be the consequence. The visiting prohibition I will conform to. But
as to that of not corresponding with you, nothing but the menace that
our letters shall be intercepted, can engage my observation of it.

She believes that this order is from my father, and that my mother has
not been consulted upon it. She says, that it is given, as she has
reason think, purely in consideration to me, lest I should mortally
offend him; and this from the incitements of other people (meaning you
and Miss Lloyd, I make no doubt) rather than by my own will. For
still, as she tells me, he speaks kind and praiseful things of me.

Here is clemency! Here is indulgence!--And so it is, to prevent a
headstrong child, as a good prince would wish to deter disaffected
subjects, from running into rebellion, and so forfeiting every thing!
But this is allowing to the young-man's wisdom of my brother; a
plotter without a head, and a brother without a heart!

How happy might I have been with any other brother in the world but
James Harlowe; and with any other sister but his sister! Wonder not,
my dear, that I, who used to chide you for these sort of liberties
with my relations, now am more undutiful than you ever was unkind. I
cannot bear the thought of being deprived of the principal pleasure of
my life; for such is your conversation by person and by letter. And
who, besides, can bear to be made the dupe of such low cunning,
operating with such high and arrogant passions?

But can you, my dear Miss Howe, condescend to carry on a private
correspondence with me?--If you can, there is one way I have thought
of, by which it may be done.