bed his cheek; and shaking her head, Good, dear creature, said
she, be calm. Let me ask you, If something would have been done, had you
been more gently used, than you seem to think you have been?

No, Madam, I cannot say it would, in this gentleman's favour. You
know, Madam, you know, Sir, to my uncle, I ever valued myself upon my
sincerity: and once indeed had the happiness to be valued for it.

My uncle took Mr. Solmes aside. I heard him say, whispering, She must,
she shall, still be yours.--We'll see, who'll conquer, parents or child,
uncles or niece. I doubt not to be witness to all this being got over,
and many a good-humoured jest made of this high phrensy!

I was heartily vexed.

Though we cannot find out, continued he, yet we guess, who puts her upon
this obstinate behaviour. It is not natural to her, man. Nor would I
concern myself so much about her, but that I know what I say to be true,
and intend to do great things for her.

I will hourly pray for that happy time, whispered as audibly Mr. Solmes.
I never will revive the remembrance of what is now so painful to me.

Well, but, Niece, I am to tell you, said my aunt, that the sending up
of the keys, without making any conditions, has wrought for you what
nothing else could have done. That, and the not finding any thing that
could give them umbrage, together with Mr. Solmes's interposition--

O Madam, let me not owe an obligation to Mr. Solmes. I cannot repay it,
except by my thanks; and those only on condition that he will decline
his suit. To my thanks, Sir, [turning to him,] if you have a heart
capable of humanity, if you have any esteem for me for my own sake, I
beseech you to entitle yourself!--I beseech you, do--!

O Madam, cried he, believe, believe, believe me, it is impossible. While
you are single, I will hope. While that hope is encouraged by so many
worthy friends, I must persevere. I must not slight them, Madam, because
you slight me.

I answered him only with a look; but it was of high disdain; and turning
from him,--But what favour, dear Madam, [to my aunt,] has the instance
of duty you mention procured me?

Your mother and Mr. Solmes, replied my aunt, have prevailed, that your
request to stay here till Monday next shall be granted, if you will
promise to go cheerfully then.

Let me but choose my own visiters, and I will go to my uncle's house
with pleasure.

Well, Niece, said my aunt, we must wave this subject, I find. We will
now