Your ever-grateful and affectionate LOVELACE.
LETTER XLIV
TO MR. PATRICK M’DONALD,
AT HIS LODGINGS, AT MR. BROWN’S, PERUKE-MAKER, IN ST. MARTIN’S LANE, WESTMINSTER
M. Hall, Wedn. Morning, Two o’clock.
DEAR M’DONALD,
The bearer of this has a letter to carry to the lady.* I have been at the trouble of writing a copy of it: which I enclose, that you may not mistake your cue.
* See the preceding Letter.
You will judge of my reasons for ante-dating the enclosed sealed one,* directed to you by the name of Tomlinson; which you are to show to the lady, as in confidence. You will open it of course.
* See the next Letter.
I doubt not your dexterity and management, dear M’Donald; nor your zeal; especially as the hope of cohabitation must now be given up. Impossible to be carried is that scheme. I might break her heart, but not incline her will—am in earnest therefore to marry her, if she let not the day slip.