perverse opposed their going; but they saw I was desirous of their
absence; and when they had withdrawn, I once more threw myself at her
feet, and acknowledged my offences; implored her forgiveness for this one
time, and promised the most exact circumspection for the future.

It was impossible for her she said to keep her memory and forgive me.
What hadst thou seen in the conduct of Clarissa Harlowe, that should
encourage such an insult upon her as thou didst dare to make? How meanly
must thou think of her, that thou couldst presume to be so guilty, and
expect her to be so weak as to forgive thee?

I besought her to let me read over to her Captain Tomlinson's letter. I
was sure it was impossible she could have given it the requisite
attention.

I have given it the requisite attention, said she; and the other letters
too. So that what I say is upon deliberation. And what have I to fear
from my brother and sister? They can but complete the ruin of my
fortunes with my father and uncles. Let them and welcome. You, Sir, I
thank you, have lowered my fortunes; but, I bless God, that my mind is
not sunk with my fortunes. It is, on the contrary, raised above fortune,
and above you; and for half a word they shall have the estate they envied
me for, and an acquittal from me of all the expectations from my family
that may make them uneasy.

I lifted up my hands and eyes in silent admiration of her.

My brother, Sir, may think me ruined; to the praise of your character, he
may think it impossible to be with you and be innocent. You have but too
well justified their harshest censures by every part of your conduct.
But now that I have escaped from you, and that I am out of the reach of
your mysterious devices, I will wrap myself up in mine own innocence,
[and then the passionate beauty folded her arms about herself,] and leave
to time, and to my future circumspection, the re-establishment of my
character. Leave me then, Sir, pursue me not!--

Good Heaven! [interrupting her]--and all this, for what?--Had I not
yielded to your entreaties, (forgive me, Madam,) you could not have
carried farther your resentments--

Wretch! Was it not crime enough to give occasion for those entreaties?
Wouldst thou make a merit to me, that thou didst not utterly ruin her
whom thou oughtest to have protected? Begone, man! (turning from me, her
face crimsoned over with passion.)--See me no more!--I cannot bear thee
in my sight!--

Deare