be accelerated or suspended!--Miss
Howe, thought I, at that moment, says, I must not run away from this man!

To be sure, Mr. Lovelace, if this matter be ever to be, it must be
agreeable to me to have the full approbation of one side, since I cannot
have that of the other.

If this matter be ever to be! Good God! what words are these at this
time of day! and full approbation of one side! Why that word
approbation? when the greatest pride of all my family is, that of having
the honour of so dear a creature for their relation? Would to heaven, my
dearest life, added he, that, without complimenting any body, to-morrow
might be the happiest day of my life!--What say you, my angel? with a
trembling impatience, that seemed not affected--What say you for
to-morrow?

It was likely, my dear, I could say much to it, or name another day, had
I been disposed to the latter, with such an hinted delay from him.

I was silent.

Next day, Madam, if not to-morrow?--

Had he given me time to answer, it could not have been in the
affirmative, you must think--but, in the same breath, he went on--Or the
day after that?--and taking both my hands in his, he stared me into a
half-confusion--Would you have had patience with him, my dear?

No, no, said I, as calmly as possible, you cannot think that I should
imagine there can be reason for such a hurry. It will be most agreeable,
to be sure, for my Lord to be present.

I am all obedience and resignation, returned the wretch, with a self-
pluming air, as if he had acquiesced to a proposal made by me, and had
complimented me with a great piece of self denial.

Is it not plain, my dear, that he designs to vex and tease me? Proud,
yet mean and foolish man, if so!--But you say all punctilio is at an end
with me. Why, why, will he take pains to make a heart wrap itself up in
reserve, that wishes only, and that for his sake as well as my own, to
observe due decorum?

Modesty, I think, required of me, that it should pass as he had put it:
Did it not?--I think it did. Would to heaven--but what signifies
wishing?

But when he would have rewarded himself, as he had heretofore called it,
for this self-supposed concession, with a kiss, I repulsed him with a
just and very sincere disdain.

He seemed both vexed and surprised, as one who had made the most
agreeable proposals and concessions, and thought them ungratefully
returned. He plainly said, that he thought our situation would entitl