y modest--I can't think so, Captain--but
let us call another cause.

Every woman present could look me in the face, so bashful was I.

Capt. Well, but as to our present situation--only it mayn't be proper--
looking upon me, and round upon the women.

Lovel. O Captain, you may say any thing before this company--only,
Andrew, [to my new servant, who attended us at table,] do you withdraw:
this good girl [looking at the maid-servant] will help us to all we want.

Away went Andrew: he wanted not his cue; and the maid seemed pleased at
my honour's preference of her.

Capt. As to our present situation, I say, Mr. Lovelace--why, Sir, we
shall be all untwisted, let me tell you, if my friend Mr. John Harlowe
were to know what that is. He would as much question the truth of your
being married, as the rest of the family do.

Here the women perked up their ears; and were all silent attention.

Capt. I asked you before for particulars, Mr. Lovelace; but you
declined giving them.--Indeed it may not be proper for me to be
acquainted with them.--But I must own, that it is past my comprehension,
that a wife can resent any thing a husband can do (that is not a breach
of the peace) so far as to think herself justified for eloping from him.

Lovel. Captain Tomlinson:--Sir--I do assure you, that I shall be
offended--I shall be extremely concerned--if I hear that word eloping
mentioned again--

Capt. Your nicety and your love, Sir, may make you take offence--but it
is my way to call every thing by its proper name, let who will be
offended--

Thou canst not imagine, Belford, how brave and how independent the rascal
looked.

Capt. When, young gentleman, you shall think proper to give us
particulars, we will find a word for this rash act in so admirable a
lady, that shall please you better.--You see, Sir, that being the
representative of my dear friend Mr. John Harlowe, I speak as freely as I
suppose he would do, if present. But you blush, Sir--I beg your pardon,
Mr. Lovelace: it becomes not a modest man to pry into those secrets,
which a modest man cannot reveal.

I did not blush, Jack; but denied not the compliment, and looked down:
the women seemed delighted with my modesty: but the widow Bevis was more
inclined to laugh at me than praise me for it.

Capt. Whatever be the cause of this step, (I will not again, Sir, call
it elopement, since that harsh word wounds your tenderness,) I cannot but
express my surp