do, that I will not receive any more of your letters, unless commanded to
do so by an authority I never will dispute; except in a case where I
think my future as well as present happiness concerned: and were such a
case to happen, I am sure my father's harshness will be less owing to
himself than to you; and to the specious absurdities of your ambitious
and selfish schemes.--Very true, Sir!

One word more, provoked as I am, I will add: That had I been thought as
really obstinate and perverse as of late I am said to be, I should not
have been so disgracefully treated as I have been--Lay your hand upon
your heart, Brother, and say, By whose instigations?--And examine what I
have done to deserve to be made thus unhappy, and to be obliged to style
myself

Your injured sister,
CL. HARLOWE.


When, my dear, you have read my answer to my brother's letter, tell me
what you think of me?--It shall go!



LETTER VII

MISS CLARISSA HARLOWE, TO MISS HOWE
THURSDAY MORNING, MARCH 23.


My letter has set them all in tumults: for, it seems, none of them went