ll.

He concluded this part of his talk, with saying, 'That he doubted not
but that, had he attended me in, he should have come off in every
one's opinion well, that he should have had general leave to renew his
visits.'

He went on--'He must be so bold as to tell me, that he should have paid
a visit of this kind, (but indeed accompanied by several of his trusty
friends,) had I not met him; and that very afternoon too; for he could
not tamely let the dreadful Wednesday come, without making some effort
to change their determinations.'

What, my dear, was to be done with such a man!

'That therefore for my sake, as well as for his own, he had reason to
wish that a disease so desperate had been attempted to be overcome by as
desperate a remedy. We all know, said he, that great ends are sometimes
brought about by the very means by which they are endeavoured to be
frustrated.'

My present situation, I am sure, thought I, affords a sad evidence of
this truth!

I was silent all this time. My blame was indeed turned inward.
Sometimes, too, I was half-frighted at his audaciousness: at others, had
the less inclination to interrupt him, being excessively fatigued, and
my spirits sunk to nothing, with a view even of the best prospects with
such a man.

This gave his opportunity to proceed: and that he did; assuming a still
more serious air.

'As to what further remained for him to say, in answer to what I had
said, he hoped I would pardon him; but, upon his soul, he was concerned,
infinitely concerned, he repeated, (his colour and his voice rising,)
that it was necessary for him to observe, how much I chose rather to
have run the risque of being Solmes's wife, than to have it in my power
to reward a man who, I must forgive him, had been as much insulted on my
account, as I had been on his--who had watched my commands, and (pardon
me, Madam) ever changeable motion of your pen, all hours, in all
weathers, and with a cheerfulness and ardour, that nothing but the most
faithful and obsequious passion could inspire.'

I now, my dear, began to revive into a little more warmth of
attention.--

'And all, Madam, for what?'--How I stared! for he stopt then a moment
or two--'Only,' went he on, 'to prevail upon you to free yourself from
ungenerous and base oppressions'--

Sir, Sir, indignantly said I--

'Hear me but out, dearest Madam!--My heart is full--I must speak what
I have to say--To be told (for your words are yet in my