were thought that you were privately married before you went away. If
these men plead AUTHORITY to our pain, when we are theirs--Why should we
not, in such a case as this, make some good out of the hated word, for
our reputation, when we are induced to violate a more natural one?

Your brother and sister [that vexes me almost as much as any thing!] have
now their ends. Now, I suppose, will go forward alterations of wills, and
such-like spiteful doings.


***


Miss Lloyd and Miss Biddulph this moment send up their names. They are
out of breath, Kitty says, to speak to me--easy to guess their errand;--
I must see my mother, before I see them. I have no way but to shew her
your letter to clear myself. I shall not be able to say a word, till she
has run herself out of her first breath.--Forgive me, my dear--surprise
makes me write thus. If your messenger did not wait, and were not those
young ladies below, I could write it over again, for fear of afflicting
you.

I send what you write for. If there be any thing else you want that is
in my power, command without reserve

Your ever affectionate
ANNA HOWE.