ot have been a stranger to it.

Lovel. Well but, Sir, have you then any commission to me from Mr. John
Harlowe?

Capt. Sir, I will tell you, as briefly as I can, the whole of what I
have to say; but you'll excuse me also in a previous question, for what
curiosity is not my motive; but it is necessary to be answered before I
can proceed; as you will judge when you hear it.

Lovel. What, pray, Sir, is your question?

Capt. Briefly, whether you are actually, and bona fide, married to Miss
Clarissa Harlowe?

I started, and, in a haughty tone, is this, Sir, a question that must be
answered before you can proceed in the business you have undertaken?

I mean no offence, Mr. Lovelace. Mr. Harlowe sought to me to undertake
this office. I have daughters and nieces of my own. I thought it a good
office, or I, who have many considerable affairs upon my hands, had not
accepted of it. I know the world; and will take the liberty to say, that
if the young lady--

Captain Tomlinson, I think you are called?

My name is Tomlinson.

Why then, Tomlinson, no liberty, as you call it, will be taken well, that
is not extremely delicate, when that lady is mentioned.

When you had heard me out, Mr. Lovelace, and had found I had so behaved,
as to make the caution necessary, it would have been just to have given
it.--Allow me to say, I know what is due to the character of a woman of
virtue, as well as any man alive.

Why, Sir! Why, Captain Tomlinson, you seem warm. If you intend any
thing by this, [O how I trembled! said the lady, when she took notice of
this part of our conversation afterwards,] I will only say, that this is
a privileged place. It is at present my home, and an asylum for any
gentleman who thinks it worth his while to inquire after me, be the
manner or end of his inquiry what it will.

I know not, Sir, that I have given occasion for this. I make no scruple
to attend you elsewhere, if I am troublesome here. I was told, I had a
warm young gentleman to deal with: but as I knew my intention, and that
my commission was an amicable one, I was the less concerned about that.
I am twice your age, Mr. Lovelace, I dare say: but I do assure you, that
if either my message or my manner gives you offence, I can suspend the
one or the other for a day, or for ever, as you like. And so, Sir, any
time before eight tomorrow morning, you will let me know your further
commands.--And was going to tell me where he might be