would most gladly do it, were I only the person you
think me; but, if it be to triumph over one who has received honours,
that she thinks require her to act another part, not to be utterly
unworthy of them, I must say, I cannot do it.

She seemed quite surprised, and looked now upon her kinsman, and then
upon her woman--I'm astonished--quite astonished!--Well, then, I suppose
you would have me conclude you my brother's wife; could you not?

Your ladyship, said I, compels me to say this!--Well, returned she, but
dost thou thyself think thou art so?--Silence, said her kinsman, gives
consent. 'Tis plain enough she does. Shall I rise, madam, and pay my
duty to my new aunt?

Tell me, said my lady, what, in the name of impudence, possesses thee
to dare to look upon thyself as my sister?--Madam, replied I, that is a
question will better become your most worthy brother to answer, than me.

She was rising in great wrath: but her woman said, Good your ladyship,
you'll do yourself more harm than her; and if the poor girl has been
deluded so, as you have heard, with the sham marriage, she'll be more
deserving of your ladyship's pity than anger. True, Beck, very true,
said my lady; but there's no bearing the impudence of the creature in
the mean time.

I would have gone out at the door, but her kinsman ran and set his back
against it. I expected bad treatment from her pride, and violent temper;
but this was worse than I could have thought of. And I said to him, Sir,
when my master comes to know your rude behaviour, you will, may be, have
cause to repent it: and went and sat down in the window again.

Another challenge, by gad! said he; but I am glad she says her
master!--You see, madam, she herself does not believe she is married,
and so has not been so much deluded as you think for: And, coming to
me with a most barbarous air of insult, he said, kneeling on one knee
before me, My new aunt, your blessing or your curse, I care not which;
but quickly give me one or other, that I may not lose my dinner!

I gave him a most contemptuous look: Tinselled toy, said I, (for he was
laced all over), twenty or thirty years hence, when you are at age, I
shall know how to answer you better; mean time, sport with your footman,
and not with me! and so I removed to another window nearer the door, and
he looked like a sad fool, as he is.

Beck, Beck, said my lady, this is not to be borne! Was ever the like
heard! Is my kinsman and Lord Davers