so great an
antipathy.

This, thou wilt own, was a princely offer. And I was resolved to be as
good as my word. I thought I had killed my conscience, as I told thee,
Belford, some time ago. But conscience, I find, though it may be
temporarily stifled, cannot die, and, when it dare not speak aloud, will
whisper. And at this instant I thought I felt the revived varletess (on
but a slight retrograde motion) writhing round my pericardium like a
serpent; and in the action of a dying one, (collecting all its force into
its head,) fix its plaguy fangs into my heart.

She hesitated, and looked down, as if irresolute. And this set my
heart up at my mouth. And, believe me, I had instantly popt in upon
me, in imagination, an old spectacled parson, with a white surplice
thrown over a black habit, [a fit emblem of the halcyon office, which,
under a benign appearance, often introduced a life of storms and
tempests,] whining and snuffling through his nose the irrevocable
ceremony.

I hope now, my dearest life, said I, snatching her hand, and pressing
it to my lips, that your silence bodes me good. Let me, my beloved
creature, have but your tacit consent; and this moment I will step out
and engage a minister. And then I promised how much my whole future
life should be devoted to her commands, and that I would make her the
best and tenderest of husbands.

At last, turning to me, I have told you my mind, Mr. Lovelace, said she.
Think you, that I could thus solemnly--There she stopt--I am too much in
your power, proceeded she; your prisoner, rather than a person free to
choose for myself, or to say what I will do or be. But as a testimony
that you mean me well, let me instantly quit this house; and I will then
give you such an answer in writing, as best befits my unhappy
circumstances.

And imaginest thou, fairest, thought I, that this will go down with a
Lovelace? Thou oughtest to have known that free-livers, like ministers
of state, never part with a power put into their hands, without an
equivalent of twice the value.

I pleaded, that if we joined hands this morning, (if not, to-morrow; if
not, on Thursday, her uncle's birth-day, and in his presence); and
afterwards, as I had proposed, set out for Berks; we should, of course,
quit this house; and, on our return to town, should have in readiness
the house I was in treaty for.

She answered me not, but with tears and sighs; fond of believing what I
hoped I imputed he