excuse my garb. I am obliged to go
out of town directly, that I may return at night.

The day is a good day. Your garb needs no apology.

When I sent my servant, I did not know that I should find time to do
myself this honour. All that I thought I could do to oblige my friend
this journey, was only to assure myself of your abode; and whether there
was a probability of being admitted to the speech of either you, or your
lady.

Sir, you best know your own motives. What your time will permit you to do,
you also best know. And here I am, attending your pleasure.

My charmer owned afterwards her concern on my being so short. Whatever
I shall mingle of her emotions, thou wilt easily guess I had afterwards.

Sir, I hope no offence. I intend none.

None--None at all, Sir.

Sir, I have no interest in the affair I come about. I may appear
officious; and if I thought I should, I would decline any concern in it,
after I have just hinted what it is.

And pray, Sir, what is it?

May I ask you, Sir, without offence, whether you wish to be reconciled,
and to co-operate upon honourable terms, with one gentleman of the name
of Harlowe; preparative, as it may be hoped, to a general reconciliation?

O how my heart fluttered! cried my charmer.

I can't tell, Sir--[and then it fluttered still more, no doubt:] The
whole family have used me extremely ill. They have taken greater
liberties with my character than are justifiable; and with my family too;
which I can less forgive.

Sir, Sir, I have done. I beg pardon for this intrusion.

My beloved was then ready to sink, and thought very hardly of me.

But, pray, Sir, to the immediate purpose of your present commission;
since a commission it seems to be?

It is a commission, Sir; and such a one, as I thought would be agreeable
to all parties, or I should not have given myself concern about it.

Perhaps it may, Sir, when known. But let me ask you one previous
question--Do you know Colonel Morden, Sir?

No, Sir. If you mean personally, I do not. But I have heard my good
friend Mr. John Harlowe talk of him with great respect; and such a
co-trustee with him in a certain trust.

Lovel. I thought it probable, Sir, that the Colonel might be arrived;
that you might be a gentleman of his acquaintance; and that something of
an agreeable surprise might be intended.

Capt. Had Colonel Morden been in England, Mr. John Harlowe would have
known it; and then I should n