she stopt; for she knew, that it was her own fault that
we were not married before we left the country; and how could I leave her
afterwards, while her brother was plotting to carry her off by violence?

Nor has this brother yet given over his machinations.

For, as the Captain proceeds, 'Mr. John Harlowe owned to him (but in
confidence) that his nephew is at this time busied in endeavouring to
find out where we are; being assured (as I am not to be heard of at any
of my relations, or at my usual lodgings) that we are together. And that
we are not married is plain, as he will have it, from Mr. Hickman's
application so lately made to her uncle; and which was seconded by Mrs.
Norton to her mother. And her brother cannot bear that I should enjoy
such a triumph unmolested.'

A profound sigh, and the handkerchief again lifted to the eye. But did
not the sweet soul deserve this turn upon her, for feloniously resolving
to rob me of herself, had the application made by Hickman succeeded?

I read on to the following effect:

'Why (asked Mr. Harlowe) was it said to his other inquiring friend, that
we were married; and that by his niece's woman, who ought to know? who
could give convincing reasons, no doubt'--

Here again she wept; took a turn across the room; then returned--Read on,
says she--

Will you, my dearest life, read it yourself?

I will take the letter with me, by-and-by--I cannot see to read it just
now, wiping her eyes--read on--let me hear it all--that I may know your
sentiments upon this letter, as well as give my own.

'The Captain then told uncle John the reasons that induced me to give out
that we were married; and the conditions on which my beloved was brought
to countenance it; which had kept us at the most punctilious distance.

'But still Mr. Harlowe objected my character. And went away
dissatisfied. And the Captain was also so much concerned, that he cared
not to write what the result of his first conference was.

'But in the next, which was held on receipt of the draughts, at the
Captain's house, (as the former was, for the greater secrecy,) when the
old gentleman had read them, and had the Captain's opinion, he was much
better pleased. And yet he declared, that it would not be easy to
persuade any other person of his family to believe so favourably of the
matter, as he was now willing to believe, were they to know that we had
lived so long together unmarried.

'And then the Captain says