TO MISS CLARISSA HARLOWE

I am to tell you, that your mother has begged you off for the morrow: but
that you have effectually done your business with her, as well as with
every body else.

In your proposals and letter to your brother, you have shewn yourself so
silly, and so wise; so young, and so old; so gentle, and so obstinate; so
meek, and so violent; that never was there so mixed a character.

We all know of whom you have borrowed this new spirit. And yet the seeds
of it must be in your heart, or it could not all at once shew itself so
rampant. It would be doing Mr. Solmes a spite to wish him such a shy,
un-shy girl; another of your contradictory qualities--I leave you to make
out what I mean by it.

Here, Miss, your mother will not let you remain: she cannot have any
peace of mind while such a rebel of a child is so near her. Your aunt
Hervey will not take a charge which all the family put together cannot
manage. Your uncle Harlowe will not see you at his house, till you are
married. So, thanks to your own stubbornness, you have nobody that will
receive you but your uncle Antony. Thither you must go in a very few
days; and, when there, your brother will settle with you, in my presence,
all that relates to your modest challenge; for it is accepted, I assure
you. Dr. Lewen will possibly be there, since you make choice of him.
Another gentleman likewise, were it but to convince you, that he is
another sort of man than you have taken him to be. Your two uncles will
possibly be there too, to see that the poor, weak, and defenceless sister
has fair play. So, you see, Miss, what company your smart challenge will
draw together.