LETTER IX

MISS CLARISSA HARLOWE, TO MISS HOWE
FEB. 26, IN THE MORNING.


My aunt, who staid here last night, made me a visit this morning as
soon as it was light. She tells me, that I was left alone with my
father yesterday on purpose that he might talk with me on my expected
obedience; but that he owned he was put beside his purpose by
reflecting on something my brother had told him in my disfavour, and
by his impatience but to suppose, that such a gentle spirit as mine
had hitherto seemed to be, should presume to dispute his will in a
point where the advantage of the whole family was to be so greatly
promoted by my compliance.

I find, by a few words which dropt unawares from my aunt, that they
have all an absolute dependence upon what they suppose to be meekness
in my temper. But in this they may be mistaken; for I verily think,
upon a strict examination of myself, that I have almost as much in me
of my father's as of my mother's family.

My uncle Harlowe it seems is against driving me upon extremities: But
my brother has engaged, that the regard I have for my reputation, and
my principles, will bring me round to my duty; that's the expression.
Perhaps I shall have reason to wish I had not known this.

My aunt advises me to submit for the present to the interdicts they
have laid me under; and indeed to encourage Mr. Solmes's address. I
have absolutely refused the latter, let what will (as I have told her)