I believe not, Sir. He was pleased to say, he don't know your honor,
Sir; but I heard him say as how he should not be an unwelcome visiter to
you for all that.
Do you know such a man as Captain Tomlinson, my dearest life, [aside,]
your uncle's friend?
No; but my uncle may have acquaintance, no doubt, that I don't know.--
But I hope [trembling] this is not a trick.
Well, friend, if your master has anything to say to Mr. Lovelace, you may
tell him, that Mr. Lovelace is here; and will see him whenever he
pleases.
The dear creature looked as if afraid that my engagement was too prompt
for my own safety; and away went the fellow--I wondering, that she might
not wonder, that this Captain Tomlinson, whoever he were, came not
himself, or sent not a letter the second time, when he had reason to
suppose that I might be here.
Mean time, for fear that this should be a contrivance of James Harlowe,
who, I said, love plotting, though he had not a head turned for it, I
gave some precautionary directions to the servants, and the women, whom,
for the greater parade, I assembled before us, and my beloved was
resolved not to stir abroad till she saw the issue of this odd affair.
And here must I close, though in so great a puzzle.
Only let me add, that poor Belton wants thee; for I dare not stir for my
life.
Mowbray and Tourville skulk about like vagabonds, without heads, without
hands, without souls; having neither you nor me to conduct them. They
tell me, they shall rust beyond the power of oil or action to brighten
them up, or give them motion.
How goes it with thy uncle?