d in the same cause? If any
imputations are cast upon you, give me the honour (as I shall be found
to deserve it) to call you mine; and, when you are so, shall I not be
able to protect both your person and character?

Urge me no more, Mr. Lovelace, I conjure you. You yourself have given
me a hint, which I will speak plainer to, than prudence, perhaps, on any
other occasion, would allow. I am convinced, that Wednesday next (if I
had time I would give you my reasons) is not intended to be the day we
had both so much dreaded: and if after that day shall be over, I find my
friends determined in Mr. Solmes's favour, I will then contrive some
way to meet you with Miss Howe, who is not your enemy: and when the
solemnity has passed, I shall think that step a duty, which till then
will be criminal to take: since now my father's authority is unimpeached
by any greater.

Dearest Madam--

Nay, Mr. Lovelace, if you now dispute--if, after this more favourable
declaration, than I had the thought of making, you are not satisfied, I
shall know what to think both of your gratitude and generosity.

The case, Madam, admits not of this alternative. I am all gratitude upon
it. I cannot express how much I should be delighted with the charming
hope you have given me, were you not next Wednesday, if you stay, to
be another man's. Think, dearest creature! what an heightening of my
anguish the distant hope you bid me look up to is, taken in this light!

Depend, depend upon it, I will die sooner than be Mr. Solmes's. If you
would have me rely upon your honour, why should you doubt of mine?

I doubt not your honour, Madam; your power is all I doubt. You never,
never can have such another opportunity.--Dearest creature, permit
me--and he was again drawing me after him.

Whither, Sir, do you draw me?--Leave me this moment--Do you seek to keep
me till my return shall grow dangerous or impracticable? This moment let
me go, if you would have me think tolerably of you.

My happiness, Madam, both here and hereafter, and the safety of all your
implacable family, depend upon this moment.

To Providence, Mr. Lovelace, and to the law, will I leave the safety
of my friends. You shall not threaten me into a rashness that my heart
condemns!--Shall I, to promote your happiness, as you call it, depend
upon future peace of mind?

You trifle with me, my dear life, just as our better prospects begin to
open. The way is clear; just now it is clear; but you