Mr. Hickman pleased me in the main of his speech; and it is well the general tenor of it was agreeable; otherwise I can tell him, I should have reckoned with him for his word approve; for it is a style I have not yet permitted him to talk to me in. And you see, my dear, what these men are—no sooner do they find that you have favoured them with the power of doing you an agreeable service, but they take upon them to approve, forsooth, of your actions! By which is implied a right to disapprove, if they think fit.
I have told my mother how much you wish to be reconciled to your relations, and how independent you are upon Lovelace.
Mark the end of the latter assertion, she says. And as to reconciliation, she knows that nothing will do, (and will have it, that nothing ought to do,) but your returning back, without presuming to condition with them. And this if you do, she says, will best show your independence on Lovelace.
You see, my dear, what your duty is, in my mother's opinion.
I suppose your next, directed to Mr. Hickman, at his own house, will be from London.
Heaven preserve you in honour and safety, is my prayer.
What you do for change of clothes, I cannot imagine.
It is amazing to me what your relations can mean by distressing you, as they seem resolved to do. I see they will throw you into his arms, whether you will or not.
I send this by Robert, for dispatch-sake: and can only repeat the hitherto-rejected offer of my best services. Adieu, my dearest friend. Believe me ever
Your affectionate and faithful ANNA HOWE.