'FARMER NORTON,
'I send to your house, for one night only, a young gentlewoman, much
against her will, who has deeply embarked in a love affair, which will be
her ruin, as well as the person's to whom she wants to betroth herself.
I have, to oblige her father, ordered her to be carried to one of my
houses, where she will be well used, to try, if by absence, and
expostulation with both, they can be brought to know their own interest
and I am sure you will use her kindly for my sake: for, excepting this
matter, which she will not own, she does not want prudence and
discretion. I will acknowledge any trouble you shall be at in this
matter the first opportunity; and am
'Your Friend and Servant.'
He had said, too cunningly for me, that I would not own this pretended
love affair; so that he had provided them not to believe me, say what I
would; and as they were his tenants, who all love him, (for he has some
amiable qualities, and so he had need!) I saw all my plot cut out, and so
was forced to say the less.
I wept bitterly, however; for I found he was too hard for me, as well in
his contrivances as riches; and so had recourse again to my only refuge,
comforting myself, that God never fails to take the innocent heart into
his protection, and is alone able to baffle and confound the devices of
the mighty.
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