We heard, moreover, that you received no visiters. I could assign no
reason for this, except that the preparations for your sister were to
be private, and the ceremony sudden, for fear this man should, as
another man did, change his mind. Miss Lloyd and Miss Biddulph were
with me to inquire what I knew of this; and of your not being in
church, either morning or afternoon, the Sunday after your return from
us; to the disappointment of a little hundred of your admirers, to use
their words. It was easy for me to guess the reason to be what you
confirm--their apprehensions that Lovelace would be there, and attempt
to wait on you home.

My mother takes very kindly your compliments in your letter to her.
Her words upon reading it were, 'Miss Clarissa Harlowe is an admirable
young lady: wherever she goes, she confers a favour: whomever she
leaves, she fills with regret.'--And then a little comparative
reflection--'O my Nancy, that you had a little of her sweet
obligingness!'

No matter. The praise was yours. You are me; and I enjoyed it. The
more enjoyed it, because--Shall I tell you the truth?--Because I think
myself as well as I am--were it but for this reason, that had I twenty
brother James's, and twenty sister Bell's, not one of them, nor all of
them joined together, would dare to treat me as yours presume to treat
you. The person who will bear much shall have much to bear all the
world through; it is your own sentiment,* grounded upon the strongest
instance that can be given in your own family; though you have so
little improved by it.


* Letter V.