ll create a storm, rather than be without one. So that they
can preside in the whirlwind, and direct it, they are happy.--But my
beloved's misfortune is, that she must live in tumult; yet neither raise
them herself, nor be able to controul them.

LETTER XXXIV

MR. LOVELACE, TO JOHN BELFORD, ESQ.
SAT NIGHT, JUNE 10.

What will be the issue of all my plots and contrivances, devil take me if
I am able to divine. But I will not, as Lord M. would say, forestall my
own market.

At four, the appointed hour, I sent up, to desire admittance in the
Captain's name and my own.

She would wait upon the Captain presently; [not upon me!] and in the
parlour, if it were not engaged.

The dining-room being mine, perhaps that was the reason of her naming the
parlour--mighty nice again, if so! No good sign for me, thought I, this
stiff punctilio.

In the parlour, with me and the Captain, were Mrs. Moore, Miss Rawlins,
and Mrs. Bevis.

The women said, they would withdraw when the lady came down.

Lovel. Not, except she chooses you should, Ladies.--People who are so
much above-board as I am, need not make secrets of any of their affairs.
Besides, you three ladies are now acquainted with all our concerns.

Capt. I have some things to say to your lady, that perhaps she would
not herself choose that any body should hear; not even you, Mr. Lovelace,
as you and her family are not upon such a good foot of understanding as
were to be wished.

Lovel. Well, well, Captain, I must submit. Give us a sign to withdraw,
and we will withdraw.

It was better that the exclusion of the women should come from him, than
from me.

Capt. I will bow, and wave my hand, thus--when I wish to be alone with
the lady. Her uncle dotes upon her. I hope, Mr. Lovelace, you will not
make a reconciliation more difficult, for the earnestness which my dear
friend shows to bring it to bear. But indeed I must tell you, as I told
you more than once before, that I am afraid you have made lighter of the
occasion of this misunderstanding to me, than it ought to have been made.

Lovel. I hope, Captain Tomlinson, you do not question my veracity!

Capt. I beg your pardon, Mr. Lovelace--but those things which we men
may think lightly of, may not be light to a woman of delicacy.--And then,
if you have bound yourself by a vow, you ought--

Miss Rawlins bridling, her lips closed, (but her mouth stretched to a
smile of approbation, the longer for