spiring.
Always must aspire. Nothing but the highest act of love can satisfy an
indulged love. And what advantages has a lover, who values not breaking
the peace, over his mistress who is solicitous to keep it!

I have now at this instant wrought myself up, for the dozenth time, to a
half-resolution. A thousand agreeable things I have to say to her. She
is in the dining-room. Just gone up. She always expects me when there.

***

High displeasure!--followed by an abrupt departure.

I sat down by her. I took both her hands in mine. I would have it so.
All gentle my voice. Her father mentioned with respect. Her mother with
reverence. Even her brother amicably spoken of. I never thought I could
have wished so ardently, as I told her I did wish, for a reconciliation
with her family.

A sweet and grateful flush then overspread her fair face; a gentle sigh
now-and-then heaved her handkerchief.

I perfectly longed to hear from Captain Tomlinson. It was impossible for
the uncle to find fault with the draught of the settlements. I would
not, however, be understood, by sending them down, that I intended to put
it in her uncle's power to delay my happy day. When, when was it to be?

I would hasten again to the Commons; and would not return without the
license.

The Lawn I proposed to retire to, as soon as the happy ceremony was over.
This day and that day I proposed.

It was time enough to name the day, when the settlements were completed,
and the license obtained. Happy should she be, could the kind Captain
Tomlinson obtain her uncle's presence privately.

A good hint!--It may perhaps be improved upon--either for a delay or a
pacifier.

No new delays for Heaven's sake, I besought her; and reproached her
gently for the past. Name but the day--(an early day, I hoped it would
be, in the following week)--that I might hail its approach, and number
the tardy hours.

My cheek reclined on her shoulder--kissing her hands by turns. Rather
bashfully than angrily reluctant, her hands sought to be withdrawn; her
shoulder avoiding my reclined cheek--apparently loth, and more loth to
quarrel with me; her downcast eye confessing more than her lips can
utter. Now surely, thought I, is my time to try if she can forgive a
still bolder freedom than I had ever yet taken.

I then gave her struggling hands liberty. I put one arm round her waist:
I imprinted a kiss on her sweet lip, with a Be quiet only, and an ave