lent spirits are but too much
alike; at least in their methods of resenting. You will not presume to
make yourself a less innocent man, surely, who had determined to brave
my whole family in person, if my folly had not saved you the rashness,
and them the insult--

Dear Madam!--Still must it be folly, rashness!--It is as impossible for
you to think tolerably of any body out of your own family, as it is
for any one in your family to deserve your love! Forgive me, dearest
creature! If I did not love you as never man loved a woman, I might
appear more indifferent to preferences so undeservedly made. But let me
ask you, Madam, What have you borne from me? What cause have I given
you to treat me with so much severity and so little confidence? And what
have you not borne from them? Malice and ill-will, sitting in judgment
upon my character, may not give sentence in my favour: But what of your
own knowledge have you against me?

Spirited questions, were they not, my dear?--And they were asked with
as spirited an air. I was startled. But I was resolved not to desert
myself.

Is this a time, Mr. Lovelace, is this a proper occasion taken, to
give yourself these high airs to me, a young creature destitute of
protection? It is a surprising question you ask me--Had I aught against
you of my own knowledge--I can tell you, Sir--And away I would have
flung.

He snatched my hand, and besought me not to leave him in displeasure. He
pleaded his passion for me, and my severity to him, and partiality for
those from whom I had suffered so much; and whose intended violence, he
said, was now the subject of our deliberation.

I was forced to hear him.

You condescended, dearest creature, said he, to ask my advice. It was
very easy, give me leave to say, to advise you what to do. I hope I may,
on this new occasion, speak without offence, notwithstanding your former
injunctions--You see that there can be no hope of reconciliation with
your relations. Can you, Madam, consent to honour with your hand a
wretch whom you have never yet obliged with one voluntary favour!

What a recriminating, what a reproachful way, my dear, was this, of
putting a question of this nature!

I expected not from him, at the time, and just as I was very angry with
him, either the question or the manner. I am ashamed to recollect the
confusion I was thrown into; all your advice in my head at the moment:
yet his words so prohibitory. He confidently seemed to enjoy