She laid it down——she cried; and had one single tear of ’em but tasted
of bitterness, full sorrowful would the corporal’s heart have been that
he had used the argument; but the corporal understood the sex, a _quart
major to a terce_ at least, better than my uncle _Toby_, and
accordingly he assailed Mrs. _Bridget_ after this manner.
I know, Mrs. _Bridget_, said the corporal, giving her a most respectful
kiss, that thou art good and modest by nature, and art withal so
generous a girl in thyself, that, if I know thee rightly, thou would’st
not wound an insect, much less the honour of so gallant and worthy a
soul as my master, wast thou sure to be made a countess of——but thou
hast been set on, and deluded, dear _Bridget_, as is often a woman’s
case, “to please others more than themselves——”
_Bridget_’s eyes poured down at the sensations the corporal excited.
——Tell me——tell me, then, my dear _Bridget_, continued the corporal,
taking hold of her hand, which hung down dead by her side,——and giving
a second kiss——whose suspicion has misled thee?
_Bridget_ sobb’d a sob or two——then open’d her eyes——the corporal wiped
’em with the bottom of her apron——she then open’d her heart and told
him all.