MR. LOVELACE
[IN CONTINUATION.]
We had hardly dined, when my coachman, who kept a look-out for Captain
Tomlinson, as Will. did for old Grimes, conducted hither that worthy
gentleman, attended by one servant, both on horseback. He alighted. I
went out to meet him at the door.
Thou knowest his solemn appearance, and unblushing freedom; and yet canst
not imagine what a dignity the rascal assumed, nor how respectful to him
I was.
I led him into the parlour, and presented him to the women, and them to
him. I thought it highly imported me (as they might still have some
diffidences about our marriage, from my fair-one's home-pushed questions
on that head) to convince them entirely of the truth of all I had
asserted. And how could I do this better, than by dialoguing a little
with him before them?
Dear Captain, I thought you long; for I have had a terrible conflict with
my spouse.
Capt. I am sorry that I am later than my intention--my account with my
banker--[There's a dog, Jack!] took me up longer time to adjust than I
had foreseen [all the time pulling down and stroking his ruffles]: for
there was a small difference between us--only twenty pounds, indeed,
which I had taken no account of.
The rascal has not seen twenty pounds of his own these ten years.
Then had we between us the character of the Harlowe family; I railed
against them all; the Captain taking his dear friend Mr. John Harlowe's
part; with a Not so fast!--not so fast, young gentleman!--and the like
free assumptions.
He accounted for their animosity by my defiances: no good family, having
such a charming daughter, would care to be defied, instead of courted: he
must speak his mind: never was a double-tongued man.--He appealed to the
ladies, if he were not right?
He got them on his side.
The correction I had given the brother, he told me, must have aggravated
matters.
How valiant this made me look to the women!--The sex love us mettled
fellows at their hearts.
Be that as it would, I should never love any of the family but my spouse;
and wanting nothing from them, I would not, but for her sake, have gone
so far as I had gone towards a reconciliation.
This was very good of me; Mrs. Moore said.
Very good indeed; Miss Rawlins.
Good;--It is more than good; it is very generous; said the widow.
Capt. Why so it is, I must needs say: for I am sensible that Mr.
Lovelace has been rudely treated by them all--more rudely, than it could
have been imagined a man of his quality and spirit would have put up
with. But then, Sir, [turning to me,] I think you are amply rewarded in
such a lady; and that you ought to forgive the father for the daughter's
sake.
Mrs. Moore. Indeed so I think.
Miss R. So must every one think who has seen the lady.
Widow B. A fine lady, to be sure! But she has a violent spirit; and
some very odd humours too, by what I have heard. The value of good
husbands is not known till they are lost!
Her conscience then drew a sigh from her.
Lovel. Nobody must reflect upon my angel!--An angel she is--some little
blemishes, indeed, as to her over-hasty spirit, and as to her unforgiving
temper. But this she has from the Harlowes; instigated too by that Miss
Howe.--But her innumerable excellencies are all her own.
Capt. Ay, talk of spirit, there's a spirit, now you have named Miss
Howe! [And so I led him to confirm all I had said of that vixen.] Yet
she was to be pitied too; looking with meaning at me.
As I have already hinted, I had before agreed with him to impute secret
love occasionally to Miss Howe, as the best means to invalidate all that
might come from her in my disfavour.
Capt. Mr. Lovelace, but that I know your modesty, or you could give a
reason--
Lovel. Looking down, and very modest--I can't think so, Captain--but
let us call another cause.
Every woman present could look me in the face, so bashful was I.
Capt. Well, but as to our present situation--only it mayn't be proper--
looking upon me, and round upon the women.
Lovel. O Captain, you may say any thing before this company--only,
Andrew, [to my new servant, who attended us at table,] do you withdraw:
this good girl [looking at the maid-servant] will help us to all we want.
Away went Andrew: he wanted not his cue; and the maid seemed pleased at
my honour's preference of her.
Capt. As to our present situation, I say, Mr. Lovelace--why, Sir, we
shall be all untwisted, let me tell you, if my friend Mr. John Harlowe
were to know what that is. He would as much question the truth of your
being married, as the rest of the family do.
Here the women perked up their ears; and were all silent attention.
Capt. I asked you before for particulars, Mr. Lovelace; but you
declined giving them.--Indeed it may not be proper for me to be
acquainted with them.--But I must own, that it is past my comprehension,
that a wife can resent any thing a husband can do (that is not a breach
of the peace) so far as to think herself justified for eloping from him.
Lovel. Captain Tomlinson:--Sir--I do assure you, that I shall be
offended--I shall be extremely concerned--if I hear that word eloping
mentioned again--
Capt. Your nicety and your love, Sir, may make you take offence--but it
is my way to call every thing by its proper name, let who will be
offended--
Thou canst not imagine, Belford, how brave and how independent the rascal
looked.
Capt. When, young gentleman, you shall think proper to give us
particulars, we will find a word for this rash act in so admirable a
lady, that shall please you better.--You see, Sir, that being the
representative of my dear friend Mr. John Harlowe, I speak as freely as I
suppose he would do, if present. But you blush, Sir--I beg your pardon,
Mr. Lovelace: it becomes not a modest man to pry into those secrets,
which a modest man cannot reveal.
I did not blush, Jack; but denied not the compliment, and looked down:
the women seemed delighted with my modesty: but the widow Bevis was more
inclined to laugh at me than praise me for it.
Capt. Whatever be the cause of this step, (I will not again, Sir, call
it elopement, since that harsh word wounds your tenderness,) I cannot but
express my surprise upon it, when I recollect the affectionate behaviour,
to which I was witness between you, when I attended you last. Over-love,
Sir, I think you once mention--but over-love [smiling] give me leave to
say, Sir, it is an odd cause of quarrel--few ladies--
Lovel. Dear Captain!--And I tried to blush.
The women also tried; and being more used to it, succeeded better.--Mrs.
Bevis indeed has a red-hot countenance, and always blushes.
Miss R. It signifies nothing to mince the matter: but the lady above as
good as denies her marriage. You know, Sir, that she does; turning to
me.
Capt. Denies her marriage! Heavens! how then have I imposed upon my
dear friend Mr. John Harlowe!
Lovel. Poor dear!--But let not her veracity be called into question.
She would not be guilty of a wilful untruth for the world.
Then I had all their praises again.
Lovel. Dear creature!--She thinks she has reason for her denial. You
know, Mrs. Moore; you know, Miss Rawlins; what I owned to you above as my
vow.