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<h2> LETTER L </h2>
<p>MR. BELFORD, TO MISS HOWE THURSDAY NIGHT, OCT. 5.</p>
<p>I return you, Madam, my most respectful thanks for your condescending
hint, in relation to the pious wishes of your exalted friend for my
thorough reformation.</p>
<p>I will only say, that it will be my earnest and unwearied endeavour to
make those generous wishes effectual: and I hope for the Divine blessing
upon such my endeavours, or else I know they will be in vain.</p>
<p>I cannot, Madam, express how much I think myself obliged to you for your
farther condescension, in writing to me so frankly the state of your past
and present mind, in relation to the single and matrimonial life. If the
lady by whom, as the executor of her inimitable friend, I am thus
honoured, has failings, never were failings so lovely in woman!—How
much more lovely, indeed, than the virtues of many of her sex!</p>
<p>I might have ventured into the hands of such a lady the Colonel's original
letter entire. The worthy gentleman exceedingly admires you; and this
caution was the effect of his politeness only, and of his regard for you.</p>
<p>I send you, Madam, a letter from Lord M. to myself; and the copies of
three others written in consequence of that. These will acquaint you with
Mr. Lovelace's departure from England, and with other particulars, which
you will be curious to know.</p>
<p>Be pleased to keep to yourself such of the contents as your own prudence
will suggest to you ought not to be seen by any body else.</p>
<p>I am, Madam, with the profoundest and most grateful respect,</p>
<p>Your faithful and obliged humble servant, JOHN BELFORD.</p>
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