But, Sir, your further charge is without foundation. I have neither any concern in, nor any knowledge of Miss Valmont's flight; and, further to prove that I would have obeyed you if I could, I shall refuse to protect her.—Indeed, Sir, your last letter has driven me immediately to ratify an engagement that precludes the possibility of any further intercourse with Miss Valmont.
I remain, Sir,
Your unhappy and repentant son,
CLEMENT MONTGOMERY
LETTER XXX
FROM ARTHUR MURDEN
TO
CAROLINE ASHBURN
There she is, Madam!—She walks and sighs:—and one little room, a small circumference, contains only Murden and Sibella. When the waiter shut the door and withdrew, I would have given an eye to have detained him.—She knows not I am writing to you; for she would have taken the office on herself, and that would not satisfy me.—It is a relief, madam, to write—tho' any thing upon earth would be preferable to hearing—I mean, seeing her.
Miss Ashburn, till I saw her, I did not understand you.—Well might you warn me!
It will be three hours before we reach you.—I send this letter by a man and horse; because, in knowing that we are safe, you will have at least half an hour of less anxiety.