But now, sir, one word--I disclaim, but yet in all thankfulness, the
acceptance of the favour signified to be intended me in the latter part
of the paternal letter before me. Our acquaintance began with a hope, on
your side, that I could not encourage. As I could not, shall I accept of
the benefit from you, to which I could only have been entitled (and that
as I had behaved) had I been able to oblige you?--No, sir! I will not,
in this case, be benefited, when I cannot benefit. Put me not therefore,
I beseech you, sir, if such an event (deplored by me, as it would be!)
should happen, upon the necessity of inquiring after your other relations
and friends. Sir Rowland Meredith my father, and Mr. Fowler my brother,
are all to me of the family they distinguish by their relation, that I
know at present. Let me not be made known to the rest by a distinction
that would be unjust to them, and to yourself, as it must deprive you of
the grace of obliging those who have more than a stranger's claim; and
must, in the event, lay them under the appearance of an obligation to
that stranger for doing them common justice.
I use the word stranger with reference to those of your family and
friends to whom I must really appear in that light. But, laying these
considerations aside, in which I am determined not to interfere with
them, I am, with the tenderest regard, dear and good sir,
Your ever-dutiful and affectionate daughter,
HARRIET BYRON.
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