sister:--perhaps, not the better because I am his sister. And if Mr.
Lovelace should follow me, things might be worse than they are now.

But I have besought my mother, who is apprehensive of Mr. Lovelace's
visits, and for fear of whom my uncles never stir out without arms and
armed servants (my brother also being near well enough to go abroad),
to procure me permission to be your guest for a fortnight, or so.--
Will your mother, think you, my dear, give me leave?

I dare not ask to go to my dairy-house, as my good grandfather would
call it: for I am now afraid of being thought to have a wish to enjoy
that independence to which his will has entitled me: and as matter are
situated, such a wish would be imputed to my regard to the man to whom
they have now so great an antipathy. And indeed could I be as easy
and happy here as I used to be, I would defy that man and all his sex;
and never repent that I have given the power of my fortune into my
father's hands.


***


Just now, my mother has rejoiced me with the news that my requested
permission is granted. Every one thinks it best that I should go to
you, except my brother. But he was told, that he must not expect to
rule in every thing. I am to be sent for into the great parlour,
where are my two uncles and my aunt Hervey, and to be acquainted with
this concession in form.

You know, my dear, that there is a good deal of solemnity among us.