be for ever reprobated, if I indulge my own desires by a further connexion with a lady, who, however dear to me, is the daughter of a man hateful to my father, and obnoxious to my family.
"The compulsatory acquiescence I have been drawn into, has given me an infinite deal of pain; the letter you have given to me I must acknowledge (at this moment I was absolutely speechless). Let me add, that on yourself depends your future happiness.—Your father is unacquainted with what has past between us. I have not had the temerity to mention any particulars to mine.—You must know, that you can produce no claims upon me, if I choose to disavow them. Therefore, both for your honour and interest, you must relinquish all idea of making such claims as you cannot justify: By so doing, you will retain my friendship, and a handsome allowance, which I will settle on you for life. If, on the contrary, you persist in your present plan, to expose yourself, and compel me publicly to throw you off, you
