y
eyes gave way to a softness of which (though not so hardened a wretch as
thou) they were never before so susceptible.

I dare not approach you, dearest lady, without your leave: but on my
knees I beseech you to permit me to release you from this d----d house,
and out of the power of the cursed woman, who was the occasion of your
being here!

She lifted up her sweet face once more, and beheld me on my knees. Never
knew I before what it was to pray so heartily.

Are you not--are you not Mr. Belford, Sir? I think your name is Belford?

It is, Madam, and I ever was a worshipper of your virtues, and an
advocate for you; and I come to release you from the hands you are in.

And in whose to place me?--O leave me, leave me! let me never rise from
this spot! let me never, never more believe in man!

This moment, dearest lady, this very moment, if you please, you may
depart whithersoever you think fit. You are absolutely free, and your
own mistress.

I had now as lieve die here in this place, as any where. I will owe no
obligation to any friend of him in whose company you have seen me. So,
pray, Sir, withdraw.

Then turning to the officer, Mr. Rowland I think your name is? I am
better reconciled to your house than I was at first. If you can but
engage that I shall have nobody come near me but your wife, (no man!)
and neither of those women who have sported with my calamities, I will
die with you, and in this very corner. And you shall be well satisfied
for the trouble you have had with me--I have value enough for that--for,
see, I have a diamond ring; taking it out of her bosom; and I have
friends will redeem it at a high price, when I am gone.

But for you, Sir, looking at me, I beg you to withdraw. If you mean well
by me, God, I hope, will reward you for your good meaning; but to the
friend of my destroyer will I not owe an obligation.

You will owe no obligation to me, nor to any body. You have been
detained for a debt you do not owe. The action is dismissed; and you
will only be so good as to give me your hand into the coach, which stands
as near to this house as it could draw up. And I will either leave you
at the coach-door, or attend you whithersoever you please, till I see you
safe where you would wish to be.

Will you then, Sir, compel me to be beholden to you?

You will inexpressibly oblige me, Madam, to command me to do you either
service or pleasure.

Why then, Sir, [looking at me]--but w