tine to a novice?--While she
expects in the one the confidence she wants, she considers the other and
herself as two parallel lines, which, though they run side by side, can
never meet.

Yet in this the sex is generally mistaken too; for these sheepish fellows
are sly. I myself was modest once; and this, as I have elsewhere hinted
to thee,* has better enabled me to judge of both sexes.

* See Vol. III. Letter XXIII.

But to proceed with my narrative:

Having thus prepared every one against any letter should come from Miss
Howe, and against my beloved's messenger returns, I thought it proper to
conclude that subject with a hint, that my spouse could not bear to have
any thing said that reflected upon Miss Howe; and, with a deep sigh,
added, that I had been made very unhappy more than once by the ill-will
of ladies whom I had never offended.

The widow Bevis believed that might very easily be. Will. both without
and within, [for I intend he shall fall in love with widow Moore's maid,
and have saved one hundred pounds in my service, at least,] will be great
helps, as things may happen.

LETTER XXVIII

MR. LOVELACE
[IN CONTINUATION.]

We had hardly dined, when my coachman, who kept a look-out for Captain
Tomlinson, as Will. did for old Grimes, conducted hither that worthy
gentleman, attended by one servant, both on horseback. He alighted. I
went out to meet him at the door.

Thou knowest his solemn appearance, and unblushing freedom; and yet canst
not imagine what a dignity the rascal assumed, nor how respectful to him
I was.

I led him into the parlour, and presented him to the women, and them to
him. I thought it highly imported me (as they might still have some
diffidences about our marriage, from my fair-one's home-pushed questions
on that head) to convince them entirely of the truth of all I had
asserted. And how could I do this better, than by dialoguing a little
with him before them?

Dear Captain, I thought you long; for I have had a terrible conflict with
my spouse.

Capt. I am sorry that I am later than my intention--my account with my
banker--[There's a dog, Jack!] took me up longer time to adjust than I
had foreseen [all the time pulling down and stroking his ruffles]: for
there was a small difference between us--only twenty pounds, indeed,
which I had taken no account of.

The rascal has not seen twenty pounds of his own these ten years.

Then had we between us the characte