bliged to keep the secret.

Charming fellow!

Cl. O what difficulties has one fatal step involved me in--but there is
no necessity for such an appeal to any body. I am resolved on my
measures.

Capt. Absolutely resolved, Madam?

Cl. I am.

Capt. What shall I say to your uncle Harlowe, Madam?--Poor gentleman!
how will he be surprised!--You see, Mr. Lovelace--you see, Sir,--turning
to me with a flourishing hand--but you may thank yourself--and admirably
stalked he from us.

True, by my soul, thought I. I traversed the room, and bit my
unpersuasive lips, now upper, now under, for vexation.

He made a profound reverence to her--and went to the window, where lay
his hat and whip; and, taking them up, opened the door. Child, said he,
to some body he saw, pray order my servant to bring my horse to the
door--

Lovel. You won't go, Sir--I hope you won't!--I am the unhappiest man in
the world!--You won't go--yet, alas!--But you won't go, Sir!--there may
be yet hopes that Lady Betty may have some weight--

Capt. Dear Mr. Lovelace! and may not my worthy friend, and affectionate
uncle, hope for some influence upon his daughter-niece?--But I beg pardon
--a letter will always find me disposed to serve the lady, and that as
well for her sake as for the sake of my dear friend.

She had thrown herself into her chair: her eyes cast down: she was
motionless, as in a profound study.

The Captain bowed to her again: but met with no return to his bow. Mr.
Lovelace, said he, (with an air of equality and independence,) I am
your's.

Still the dear unaccountable sat as immovable as a statue; stirring
neither hand, foot, head, nor eye--I never before saw any one in so
profound a reverie in so waking a dream.

He passed by her to go out at the door she sat near, though the passage
by the other door was his direct way; and bowed again. She moved not.
I will not disturb the lady in her meditations, Sir.--Adieu, Mr. Lovelace
--no farther, I beseech you.

She started, sighing--Are you going, Sir?

Capt. I am, Madam. I could have been glad to do you service; but I see
it is not in my power.

She stood up, holding out one hand, with inimitable dignity and sweetness
--I am sorry you are going, Sir!--can't help it--I have no friend to
advise with--Mr. Lovelace has the art (or good fortune, perhaps I should
call it) to make himself many.--Well, Sir--if you will go, I can't help
it.

Capt. I will not go, Madam;