ion of them might blast my reputation, and
accomplish my destruction. His hatred to me is owing to a consciousness
of his having wronged me in my own country--for which injury he in a
cowardly manner, refused me the satisfaction of a gentleman; he knows,
moreover, that I am no stranger to his dastardly behaviour in this town,
which I have recounted before, and he is unwilling that such a testimony
of his ingratitude and pusillanimity should live upon the earth; for
this reason he is guilty of the most infernal malice to bring about my
ruin. And I am afraid, madam (turning to Mrs. Gawky) you have too easily
entered into the sentiments of your husband. I have often found you my
enemy, and am well acquainted with the occasion of your being so, which
I don't at present think proper to declare; but I would advise you, for
your own sake, not to drive me to extremity." This address enraged her
so much that with a face as red us scarlet and the eyes of a fury, she
strutted up to me and putting her hands in her side, spat in my face,
saying, I was a scandalous villain, but she defied my malice; and that
unless her papa would not prosecute me like a thief as I was, she would
not stay another night under his roof. At the same time, Gawky assuming
a big look, told me, he scorned what lies I could invent against him;
but that, if I pretended to asperse his wife, he would put me to death.
To this threat I answered, "I wish I could meet with thee in a desert,
that I might have an opportunity of punishing thee for thy perfidy
towards me, and rid the world of such a rascal. What hinders me this
moment," said I, seizing an old bottle that stood by, "from doing myself
that justice?" I had no sooner armed myself in this manner, than Gawky
and his father-in-law retired in such a hurry, that the one overturned
the other, and they rolled together down stairs, while my mistress
swooned away with fear, and her daughter asked if I intended to
murder her. I gave her to understand, that nothing was farther from my
intention, that I would leave her to the stings of her own conscience;
but was firmly resolved to slit her husband's nose, whenever fortune
should offer a convenient opportunity. Then going down stairs, I met
Lavement coming up trembling with the pestle in his hand, and Gawky
behind armed with his sword, pushing him forward. I demanded a parley:
and having assured him of my pacific disposition, Gawky exclaimed, "Ah,
villain! you have kille