nture, though threatened
to be forced into the nuptial fetters with a man, whom to look upon as
a rival, is to disgrace myself!--So sullen, now she has ventured!--What
title has she to pity; and to a pity which her pride would make her
disclaim?

But I resolve not any way. I will see how her will works; and how my
will leads me on. I will give the combatants fair play, and yet, every
time I attend her, I find that she is less in my power; I more in hers.

Yet, a foolish little rogue! to forbid me to think of marriage till I am
a reformed man! Till the implacables of her family change their natures,
and become placable!

It is true, when she was for making those conditions, she did not think,
that without any, she should be cheated out of herself; for so the dear
soul, as I may tell thee in its place, phrases it.

How it swells my pride, to have been able to outwit such a vigilant
charmer! I am taller by half a yard in my imagination than I was. I look
down upon every body now. Last night I was still more extravagant. I
took off my hat, as I walked, to see if the lace were not scorched,
supposing it had brushed down a star; and, before I put it on again, in
mere wantonness and heart's ease, I was for buffeting the moon.

In short, my whole soul is joy. When I go to bed I laugh myself asleep;
and I awake either laughing or singing--yet nothing nearly in view,
neither--For why?--I am not yet reformed enough!

I told thee at the time, if thou rememberest, how capable this
restriction was of being turned upon the over-scrupulous dear creature,
could I once get her out of her father's house; and were I disposed to
punish her for her family's faults, and for the infinite trouble she
herself had given me. Little thinks she, that I have kept an account of
both: and that, when my heart is soft, and all her own, I can but turn
to my memoranda, and harden myself at once.

O my charmer, look to it! Abate of thy haughty airs! Value not thyself
upon thy sincerity, if thou art indifferent to me! I will not bear it
now. Art thou not in my POWER!--Nor, if thou lovest me, think, that
the female affectation of denying thy love, will avail thee now, with a
heart so proud and so jealous as mine?--Remember, moreover, that all thy
family sins are upon thy head--!

But ah! Jack, when I see my angel, when I am admitted to the presence of
this radiant beauty, what will become of all this vapouring?

But, be my end what it may, I am obli