dled fervour.

Well, but now to look forward, you are of opinion that I must be his: and
that I cannot leave him with reputation to myself, whether with or
without his consent. I must, if so, make the best of the bad matter.

He went out in the morning; intending not to return to dinner, unless (as
he sent me word) I would admit him to dine with me.

I excused myself. The man, whose anger is now to be of such high
importance to me, was, it seems, displeased.

As he (as well as I) expected that I should receive a letter from you
this day by Collins, I suppose he will not be long before he returns; and
then, possibly, he is to be mighty stately, mighty mannish, mighty coy,
if you please! And then must I be very humble, very submissive, and try
to insinuate myself into his good graces: with downcast eye, if not by
speech, beg his forgiveness for the distance I have so perversely kept
him at?--Yes, I warrant!--But I shall see how this behaviour will sit
upon me!--You have always rallied me upon my meekness, I think: well
then, I will try if I can be still meeker, shall I!--O my dear!--

But let me sit with my hands before me, all patience, all resignation;
for I think I hear him coming up. Or shall I roundly accost him, in the
words, in the form, which you, my dear, prescribed?

He is come in. He has sent to me, all impatience, as Dorcas says, by his
aspect.--But I cannot, cannot see him!

MONDAY NIGHT.

The contents of your letter, and my own heavy reflections, rendered me
incapable of seeing this expecting man. The first word he asked Dorcas,
was, If I had received a letter since he had been out? She told me this;
and her answer, that I had; and was fasting, and had been in tears ever
since.

He sent to desire an interview with me.

I answered by her, That I was not very well. In the morning, if better,
I would see him as soon as he pleased.

Very humble! was it not, my dear? Yet he was too royal to take it for
humility; for Dorcas told me, he rubbed one side of his face impatiently;
and said a rash word, and was out of humour; stalking about the room.

Half an hour later, he sent again; desiring very earnestly, that I should
admit him to supper with me. He would enter upon no subjects of
conversation but what I should lead to.

So I should have been at liberty, you see, to court him!

I again desired to be excused.

Indeed, my dear, my eyes were swelled: I was very low spirited; and could
no