He would fain have engaged me longer: but I said I would see him as early as he pleased in the morning. He might think of any convenient place in London, or near it, in mean time.
And so I retired from him. As I do from my pen; hoping for better rest for the few hours that remain of this night than I have had of a long time.
CLARISSA HARLOWE. [ [!-- H2 anchor --] ]
LETTER XXXIV
MISS CLARISSA HARLOWE [IN CONTINUATION.] MONDAY MORNING, APRIL 17.
Late as I went to bed, I have had very little rest. Sleep and I have quarreled; and although I court it, it will not be friends. I hope its fellow-irreconcilables at Harlowe-place enjoy its balmy comforts. Else that will be an aggravation of my fault. My brother and sister, I dare say, want it not.
Mr. Lovelace, who is an early riser, as well as I, joined me in the garden about six; and after the usual salutations, asked me to resume our last night's subject. It was upon lodgings at London, he said.
I think you mentioned one to me, Sir—Did you not?
Yes, Madam, [but, watching the turn of my countenance,] rather as what you would be welcome to, than perhaps approve of.
I believe so too. To go to town upon an uncertainty, I own, is not agreeable: but to be obliged to any persons of your acquaintance, when I want to be thought independent of you; and to a person, especially, to whom my friends are to direct to me, if they vouchsafe to take notice of me at all, is an absurd thing to mention.