70
"There is no knowing what that man may do, now that he is left to the guidance of his own feelings,and his own understanding; and to the advice of those about him. You knew the state of your own domestic affairs better than I did. I only knew what you told me; but it appeared to me, that by living with him you had grown less alive to his real character by being accustomed to it, and also that you were so used to manage him and to prevent his follies, that you relied too much on being able always to do it. Recollect when you were with him, how stupidly and brutally he continually behaved; particularly, for instance, to Helen. His conduct there, always struck me as showing a violence which was likely afterwards to break out. Now that he has nobody to advise, control, or soothe him, what follies or what abominable conduct he may pursue, it is impossible to conjecture. I pity you about the children. It is most melancholy not to know where they are, or with whom."
"I send you back the copies.[1] I agree very much in all you say in your letter. The amount of allowance makes a great difference. If you could get 300l. or 400l. {I think you ought to have the latter sum), the arrangement might do tolerably well. But they are very advantageous terms for him, and should not he agreed to, except for something approaching to an equivalent. I think he should secure your income beyond his own life, upon any property which he may have. I have never mentioned money to you, and I hardly like to do it now: your feelings have been so galled that they have naturally become very sore and sensitive, and I knew not how you might take it. I have had at times a great mind to send you some, but I feared to do so. As I trust we are now upon terms of confidential and affectionate friendship, J venture to say, that you have nothing to do but to express a wish, and it shall be instantly complied with. I miss you. I
- ↑ Of Mr. Norton's propositions.
