. You thought, sir--You
could not think--So much the worse if you did--

If I have really offended--I will be more circumspect for the future--I
beg pardon, madam--Miss Byron, I hope, will forgive me too.

He was going, in great discomposure, and with an air of angry humility.

Charlotte, whispered I, don't be silly--

Come, come, now you have broke in upon us, you may stay--But another
time, when you know me to be retired with a friend so dear to me, let it
enter into your head, that no third person, unsent for, can be welcome.

Poor man!--How he loves her!--His countenance changed at once to the
humble placid: he looked as if he had rather be in fault than she.

Oh! how little did she make him look!

But he has often, as well as in this instance, let her see her power over
him. I am afraid she will use it. I now see it is and will be his
misfortune that she can vex him without being vexed herself: and what may
he expect, who can be treated with feigned displeasure, which, while it
seems to be in earnest to him, will be a jest to his wife?

I was very angry with her, when we were alone; and told her, that she
would be an enemy, I was afraid, of her own happiness. But she only
laughed at me: Happiness, my dear! said she: that only is happiness which
we think so. If I can be as happy in my way, as you can be in yours,
shall I not pursue it? Your happiness, child, is in the still life. I
love not a dead calm: now a tempest, now a refreshing breeze, I shall
know how to enjoy the difference--My brother will not be here to turn
jest into earnest; as might perhaps be the effect of his mediation--But,
heigh-ho, Harriet! that the first week were over, and I had got into my
throne!

She ended with an Italian air, contrasted with another heigh-ho; and left
me for a few moments.

Poor Lord G----! said I, looking after her.

She returned soon. Poor Lord G----! repeated she: those were the piteous
words you threw after me--But if I should provoke him, do you think he
would not give me a cuff, or so?--You know he can't return joke for joke;
and he must revenge himself some way--If that should be the case, Poor
Charlotte, I hope you would say--

Not if you deserved it.

Deserve a cuff, Harriet!--Well, but I am afraid I shall.

Remember next Tuesday, Charlotte!--You must vow obedience--Will you break
your vow?--This is not a jesting matter.

True, Harriet. And that it is not, was perhaps one of the reasons that
made m