She watches me as close as ever, and pretends to
wonder why I shun her company as I do.
I have just put under the tiles these lines inspired by my fears, which
are indeed very strong; and, I doubt, not without reason.
'SIR,
'Every thing gives me additional disturbance. The missed letter of John
Arnold's makes me suspect a plot. Yet am I loath to think myself of so
much importance, as to suppose every one in a plot against me. Are you
sure, however, the London journey is not to be a Lincolnshire one? May
not John, who has been once a traitor, be so again?--Why need I be thus
in doubt?--If I could have this horse, I would turn the reins on his
neck, and trust to Providence to guide him for my safeguard! For I would
not endanger you, now just upon the edge of your preferment. Yet, sir, I
fear your fatal openness will make you suspected as accessary, let us be
ever so cautious.
'Were my life in question, instead of my honesty, I would not wish to
involve you, or any body, in the least difficulty, for so worthless a
poor creature. But, O sir! my soul is of equal importance with the soul
of a princess; though my quality is inferior to that of the meanest
slave.
'Save then my innocence, good Heaven! and preserve my mind spotless; and
happy shall I be to lay down my worthless life; and see an end to all my
troubles and anxieties.
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