such an effect of their barbarity. What will signify expostulations
against a ceremony performed? Must not all, the dreadful all follow,
that is torture to my heart but to think of? Nobody to appeal to, of
what avail will your resistance be against the consequences of a rite
witnessed to by the imposers of it, and those your nearest relations?

I was sure, I said, of procuring a delay at least. Many ways I had to
procure a delay. Nothing could be so fatal to us both, as for me now to
be found with him. My apprehensions on this score, I told him, grew too
strong for my heart. I should think very hardly of him, if he sought to
detain me longer. But his acquiescence should engage my gratitude.

And then stooping to take up the key to let myself into the garden, he
started, and looked as if he had heard somebody near the door, on the
inside; clapping his hand on his sword.

This frighted me so, that I thought I should have sunk down at his feet.
But he instantly re-assured me: He thought, he said, he had heard a
rustling against the door: but had it been so, the noise would have been
stronger. It was only the effect of his apprehension for me.

And then taking up the key, he presented it to me.--If you will go,
Madam--Yet, I cannot, cannot leave you!--I must enter the garden with
you--forgive me, but I must enter the garden with you.

And will you, will you thus ungenerously, Mr. Lovelace, take advantage
of my fears? of my wishes to prevent mischief? I, vain fool, to be
concerned for every one; nobody for me!

Dearest creature! interrupted he, holding my hand, as I tremblingly
offered to put the key to the lock--let me, if you will go, open the
door. But once more, consider, could you possibly obtain that delay
which seems to be your only dependence, whether you may not be closer
confined? I know they have already had that in consideration. Will you
not, in this case, be prevented from corresponding either with Miss
Howe, or with me?--Who then shall assist you in your escape, if escape
you would?--From your chamber-window only permitted to view the garden
you must not enter into, how will you wish for the opportunity you
now have, if your hatred to Solmes continue!--But alas! that cannot
continue. If you go back, it must be from the impulses of a yielding
(which you'll call, a dutiful) heart, tired and teased out of your own
will.

I have no patience, Sir, to be thus constrained. Must I never be at
liberty to follow