efresh. At my time of life, with such a constitution as I am blessed
with, that's all that's wanted.

Good night to me!--It cannot be broad day till I am
awake.--Aw-w-w-whaugh--pox of this yawning!

Is not thy uncle dead yet?

What's come to mine, that he writes not to my last?--Hunting after more
wisdom of nations, I suppose!--Yaw-yaw-yawning again!--Pen, begone!

LETTER VII

MR. LOVELACE, TO JOHN BELFORD, ESQ.
MONDAY, MAY 29.

Now have I established myself for ever in my charmer's heart.

The Captain came at seven, as promised, and ready equipped for his
journey. My beloved chose not to give us her company till our first
conversation was over--ashamed, I suppose, to be present at that part of
it which was to restore her to her virgin state by my confession, after
her wifehood had been reported to her uncle. But she took her cue,
nevertheless, and listened to all that passed.

The modestest women, Jack, must think, and think deeply sometimes. I
wonder whether they ever blush at those things by themselves, at which
they have so charming a knack of blushing in company. If not; and if
blushing be a sign of grace or modesty; have not the sex as great a
command over their blushes as they are said to have over their tears?
This reflection would lead me a great way into female minds, were I
disposed to pursue it.

I told the Captain, that I would prevent his question; and accordingly
(after I had enjoined the strictest secrecy, that no advantage might be
given to James Harlowe, and which he had answered for as well on Mr.
Harlowe's part as his own) I acknowledged nakedly and fairly the whole
truth--to wit, 'That we were not yet married. I gave him hints of the
causes of procrastination. Some of them owing to unhappy
misunderstandings: but chiefly to the Lady's desire of previous
reconciliation with her friends; and to a delicacy that had no example.'

Less nice ladies than this, Jack, love to have delays, wilful and studied
delays, imputed to them in these cases--yet are indelicate in their
affected delicacy: For do they not thereby tacitly confess, that they
expect to be the greatest estgainers in wedlock; and that there is
self-denial in the pride they take in delaying?

'I told him the reason of our passing to the people below as married--yet
as under a vow of restriction, as to consummation, which had kept us both
to the height, one of forbearing, the other of vigilant punctilio; even
to the den