, in writing to me so frankly the state of your pastand present mind, in relation to the single and matrimonial life. If thelady by whom, as the executor of her inimitable friend, I am thushonoured, has failings, never were failings so lovely in woman!--How muchmore lovely, indeed, than the virtues of many of her sex!

  I might have ventured into the hands of such a lady the Colonel'soriginal letter entire. The worthy gentleman exceedingly admires you;and this caution was the effect of his politeness only, and of his regardfor you.

  I send you, Madam, a letter from Lord M. to myself; and the copies ofthree others written in consequence of that. These will acquaint youwith Mr. Lovelace's departure from England, and with other particulars,which you will be curious to know.

  Be pleased to keep to yourself such of the contents as your own prudencewill suggest to you ought not to be seen by any body else.

  I am, Madam, with the profoundest and most grateful respect,

  Your faithful and obliged humble servant,JOHN BELFORD.