I forgot at the instant all my vows of revenge. I threw myself at her
feet, as she sat; and, snatching her hand, pressed it with my lips. I
besought Heaven to forgive my past offences, and prosper my future hopes,
as I designed honourably and justly by the charmer of my heart, if once
more she should restore me to her favour. And I thought I felt drops of
scalding water [could they be tears?] trickle down upon my cheeks; while
my cheeks, glowing like fire, seemed to scorch up the unwelcome
strangers.

I then arose, not doubting of an implied pardon in this silent distress.
I raised the Captain. I whispered him--by my soul, man, I am in earnest.
--Now talk of reconciliation, of her uncle, of the license, of settlement
--and raising my voice, If now at last, Captain Tomlinson, my angel will
give me leave to call so great a blessing mine, it will be impossible
that you should say too much to her uncle in praise of my gratitude, my
affection, and fidelity to his charming niece; and he may begin as soon
as he pleases his kind schemes for effecting the desirable
reconciliation!--Nor shall he prescribe any terms to me that I will not
comply with.

The Captain blessed me with his eyes and hands--Thank God! whispered he.
We approached the lady together.

Capt. What hinders, dearest Madam, what now hinders, but that Lady
Betty Lawrance, when she comes, may be acquainted with the truth of every
thing? And that then she may assist privately at your nuptials? I will
stay till they are celebrated; and then shall go down with the happy
tidings to my dear Mr. Harlowe. And all will, all must, soon be happy.

I must have an answer from Miss Howe, replied the still trembling fair-
one. I cannot change my new measures but with her advice. I will
forfeit all my hopes of happiness in this world, rather than forfeit her
good opinion, and that she should think me giddy, unsteady, or
precipitate. All I shall further say on the present subject is this,
that when I have her answer to what I have written, I will write to her
the whole state of the matter, as I shall then be enabled to do.

Lovel. Then must I despair for ever!--O Captain Tomlinson, Miss Howe
hates me!--Miss Howe--

Capt. Not so, perhaps--when Miss Howe knows your concern for having
offended, she will never advise that, with such prospects of general
reconciliation, the hopes of so many considerable persons in both
families should be frustrated. Some littl