she hoped for, she might not be averse to show, that she had got above
those sensibilities, which gave consideration to a man who deserved not
to be to her what he had been.

This said, no doubt, to let Mrs. Moore know, that the garden-conversation
had not been a reconciling one.

Mrs. Moore seemed to wonder that we were not upon a better foot of
understanding, after so long a conference; and the more, as she believed
that the lady had given in to the proposal for the repetition of the
ceremony, which I had told them was insisted upon by her uncle Harlowe.--
But I accounted for this, by telling both widows that she was resolved to
keep on the reserve till she heard from Captain Tomlinson, whether her
uncle would be present in person at the solemnity, or would name that
worthy gentleman for his proxy.

Again I enjoined strict secresy, as to this particular; which was
promised by the widows, as well as for themselves, as for Miss Rawlins;
of whose taciturnity they gave me such an account, as showed me, that she
was secret-keeper-general to all the women of fashion at Hampstead.

The Lord, Jack! What a world of mischief, at this rate, must Miss
Rawlins know!--What a Pandora's box must her bosom be!--Yet, had I
nothing that was more worthy of my attention to regard, I would engage to
open it, and make my uses of the discovery.

And now, Belford, thou perceivest, that all my reliance is upon the
mediation of Lady Betty and Miss Montague, and upon the hope of
intercepting Miss Howe's next letter.