It is impossible
to say to what violent measures her present extremity may not drive her.
It is impossible to feel sure that she may not be the cause of some
public scandal this time, which may affect her innocent sister as well
as herself.
"I know you will not misinterpret the motive which has led me to write
these lines; I know you will not think that I am inconsiderate enough
to cause you unnecessary alarm. My sincere anxiety to see that happy
prospect realized to which your letter alludes has caused me to write
far less reservedly than I might otherwise have written. I strongly urge
you to use your influence, on every occasion when you can fairly exert
it, to strengthen that growing attachment, and to place it beyond the
reach of any coming disasters, while you have the opportunity of doing
so. When I tell you that the fortune of which Mrs. Noel Vanstone has
been deprived is entirely bequeathed to Admiral Bartram; and when I
add that Mr. George Bartram is generally understood to be his uncle's
heir--you will, I think, acknowledge that I am not warning you without a
cause. Yours most truly,
"WILLIAM PENDRIL."
III.
From Admiral Bartram to Mrs.
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