University of Virginia Library

August 26.—

Oh, my dear! I am mortified to the last degree, lest Mr. Arnold should, from some indiscreet tongue, have received a hint of my former engagement; he may think me disingenuous for never having mentioned it, especially since Mr. Faulkland has been in the neighbourhood: I think his nature is too open to entertain any suspicions essentially injurious to me; yet may this affair, circumstanced as it is, make an unfavourable impression on him. I wish I had been before-hand with any officious whisperer: he has got so much abroad, that the story may have reached his ears. God forbid it should affect his mind with causeless uneasiness; I would Mr. Faulkland were a thousand miles from V—hall. I think Mr. Arnold is altered since his arrival

there—Colder he appears to be—I hope but fancy it—yet there is a change —his looks are less kind—his voice has lost that tenderness that it used to have in speaking to me—yet this may only be his temper—a man cannot always be a lover—Oh, I sicken at the very thought of Mr. Arnold's entertaining a doubt of my true affection for him! I would not live in this suspence for millions. I would rather he should treat me roughly—if I discovered that to be his humour, though it would frighten me, yet should I patiently conform to it.