I told him my mind as freely as I used to do. But whoever was in
fault, self being judge? He complained of spies set upon his conduct,
and to pry into his life and morals, and this by your brother and
uncles.

I told him, that this was very hard upon him; and the more so, as
neither his life nor morals perhaps would stand a fair inquiry.

He smiled, and called himself my servant.--The occasion was too fair,
he said, for Miss Howe, who never spared him, to let it pass.--But,
Lord help the shallow souls of the Harlowes! Would I believe it! they
were for turning plotters upon him. They had best take care he did
not pay them in their own coin. Their hearts were better turned for
such works than their heads.

I asked him, If he valued himself upon having a head better turned
than theirs for such works, as he called them?

He drew off: and then ran into the highest professions of reverence
and affection for you.

The object so meritorious, who can doubt the reality of his
professions?

Adieu, my dearest, my noble friend!--I love and admire you for the
generous conclusion of your last more than I can express. Though I
began this letter with impertinent raillery, knowing that you always
loved to indulge my mad vein; yet never was there a heart that more
glowed with friendly love, than that of