but I have found out also, that she is carrying on a sort of
correspondence, or love affair, with a young clergyman, that I hope in
time to provide for; but who, at present, is destitute of any subsistence
but my favour: And what would be the consequence, can you think, of two
young folks, who have nothing in the world to trust to of their own to
come together with a family multiplying upon them before they have bread
to eat.

'For my part, I have too much kindness to them both, not to endeavour to
prevent it, if I can; and for this reason I have sent her out of his way
for a little while, till I can bring them both to better consideration;
and I would not, therefore, have you be surprised you don't see your
daughter so soon as you might possibly expect.

'Yet I do assure you, upon my honour, that she shall be safe and
inviolate; and I hope you don't doubt me, notwithstanding any airs she
may have given herself, upon my jocular pleasantry to her, and perhaps a
little innocent romping with her, so usual with young folks of the two
sexes, when they have been long acquainted, and grown up together; for
pride is not my talent.

'As she is a mighty letter-writer, I hope she has had the duty to apprise
you of her intrigue with the young clergyman; and I know not whether it
meets with your countenance: But now she is absent for a little while,
(for I know he would have followed her to your village, if she had gone
home; and there, perhaps, they would have ruined one another, by
marrying,) I doubt not I shall bring him to see his interest, and that he
engages not before he knows how to provide for a wife: And when that can
be done, let them come together in God's name, for me.