speak to you. So I must
go.--Sure she won't beat me!--Oh that my dear protector was at home!

Well, now I will tell you all that happened in this frightful
interview.--And very bad it was.

I went down, dressed as I was, and my gloves on, and my fan in my hand,
to be just ready to step into the chariot, when I could get away; and I
thought all my trembling fits had been over now; but I was mistaken; for
I trembled sadly. Yet resolved to put on as good an air as I could.

So I went to the parlour, and said, making a very low courtesy, Your
servant, my good lady! And your servant again, said she, my lady, for I
think you are dressed out like one.

A charming girl, though! said her rakish nephew, and swore a great oath:
Dear aunt, forgive me, but I must kiss her; and was coming to me. And I
said, Forbear, uncivil gentleman! I won't be used freely. Jackey, said
my lady, sit down, and don't touch the creature--She's proud enough
already. There's a great difference in her air, I'll assure you, since I
saw her last.

Well, child, said she, sneeringly, how dost find thyself? Thou'rt
mightily come on, of late!--I hear strange reports about thee!--Thou'rt
almost got into fool's paradise, I doubt!--And wilt find thyself
terribly mistaken in a little while, if thou thinkest my brother will
disgrace his family, to humour thy baby-face!

I see, said I, sadly vexed, (her woman and nephew smiling by,) your
ladyship has no very important commands for me; and I beg leave to
withdraw. Beck, said she to her woman, shut the door, my young lady and
I must not have done so soon.

Where's your well-mannered deceiver gone, child?--says she.--Said I,
When your ladyship is pleased to speak intelligibly, I shall know how to
answer.

Well, but my dear child, said she, in drollery, don't be too pert
neither, I beseech thee. Thou wilt not find thy master's sister half so
ready to take thy freedoms, as thy mannerly master is!--So, a little of
that modesty and humility that my mother's waiting-maid used to shew,
will become thee better than the airs thou givest thyself, since my
mother's son has taught thee to forget thyself.

I would beg, said I, one favour of your ladyship, That if you would have
me keep my distance, you will not forget your own degree.--Why, suppose,
Miss Pert, I should forget my degree, wouldst thou not keep thy distance
then?

If you, madam, said I, lessen the distance yourself, you will descend to
my level, and