terrogated as
to my honour to a lady so dear to me.--But before I answer more directly
to the point, pray satisfy me in a question or two that I shall put to
you.

With all my heart, Sir. Ask me what questions you please, I will answer
them with sincerity and candour.

You say, Mr. Harlowe has found out that we were at a play together: and
that we were both in the same lodgings--How, pray, came he at his
knowledge?--for, let me tell you, that I have, for certain
considerations, (not respecting myself, I will assure you,) condescended
that our abode should be kept secret. And this has been so strictly
observed, that even Miss Howe, though she and my beloved correspond, knows
not directly where to send to us.

Why, Sir, the person who saw you at the play, was a tenant of Mr. John
Harlowe. He watched all your motions. When the play was done, he
followed your coach to your lodgings. And early the next day, Sunday,
he took horse, and acquainted his landlord with what he had observed.

Lovel. How oddly things come about!--But does any other of the Harlowes
know where we are?

Capt. It is an absolute secret to every other person of the family; and
so it is intended to be kept: as also that Mr. John Harlowe is willing to
enter into treaty with you, by me, if his niece be actually married; for
perhaps he is aware, that he shall have difficulty enough with some
people to bring about the desirable reconciliation, although he could
give them this assurance.

I doubt it not, Captain--to James Harlowe is all the family folly owing.
Fine fools! [heroically stalking about] to be governed by one to whom
malice and not genius, gives the busy liveliness that distinguishes him
from a natural!--But how long, pray, Sir, has Mr. John Harlowe been in
this pacific disposition?

I will tell you, Mr. Lovelace, and the occasion; and be very explicit
upon it, and upon all that concerns you to know of me, and of the
commission I have undertaken to execute; and this the rather, as when
you have heard me out, you will be satisfied, that I am not an officious
man in this my present address to you.

I am all attention, Captain Tomlinson.

And so I doubt not was my beloved.

Capt. 'You must know, Sir, that I have not been many months in Mr. John
Harlwe's neighbourhood. I removed from Northamptonshire, partly for the
sake of better managing one of two executorship, which I could not avoid
engaging in, (the affairs of which frequen