d so much to my honour too?
But there is something greatly awful upon my mind, in the solemn
circumstance, and a change of condition never to be recalled, though all
the prospects are so desirable. And I can but wonder at the thoughtless
precipitancy with which most young folks run into this important change
of life!

So now, my dear parents, have I been brought to fix so near a day as
next Thursday; and this is Monday. O dear, it makes one out of breath
almost to think of it! This, though, was a great cut off; a whole week
out of ten days. I hope I am not too forward! I'm sure, if it obliges my
dear master, I am justified; for he deserves of me all things in my poor
power.

After this, he rode out on horseback, attended by Abraham, and did not
return till night. How by degrees things steal upon one! I thought even
this small absence tedious; and the more, as we expected him home to
dinner.--I wish I may not be too fond, and make him indifferent: But
yet, my dear father and mother, you were always fond of one another, and
never indifferent, let the world run as it would.

When he returned, he said, He had had a pleasant ride, and was led out
to a greater distance than he intended. At supper he told me, that he
had a great mind Mr. Williams should marry us; because, he said, it
would shew a thorough reconciliation on his part. But, said he, most
generously, I am apprehensive, from what passed between you, that the
poor man will take it hardly, and as a sort of insult, which I am not
capable of. What says my girl?--Do you think he would? I hope not, sir,
said I: As to what he may think, I can't answer; but as to any reason
for his thoughts, I can: For indeed, sir, said I, you have been already
so generous, that he cannot, I think, mistake your goodness.

He then spoke with some resentment of Lady Davers's behaviour, and I
asked, if any thing new had occurred? Yes, said he; I have had a
letter delivered me from her impertinent husband, professedly at her
instigation, that amounted to little less than a piece of insolent
bravery, on supposing I was about to marry you. I was so provoked,
added he, that after I had read it, I tore it in a hundred pieces, and
scattered them in the air, and bid the man who brought it let his master
know what I had done with his letter; and so would not permit him to
speak to me, as he would fain have done,--I think the fellow talked
somewhat of his lady coming hither; but she shall not set