University of Virginia Library

October 7.—

I have just received a letter from lady V—. She tells me she sent twice to invite Mr. Arnold to dine with them, in order, if possible, to lead him into a conversation, by which they hoped, in some measure, to have cleared my innocence, as my lord could take upon him to justify Mr. Faulkland; but he declined coming, not knowing, perhaps, that Mr. Faulkland was absent from V—hall. She said, her lord had gone to South-park; but neither Mr. Arnold was not at home, or denied himself. My lady adds, 'It is a delicate affair to interpose in; yet would I have ventured to have wrote to

your husband, if I had been sure that you had no objection to my telling him, that you had made me privy to the cause of your parting: 'tis plain, by his avoiding us, it is a subject he does not care to come to an explanation upon. Let me have your sentiments, and I will act accordingly.'

I shall answer lady V—'s letter directly, and beg of her to leave the matter as it is. Mrs. Gerrarde's testimony will have more weight than all my good lord or lady could urge in my favour: besides, they are not furnished with sufficient weapons to combat against such an enemy: they know nothing of Miss Burchell's story; my regard to her character prevented me from giving my lady this specimen of her aunt's baseness. I suppose the same reason may have closed Mr. Faulkland's lips on that subject: so that they have nothing to allege against Mrs. Gerrarde, which would help to invalidate her testimony with regard to Mr. Faulkland and me. Mr. Arnold, indeed, knows that she has forfeited her pretensions to modesty; but the

delusion of self-love blinds a man in those cases; and he can believe, that truth, sincerity, and justice, inhabit the bosom of her, whose passion for him alone has caused a deviation from chastity.

I cannot think of exposing the poor Miss Burchell by giving up her secret. Though it might contribute to clear me, by turning Mr. Arnold's suspicions on Mrs. Gerrarde, yet would she have great reason to resent it; more especially as she is now, by a blameless life, endeavouring to blot out the memory of her fault. Though my lady V— is very prudent, her zeal for me, and my lord's good-natured earnestness in my cause, might render them unguarded on the occasion; and should they attempt to make use of this secret, in order to criminate Mrs. Gerrarde, it might at the same time, bring malicious censures both on Miss Burchell and Mr. Faulkland.

I think, upon the whole, my mother is the properest person to mediate on this nice occasion. When Mr. Arnold comes to town; she can, with due tenderness to

the young lady, disclose the whole affair to him. The knowledge of this black part of Mrs. Gerrarde's character, joined to her arguments, may perhaps have some weight; though, to tell you the secret bodings of my heart, I expect not much from this. I have lost my husband's love; Mrs. Gerrarde possesses it all; and who knows whether he even wishes to lose his pretence for abandoning an unhappy wife. I wish, however, Mr. Faulkland were returned to V—hall: should Mr. Arnold know of his absence at this juncture, he might imagine possibly he was gone in quest of me.