reduce her to an absolute dependence upon himself. See Vol. I. Letter
XXXI.


We had a great deal of other discourse: but as the reciting of the rest
would be but a repetition of many of the things that passed between you
and him in the interview between you in the wood-house, I refer myself to
your memory on that occasion.*


* See Vol. I. Letter XXXVI.


And now, my dear, upon the whole, I think it behoves you to make yourself
independent: all then will fall right. This man is a violent man. I
should wish, methinks, that you should not have either him or Solmes.
You will find, if you get out of your brother's and sister's way, what
you can or cannot do, with regard to either.

If your relations persist in their foolish scheme, I think I will take
his hint, and, at a proper opportunity, sound my mother. Mean time, let
me have your clear opinion of the resumption, which I join with Lovelace
in advising. You can but see how your demand will work. To demand, is
not to litigate. But be your resolution what it will, do not by any
means repeat to them, that you will not assert your right. If they go on
to give you provocation, you may have sufficient reason to change your
mind: and let them expect that you will change it. They have not the
generosity to treat you the better for disclaiming the power they know
you have. That, I think, need not now be told you. I am, my dearest
friend, and ever will be,