ove: she suffered him however to embrace
her several times, and hold one of her hands close pressed between his,
while he endeavoured to influence her mind by all the tender arguments
his passion, backed with an infinity of wit, inspired; to all which she
made as few replies as possible; but he contented himself, as love is
always flattering, with imagining she was less refractory to his suit
than when he first declared it.

Every day, and almost the whole day, did he entertain her on no other
subject, but gained not the least ground on her inclinations; and all he
could get from her was the wish of being less insensible, without the
least indication of ever being so.

In this manner did they live together near three weeks; and how much
longer he would have been able to restrain his impatience, or she to
conceal the extreme regret in being compelled to listen to him, is
uncertain: a law-suit required his presence to town, and Louisa was in
hopes of being relieved for some time; but his passion was arrived at
such a height that he could not support the least absence from her, and
therefore brought her to London with him, so that her persecution ceased
not, he never stirring from her but when the most urgent business
obliged him to it.

One night happening to have stayed pretty late abroad, and in company,
which occasioned his drinking more plentifully than he was accustomed,
Louisa was retired to her chamber in order to go to bed: his love, ever
uppermost in his head, would not permit him to think of sleeping without
seeing her; accordingly he ran up into her room, and finding she was not
undressed, told her he had something to acquaint her with, on which the
maid that waited on her withdrew. Tho' the passion he was inspired with
could not be heightened, his behaviour now proved it might at least be
rendered more ungovernable by being enflamed with wine: He no sooner was
alone with her, than he threw himself upon her as she was sitting in a
chair, crying, O when my angel, my dear adored Louisa, will you consent
to make me blest.--By heaven, I can no longer wait the tedious
formalities your modesty demands.--I cannot think you hate me, and must
this night ensure you mine. While he spoke these words his lips were so
closely cemented to her's, that had there been no other hindrance, it
would have been impossible for her to have reply'd.--But terrified
beyond measure at the wild disorder of his looks, the expressions he
m