LETTER XLII.
The Hon. Mr. HARRINGTON to the Rev.
Mr. HOLMES.
You very well know of my amour
with Maria, and that a daughter was
the offspring of that illicit connexion—That
sixteen years have elapsed since, by your goodness,
she has lived with Mrs. Francis, and let
me add, daily improving in beauty and every
amiable accomplishment—But how shall
we be able—how shall we pretend to investigate
the great springs by which we are actuated,
or account for the operation of SYMPATHY—my
son, who has been at home
about eight weeks, has accidentally seen her,
and to complete THE TRIUMPH OF NATURE—has
loved her. He is now even
upon the point of marrying—shall I proceed!
—
of marrying his Sister!—A circumstance
seemingly fortuitous has discovered
this important affair—I fly to prevent incest—Do
not upbraid me with being the author
of my own misfortunes.—“This comes
of your libertinism,” you will say, “this
comes of your adultery!”—Spare your
reflections, my friend—my heart is monitor
enough—I am strangely agitated!
Adieu!
