my own!

But surely they will yield--Indeed I cannot.

I believe the gentlest spirits when provoked (causelessly and cruelly
provoked) are the most determined. The reason may be, that not taking
up resolutions lightly--their very deliberation makes them the more
immovable.--And then when a point is clear and self-evident, how can
one with patience think of entering into an argument or contention
upon it?--

An interruption obliges me to conclude myself, in some hurry, as well
as fright, what I must ever be,

Yours more than my own,
CLARISSA HARLOWE.



LETTER XV

MISS HOWE, TO MISS CLARISSA HARLOWE
FRIDAY, MARCH 3.


I have both your letters at once. It is very unhappy, my dear, since
your friends will have you marry, that a person of your merit should
be addressed by a succession of worthless creatures, who have nothing
but their presumption for their excuse.