tom.--

Was you ever in Spain, Mr. Hickman?

No, Sir: I have been in Holland.

In Holland, Sir?--Never to France or Italy?--I was resolved to travel
with him into the land of puzzledom.

No, Sir, I cannot say I have, as yet.

That's a wonder, Sir, when on the continent!

I went on a particular affair: I was obliged to return soon.

Well, Sir; you was going to read--pray be pleased to proceed.

Again he took aim, as if his eyes were older than the rest of him; and
read, After what is written above, and signed by names and characters of
such unquestionable honour--to be sure, (taking off his eye,) nobody
questions the honour of Lord M. nor that of the good Ladies who signed
the letter.

I hope, Mr. Hickman, nobody questions mine neither?

If you please, Sir, I will read on.--I might have been excused signing a
name, almost as hateful to myself [you are pleased to say]--as I KNOW it
is to YOU--

Well, Mr. Hickman, I must interrupt you at this place. In what I wrote
to Miss Howe, I distinguished the word KNOW. I had a reason for it.
Miss Howe has been very free with my character. I have never done her
any harm. I take it very ill of her. And I hope, Sir, you come in her
name to make excuses for it.

Miss Howe, Sir, is a very polite young lady. She is not accustomed to
treat any man's character unbecomingly.

Then I have the more reason to take it amiss, Mr. Hickman.

Why, Sir, you know the friendship--

No friendship should warrant such freedoms as Miss Howe has taken with my
character.

(I believed he began to wish he had not come near me. He seemed quite
disconcerted.)

Have you not heard Miss Howe treat my name with great--

Sir, I come not to offend or affront you: but you know what a love there
is between Miss Howe and Miss Harlowe.--I doubt, Sir, you have not
treated Miss Harlowe as so fine a young lady deserved to be treated. And
if love for her friend has made Miss Howe take freedoms, as you call
them, a mind not ungenerous, on such an occasion, will rather be sorry
for having given the cause, than--

I know your consequence, Sir!--but I'd rather have this reproof from a
lady than from a gentleman. I have a great desire to wait upon Miss
Howe. I am persuaded we should soon come to a good understanding.
Generous minds are always of kin. I know we should agree in every thing.
Pray, Mr. Hickman, be so kind as to introduce me to Miss Howe.

Sir--I can signify your desire, if you plea