ved young lady has consented to free herself from
the cruel treatment she has so long borne. She is to meet me without the
garden-door at about four o'clock on Monday afternoon. I told you she
had promised to do so. She has confirmed her promise. Thank Heaven she
has confirmed her promise!

I shall have a chariot-and-six ready in the by-road fronting the private
path to Harlowe-paddock; and several of my friends and servants not far
off, armed to protect her, if there be occasion: but every one charged
to avoid mischief. That, you know, has always been my principal care.

All my fear is, that, when she comes to the point, the over-niceness of
her principles will make her waver, and want to go back: although her
honour is my honour, you know, and mine is her's. If she should, and
should I be unable to prevail upon her, all your past services will
avail nothing, and she will be lost to me for ever: the prey then of
that cursed Solmes, whose vile stinginess will never permit him to do
good to any of the servants of the family.

I have no doubt of your fidelity, honest Joseph; nor of your zeal to
serve an injured gentleman, and an oppressed young lady. You see by the
confidence I repose in you, that I have not; more particularly, on this
very important occasion, in which your assistance may crown the work:
for, if she waver, a little innocent contrivance will be necessary.

Be very mindful, therefore, of the following directions; take them into
your heart. This will probably be your last trouble, until my beloved
and I are joined in holy wedlock: and then we will be sure to take care
of you. You know what I have promised. No man ever reproached me for
breach of word.

These, then, honest Joseph, are they:

Contrive to be in the garden, in disguise, if possible, and unseen by
your young lady. If you find the garden-door unbolted, you will know
that she and I are together, although you should not see her go out at
it. It will be locked, but my key shall be on the ground just without
the door, that you may open it with your's, as it may be needful.

If you hear our voices parleying, keep at the door till I cry Hem, hem,
twice: but be watchful for this signal; for I must not hem very loud,
lest she should take it for a signal. Perhaps, in struggling to prevail
upon the dear creature, I may have an opportunity to strike the door
hard with my elbow, or heel, to confirm you--then you are to make a
violent burst against the