see me before he
dies.

Simon has brought my Lord's chariot-and-six [perhaps my own by this
time,] to carry me down. I have ordered it to be in readiness by four
to-morrow morning. The cattle shall smoke for the delay; and by the
rest they'll have in the interim, will be better able to bear it.

I am still resolved upon matrimony, if my fair perverse will accept of
me. But, if she will not----why then I must give an uninterrupted
hearing, not to my conscience, but to these women below.

Dorcas had acquainted her lady with Simon's arrival and errand. My
beloved had desired to see him. But my coming in prevented his
attendance on her, just as Dorcas was instructing him what questions he
should not answer to, that might be asked of him.

I am to be admitted to her presence immediately, at my repeated
request. Surely the acquisition in view will help me to make up all
with her. She is just gone up to the dining-room.

***

Nothing will do, Jack!--I can procure no favour from her, though she
has obtained from me the point which she had set her heart upon.

I will give thee a brief account of what passed between us.

I first proposed instant marriage; and this in the most fervent manner:
but was denied as fervently.

Would she be pleased to assure me that she would stay here only till
Tuesday morning? I would but just go down to see how my Lord was--to
know whether he had any thing particular to say, or enjoin me, while yet
he was sensible, as he was very earnest to see me: perhaps I might be up
on Sunday.--Concede in something!--I beseech you, Madam, show me some
little consideration.

Why, Mr. Lovelace, must I be determined by your motions?--Think you that
I will voluntarily give a sanction to the imprisonment of my person? Of
what importance to me ought to be your stay or your return.

Give a sanction to the imprisonment of your person! Do you think, Madam,
that I fear the law?

I might have spared this foolish question of defiance: but my pride would
not let me. I thought she threatened me, Jack.

I don't think you fear the law, Sir.--You are too brave to have any
regard either to moral or divine sanctions.

'Tis well, Madam! But ask me any thing I can do to oblige you; and I
will oblige you, though in nothing will you oblige me.

Then I ask you, then I request of you, to let me go to Hampstead.

I paused--And at last--By my soul you shall--this very moment I will
wait upon you, and see