ght be given out, was good for him.--But I see, Madam, that
this is too tender a subject--

The dear creature wept. She knew how to apply as meant the Captain's
hint to the occasion of her uncle's declining state of health.

Capt. We might indeed, I told him, set out in that road, but turn short
to town in my chariot; and he might see the ceremony performed with his
own eyes, and be the desired father, as well as the beloved uncle.

She turned from us, and wiped her eyes.

Capt. And, really, there seem now to be but two objections to this, as
Mr. Harlowe discouraged not the proposal--The one, the unhappy
misunderstanding between you; which I would not by any means he should
know; since then he might be apt to give weight to Mr. James Harlowe's
unjust surmises.--The other, that it would necessarily occasion some
delay to the ceremony; which certainly may be performed in a day or two
--if--

And then he reverently bowed to my goddess.--Charming fellow!--But often
did I curse my stars, for making me so much obliged to his adroitness.

She was going to speak; but, not liking the turn of her countenance
(although, as I thought, its severity and indignation seemed a little
abated) I said, and had like to have blown myself up by it--one expedient
I have just thought of--

Cl. None of your expedients, Mr. Lovelace!--I abhor your expedients,
your inventions--I have had too many of them.

Lovel. See, Capt. Tomlinson!--See, Sir!--O how we expose ourselves to
you!--Little did you think, I dare say, that we have lived in such a
continued misunderstanding together!--But you will make the best of it
all. We may yet be happy. Oh! that I could have been assured that this
dear creature loved me with the hundredth part of the love I have for
her!--Our diffidences have been mutual. I presume to say that she has
too much punctilio: I am afraid that I have too little. Hence our
difficulties. But I have a heart, Captain Tomlinson, a heart, that bids
me hope for her love, because it is resolved to deserve it as much as man
can deserve it.

Capt. I am indeed surprised at what I have seen and heard. I defend
not Mr. Lovelace, Madam, in the offence he has given you--as a father of
daughters myself, I cannot defend him; though his fault seems to be
lighter than I had apprehended--but in my conscience, Madam, I think you
carry your resentment too high.

Cl. Too high, Sir!--Too high to the man that might have been happy