found.

Captain Tomlinson, said I, you answer well. I love a man of spirit.
Have you not been in the army?

I have, Sir; but have turned my sword into a ploughshare, as the
scripture has it,--[there was a clever fellow, Jack!--he was a good man
with somebody, I warrant! O what a fine coat and cloke for an hypocrite
will a text of scripture, properly applied, make at any time in the eyes
of the pious!--how easily are the good folks taken in!]--and all my
delight, added he, for some years past, has been in cultivating my
paternal estate. I love a brave man, Mr. Lovelace, as well as ever I did
in my life. But let me tell you, Sir, that when you come to my time of
life, you will be of opinion, that there is not so much true bravery in
youthful choler, as you may now think there is.

A clever fellow again, Belford!--Ear and heart, both at once, he took in
my charmer!--'Tis well, she says, there are some men who have wisdom in
their anger.

Well, Captain, that is reproof for reproof. So we are upon a footing.
And now give me the pleasure of hearing the import of your commission.

Sir, you must first allow me to repeat my question: Are you really, and
bona fide, married to Miss Clarissa Harlowe? or are you not yet married?

Bluntly put, Captain. But if I answer that I am, what then?

Why then, Sir, I shall say, that you are a man of honour.

That I hope I am, whether you say it or not, Captain Tomlinson.

Sir, I will be very frank in all I have to say on this subject--Mr. John
Harlowe has lately found out, that you and his niece are both in the same
lodgings; that you have been long so; and that the lady was at the play
with you yesterday was se'nnight; and he hopes that you are actually
married. He has indeed heard that you are; but as he knows your
enterprising temper, and that you have declared, that you disdain a
relation to their family, he is willing by me to have your marriage
confirmed from your own mouth, before he take the steps he is inclined to
take in his niece's favour. You will allow me to say, Mr. Lovelace, that
he will not be satisfied with an answer that admits of the least doubt.

Let me tell you, Captain Tomlinson, that it is a high degree of vileness
for any man to suppose--

Sir--Mr. Lovelace--don't put yourself into a passion. The lady's
relations are jealous of the honour of their family. They have
prejudices to overcome as well as you--advantage may have been taken--and
the lady,