cruel, my dear, in you, to rob the poor Bella of the only lover she
only had!--At the instant too that she was priding herself, that now
at last she should have it in her power not only to gratify her own
susceptibilities, but to give an example to the flirts of her sex**
(my worship's self in her eye) how to govern their man with a silken
rein, and without a curb-bridle!


* Letter I.
** Letter II.


Upon the whole, I have now no doubt of their persevering in favour of
the despicable Solmes; and of their dependence upon the gentleness of
your temper, and the regard you have for their favour, and for your
own reputation. And now I am more than ever convinced of the
propriety of the advice I formerly gave you, to keep in your own hands
the estate bequeathed to you by your grandfather.--Had you done so, it
would have procured you at least an outward respect from your brother
and sister, which would have made them conceal the envy and ill-will
that now are bursting upon you from hearts so narrow.

I must harp a little more upon this string--Do not you observe, how
much your brother's influence has overtopped yours, since he has got
into fortunes so considerable, and since you have given some of them
an appetite to continue in themselves the possession of your estate,
unless you comply with their terms?

I know your dutiful, your laudable motives; and one would have
thought, that you might have trusted to a father who so dearly loved