LETTER IV

MR. LOVELACE, TO JOHN BELFORD, ESQ.


This fair inexorable is actually gone to church with Mrs. Moore and Mrs.
Bevis; but Will. closely attends her motions; and I am in the way to
receive any occasional intelligence from him.

She did not choose, [a mighty word with the sex! as if they were always
to have their own wills!] that I should wait upon her. I did not much
press it, that she might not apprehend that I thought I had reason to
doubt her voluntary return.

I once had it in my head to have found the widow Bevis other employment.
And I believe she would have been as well pleased with my company as to
go to church; for she seemed irresolute when I told her that two out of
a family were enough to go to church for one day. But having her things
on, (as the women call every thing,) and her aunt Moore expecting her
company, she thought it best to go--lest it should look oddly, you know,
whispered she, to one who was above regarding how it looked.

So here am I in my dining-room; and have nothing to do but to write till
they return.

And what will be my subject thinkest thou? Why, the old beaten one to be
sure; self-debate--through temporary remorse: for the blow being not
struck, her guardian angel is redoubling his efforts to save her.