Will you, Madam, consent that things pass as before with the people
below? This mediation of Tomlinson may come to nothing. Your brother's
schemes may be pursued; the rather, that now he will know (perhaps from
your uncle) that you are not under a legal protection.--You will, at
least, consent that things pass here as before?--

To permit this, is to go on in an error, Mr. Lovelace. But as the
occasion for so doing (if there can be in your opinion an occasion that
will warrant an untruth) will, as I presume, soon be over, I shall the
less dispute that point with you. But a new error I will not be guilty
of, if I can avoid it.

Can I, do you think, Madam, have any dishonourable view in the step I
supposed you would not scruple to take towards a reconciliation with your
own family? Not for my own sake, you know, did I wish you to take it;
for what is it to me, if I am never reconciled to your family? I want no
favours from them.

I hope, Mr. Lovelace, there is no occasion, in our present not
disagreeable situation, to answer such a question. And let me say, that
I shall think my prospects still more agreeable, if, to-morrow morning
you will not only own the very truth, but give my uncle's friend such an
account of the steps you have taken, and are taking, as may keep up my
uncle's favourable intentions towards me. This you may do under what
restrictions of secrecy you please. Captain Tomlinson is a prudent man;
a promoter of family-peace, you find; and, I dare say, may be made a
friend.

I saw there was no help. I saw that the inflexible Harlowe spirit was