Upon the whole, then, what have I to hope for, but a change in my
father's resolution?--And is there any probability of that; such an
ascendancy as my brother and sister have obtained over every body; and
such an interest to pursue the enmity they have now openly avowed against
me?

As to Mr. Lovelace's approbation of your assumption-scheme, I wonder not
at. He very probably penetrates the difficulties I should have to bring
it to effect, without his assistance. Were I to find myself as free as I
would wish myself to be, perhaps Mr. Lovelace would stand a worse chance
with me than his vanity may permit him to imagine; notwithstanding the
pleasure you take in rallying me on his account. How know you, but all
that appears to be specious and reasonable in his offers; such as,
standing his chance for my favour, after I became independent, as I may
call it [by which I mean no more, than to have the liberty of refusing
for my husband a man whom it hurts me but to think of in that light]; and
such as his not visiting me but by my leave; and till Mr. Morden come;
and till I am satisfied of his reformation;--How know you, I say, that he
gives not himself these airs purely to stand better in your graces as
well as mine, by offering of his own accord conditions which he must
needs think would be insisted on, were the case to happen?

Then am I utterly displeased with him. To threaten as he threatens; yet
to pretend, that it is not to intimidate me; and to beg of you not to
tell me, when he must know you would, and no doubt intended that you
should, is so meanly artful!--The man must think he has a frightened fool
to deal with.--I, to join hands with such a man of violence! my own
brother the man whom he threatens!--And what has Mr. Solmes done to him?
--Is he to be blamed, if he thinks a person would make a wife worth