'I will tell you what _now_ passes in my mind. As to the _gentler_ expedient you propose, I certainly lean to it, as the least offensive; but, supposing he suspects the motive, and is piqued to answer: "I wrote you such a letter of such a date: did you receive it?" What then is to be done? I could not reply falsely--and might not that line of conduct, acknowledged, irritate? This consideration would lead me, perhaps preferably, to adopt the other, as most open and honest (certainly to any other character but his), but query whether it might not be most judicious as to its effects; _and_ at the same time acknowledging that his victim was wholly in his power, as to temporal good,[76] and leaving it to his generosity whether to use that power or not. There seem so many reasons why he should for his own sake abstain _for the present_ from _gratifying_ his revenge, that one can scarcely think he would do so--unless _insane_. It would surely be ruin to all his prospects, and those of a pecuniary nature are not indifferent if others are become so. 'If really and truly he feels, or fancies he feels, that passion he professes, I have constantly imagined he might suppose, from his experience of the _weakness_ of disposition of the unfortunate object, that, driven from every other hope or earthly prospect, she might fly to _him_! and that as long as he was impressed with that idea he would persevere in his projects. But, if he considered _that_ hopeless, he might desist, for otherwise he must lose everything _but his revenge_, and what good would _that_ do him? 'After all, my dearest A., if you cannot calculate the probable consequences, how should I presume to do so! To be sure, the gentler expedient might be the safest, with so violent and irritable a disposition, and at least _for a time_ act as a _palliative_--and who knows what changes a little time might produce or how Providence might graciously interpose! With so many reasons to wish to avoid extremities (I mean for the sake of others), one leans to what appears the _safest_, and one is a coward. 'But the other at the same time has something gratifying to one's feelings--and I think might be said and done--so that, if he showed the letters, it would be no evidence against _the_ person; and worded with that kindness, and appearance of real affectionate concern for _him_ as well as the other person concerned, that it _might_ possibly touch him. Pray think of what I have _thought_, and write me a line, not to decide, for that I cannot expect, but to tell me if I deceived myself in the ideas I have expressed to you. I shall not, _cannot_ answer till the _latest_ post-day this week. 'I know you will forgive me for this infliction, and may God bless you for that, and every other kindness.'