st, dearest creature!

If I forgive thee, Lovelace--And there she stopped.--To endeavour,
proceeded she, to endeavour by premeditation, by low contrivances, by
cries of Fire! to terrify a poor creature who had consented to take a
wretched chance with thee for life!

For Heaven's sake,--offering to take her repulsing hand, as she was
flying from me towards the closet.

What hast thou to do to plead for the sake of Heaven in thy favour!--O
darkest of human minds!

Then turning from me, wiping her eyes, and again turning towards me, but
her sweet face half aside, What difficulties hast thou involved me in!
That thou hadst a plain path before thee, after thou hadst betrayed me
into thy power.--At once my mind takes in the whole of thy crooked
behaviour; and if thou thinkest of Clarissa Harlowe as her proud heart
tells her thou oughtest to think of her, thou wilt seek thy fortunes
elsewhere. How often hast thou provoked me to tell thee, that my soul
is above thee!

For Heaven's sake, Madam, for a soul's sake, which it is in your power
to save from perdition, forgive me the past offence. I am the greatest
villain on earth if it was a premeditated one; yet I presume not to
excuse myself. On your mercy I throw myself. I will not offer at any
plea but that of penitence. See but Captain Tomlinson.--See but Lady
Betty and my cousin; let them plead for me; let them be guarantees for
my honour.

If Captain Tomlinson come while I stay here, I may see him; but as for
you, Sir--

Dearest creature! let me beg of you not to aggravate my offence to the
Captain when he comes. Let me beg of you--

What askest thou? It is not that I shall be of party against myself?
That I shall palliate--

Do not charge me, Madam, interrupted I, with villainous premeditation!
--Do not give such a construction to my offence as may weaken your
uncle's opinion--as may strengthen your brother's--

She flung from me to the further end of the room, [she could go no
further,] and just then Mrs. Moore came up, and told her that dinner was
ready, and that she had prevailed upon Miss Rawlins to give her her
company.

You must excuse me, Mrs. Moore, said she. Miss Rawlins I hope also will
--but I cannot eat--I cannot go down. As for you, Sir, I suppose you
will think it right to depart hence; at least till the gentleman comes
whom you expect.

I respectfully withdrew into the next room, that Mrs. Moore might
acquaint her, (I durst not myself,