ow he will know (perhaps from
your uncle) that you are not under a legal protection.--You will, at
least, consent that things pass here as before?--

To permit this, is to go on in an error, Mr. Lovelace. But as the
occasion for so doing (if there can be in your opinion an occasion that
will warrant an untruth) will, as I presume, soon be over, I shall the
less dispute that point with you. But a new error I will not be guilty
of, if I can avoid it.

Can I, do you think, Madam, have any dishonourable view in the step I
supposed you would not scruple to take towards a reconciliation with your
own family? Not for my own sake, you know, did I wish you to take it;
for what is it to me, if I am never reconciled to your family? I want no
favours from them.

I hope, Mr. Lovelace, there is no occasion, in our present not
disagreeable situation, to answer such a question. And let me say, that
I shall think my prospects still more agreeable, if, to-morrow morning
you will not only own the very truth, but give my uncle's friend such an
account of the steps you have taken, and are taking, as may keep up my
uncle's favourable intentions towards me. This you may do under what
restrictions of secrecy you please. Captain Tomlinson is a prudent man;
a promoter of family-peace, you find; and, I dare say, may be made a
friend.

I saw there was no help. I saw that the inflexible Harlowe spirit was
all up in her.--A little witch!--A little--Forgive me, Love, for calling
her names! And so I said, with an air, We have had too many
misunderstandings, Madam, for me to wish for new ones: I will obey you
without reserve. Had I not thought I should have obliged you by the
other method, (especially as the ceremony might have been over before any
thing could have operated from your uncle's intentions, and of
consequence no untruth persisted in,) I would not have proposed it. But
think not, my beloved creature, that you shall enjoy, without condition,
this triumph over my judgment.

And then, clasping my arms about her, I gave her averted cheek (her
charming lip designed) a fervent kiss.--And your forgiveness of this
sweet freedom [bowing] is that condition.

She was not mortally offended. And now must I make out the rest as well
as I can. But this I will tell thee, that although her triumph has not
diminished my love for her, yet it has stimulated me more than ever to
revenge, as thou wilt be apt to call it. But victory, or conqu