She was with me, before I could well secure it; and I was in such a
taking that I feared I should discover myself. You seem frightened,
madam, said she; Why, said I, with a lucky thought, (alas! your poor
daughter will make an intriguer by and by; but I hope an innocent one!) I
stooped to smell at the sunflower, and a great nasty worm ran into the
ground, that startled me; for I can't abide worms. Said she, Sunflowers
don't smell. So I find, replied I. And then we walked in; and Mrs.
Jewkes said; Well, you have made haste now.--You shall go another time.
I went up to my closet, locked myself in, and opening my letter, found in
it these words:
'I am infinitely concerned for your distress. I most heartily wish it
may be in my power to serve and save so much innocence, beauty, and
merit. My whole dependance is upon Mr. B----, and I have a near view of
being provided for by his favour to me. But yet I would sooner forfeit
all my hopes in him, (trusting in God for the rest,) than not assist you,
if possible. I never looked upon Mr. B---- in the light he now appears
in to me, in your case. To be sure, he is no professed debauchee. But I
am entirely of opinion, you should, if possible, get out of his hands;
and especially as you are in very bad ones in Mrs.
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