Part 42 (1/2)

I was surprised at the change which had taken place in his fornomy; and at the different aspect they had assumed Not that the marks of melancholy were quite eradicated: but, when I considered his whole appearance, he was scarcely the same person

I produced surprise in him of a contrary kind There was neither the wonted freshness of my complexion nor the fashi+onable ease of my air and dress, which he had remarked but a few months before; and he took the first private opportunity that offered to enquire, with great earnestness, if there were any eneral selfishness which our present institutions inspire, such questions are wonderfully endearing I answered him that I had found a friend, whose principles were as liberal and enlarged as they were uncoive hins, and the posture of my affairs

He informed me that the severe application of Turl had enfeebled his health, and had induced him to reside for a feeeks at a sht enjoy the benefits of bathing and the fresh breezes; for which purpose he had left London the week before: that neither Wilmot nor Turl hierous, but that they had both agreed this was a prudent step; and that he had received a letter froht he had already derived benefit and animation from the journey

Turl was not a ence Wilaveit, produced a very unpleasant feeling The possibility of the loss of such a man, so wise, so benevolent, and so undaunted in the cause of truth, was a sensation for which I have no epithet

Wilain assured er

We passed as ether as Wilmot could spare from his occupations; after which we parted, and each proceeded on his own concerns: I to enquire after a dwelling-place; and he to his literary engagements: while Clarke, instructed by Mary, went in search of a lodging for hih those streets that were most likely to afford him one at a reasonable rate

Mr Evelyn had a relation of a younger branch of the family in the lahose name was Hilary, to whom I was recommended; and from whom I received the utht This gentleman was an attorney of repute, a practitioner of uncommon honesty, assiduous and capable as a professional man, a firm defender of freedom even to his own risk and detriment, a sincere speaker, a valuable friend, and in every sense a e, he willingly undertook the task assigned to him by Mr Evelyn's recommendation; and, in pursuance of his advice, I hired an aparthbourhood of Queen's-square Blooht be within a convenient distance of the inns of Court, yet not entirely buried in the noise and sreeable part of the town

I likewise informed Mr Hilary of , from my appearance and mode of enunciation as well as froh opinion of my talents, he applauded my plan: in pursuance of which he recommended h situation in the law I readily consented; and it was agreed that he should speak to that gentle

CHAPTER XIII

_Morewith a love-letter: Doubts concerning its conveyance_

It cannot be supposed that Olivia was out ofher kindness toward Miss Wilmot, I carefully took the first opportunity to inform the latter of the chief incidents that had passed; and to concert with her so an interview

Miss Wiler received any pecuniary aid from Olivia Wilmot considered it as a duty to provide for his sister; and had too lofty a sense of independance to admit the repetition of these favours Yet how far that pride of heart, which teaches us, not only that we should not sub except from our relations, but that these relations can accept of no relief, howeverour honor, is a question which deserves to be seriously examined Not but, at that time, it squared very aptly with my opinions It may be further reht only to receive aid froine that, froly extort all they can The generous Wiler of this last er a entle Olivia and Miss Wilet the other; and the latter was too sincerely interested in the happiness both ofto promote that happiness, by every means in her power

What these means should be was the difficulty we had to solve To use any kind of stratage Olivia To come upon her by surprise, even if the opportunity should offer itself, would not be a hly of that courage which,occasions Her defence of me in the coach was a proof that I had not overestimated her fortitude

It likewise shewed that she was under erous, should they reht of thenation

Bold however as she was in my defence when she supposed ht assail her when she should be convinced (if she still doubted) that I was living Her sub as she supposed that to comply would be less productive of harm than to resist: but I had witnessed that she would not consent to actions of great moment, which her heart disapproved

These facts rant e What then was to be done? A letter, that should fully explain hts, my plans, my deterible mode Were I to prompt her to a clandestine correspondence, I ell aware that I should highly and justly offend her She would consider it as little less than an insult Her conduct was open, her norant of this would be to shew myself unworthy of her The lover should disdain to excite his mistress to any action which he would disapprove in a wife; and this was a rule not to be infringed, by him who should aspire to the noble-minded Olivia

To write then I resolved; and in such a manner as to open my whole soul to her, awaken her affections, call forth her aditate her with pity and love, and ensure her perseverance

Alas! I took the pen in hand, but was ht was too rapid, tooof letters and words infinitely too slow, and frigid At last however, after repeated atte: hich ritten I was very far from satisfied; but of that I despaired

'To the woman whom my soul adores how shall I address hts, hopes that vanish, and fears that distract, are ill fitted for such a talk Governed by feelings which will admit of no controul, I can only claim your pardon on the plea of inability to preserve that silence which it is tehts will have passage, will rush into your presence, will expose theer Distracted as I aers that ers are h scarcely more painful, than your disapprobation