us treated him, bid her
Adieu, by the Epithet of Fair and Faithless. For Heaven's Sake, (cry'd
_Diana_) what Manner of Man was he? Very tall and well set, (reply'd her
Brother) of an austere Aspect, but a well-favour'd Face, and
prodigiously strong. Had he a Servant with him, Sir? (ask'd _Lucretia_)
Yes, Madam (answer'd her Lover) and describ'd her Servant. Ah! my
Prophetic Fears (cry'd she) It was my Brother, attended by _Goodlad_.
Your Brother! Dearest and Fairest of your Sex, (said _Lewis_) Heaven
send him safely out of _England_ then! Nay, be he who he may, I wish the
same; for he is truly brave. Alas, my dear, my cruel _Hardyman_! (cry'd
_Diana_) Your _Hardyman_, Sister! (said _Lewis_) Ah! would he had been
so! You might then have had Hopes of an affectionate Brother's Life;
which yet I will endeavour to preserve, that by the Enjoyment of your
dear and nearest Conversation, Madam, (persu'd he to _Lucretia_) I may
be prepar'd to endure the only greater Joys of Heaven. But O! My Words
prey on my Spirits. And all the World, like a huge Ship at Anchor, turn
round with the ebbing Tide.--I can no more. At these Words both the
Ladies shriek'd aloud, which made him sigh, and move his Hand as well as
he could toward the Door; his Attendant perceiv'd it, and told 'em he
sign'd to them to quit the Room; as indeed it was necessary they should,
that he might repose a while if possible, at least that he might not be
oblig'd to talk, nor look much about him. They obey'd the Necessity, but
with some Reluctancy, and went into their own Chamber, where they
sigh'd, wept, and lamented their Misfortunes for near two Hours
together: When all on a suddain, the Aunt, who had her Share of Sorrow
too in this ugly Business, came running up to 'em, to let 'em know that
old Sir _Harry Hardyman_ was below, and came to carry his Daughter Madam
_Lucretia_ Home with him. This both surpriz'd and troubled the young
Ladies, who were yet more disturb'd, when the Aunt told them, that he
enquir'd for his Son, and would not be convinc'd by any Argument
whatever; no, nor Protestation in her Capacity, that young _Hardyman_
was not in the House, nor that he had not been entertain'd there ever
since he left his Father--But come, Cousin and Madam, (said she to the
young Ladies) go down to him immediately, or I fear he'll come up to
you. _Lucretia_ knew she must, and t'other would not be there alone: So
down they came to the Old testy Gentleman. Your Servant, La