not buttoning,) tacitly showed
herself pleased with the Captain for his delicacy.

Mrs. Moore could speak--Very true, however, was all she said, with a
motion of her head that expressed the bow-approbatory.

For my part, said the jolly widow, staring with eyes as big as eggs, I
know what I know.--But man and wife are man and wife; or they are not
man and wife.--I have no notion of standing upon such niceties.

But here she comes! cried one, hearing her chamber-door open--Here she
comes! another, hearing it shut after her--And down dropt the angel among
us.

We all stood up, bowing and courtesying, and could not help it; for she
entered with such an air as commanded all our reverence. Yet the Captain
looked plaguy grave.

Cl. Pray keep your seats, Ladies--Pray do not go, [for they made offers
to withdraw; yet Miss Rawlins would have burst had she been suffered to
retire.] Before this time you have all heard my story, I make no doubt--
pray keep your seats--at least all Mr. Lovelace's.

A very saucy and whimsical beginning, thought I.

Captain Tomlinson, your servant, addressing herself to him with
inimitable dignity. I hope you did not take amiss my declining your
visit yesterday. I was really incapable of talking upon any subject that
required attention.

Capt. I am glad to see you better now, Madam. I hope I do.

Cl. Indeed I am not well. I would not have excused myself from
attending you some hours ago, but in hopes I should have been better. I
beg your pardon, Sir, for the trouble I have given you; and shall the
rather expect it, as this day will, I hope, conclude it all.

Thus set; thus determined; thought I,--yet to have slept upon it!--But,
as what she said was capable of a good, as well as a bad, construction, I
would not put an unfavourable one upon it.

Lovel. The Captain was sorry, my dear, he did not offer his attendance
the moment he arrived yesterday. He was afraid that you took it amiss
that he did not.

Cl. Perhaps I thought that my uncle's friend might have wished to see
me as soon as he came, [how we stared!]--But, Sir, [to me,] it might be
convenient to you to detain him.

The devil, thought I!--So there really was resentment as well as head-
ache, as my good friend Mrs. Bevis observed, in her refusing to see the
honest gentleman.

Capt. You would detain me, Mr. Lovelace--I was for paying my respects
to the lady the moment I came--

Cl. Well, Sir, [interrupting