The man began with civility enough, had he had a little less of his
odious rapture; for he flung his arms about me, Jenny in presence. A
husband's fondness is enough to ruin these girls. Don't you think,
Harriet, that there is an immorality in it, before them?
I refuse your request, be it what it will. How dare you invade me in my
retirement?--You may believe, that I intended not to stay long above, my
sister below. Does the ceremony, so lately past, authorize want of
breeding?
Want of breeding, madam!--And he did so stare!
Leave me, this instant!--I looked good-natured, I suppose, in my anger;
for he declared he would not; and again throwing his arms about me as I
sat, joined his sharp face to mine, and presumed to kiss me; Jenny still
in the room.
Now, Harriet, you never will desert me in a point of delicacy, I am sure.
You cannot defend these odious freedoms in a matrimony so young, unless
you would be willing to be served so yourself.
You may suppose, that then I let loose my indignation upon him. And he
stole out, daring to mutter, and be displeased. The word devil was in
his mouth.
Did he call me devil, Jenny?
No, indeed, madam, said the wench--And, Harriet, see the ill example of
such a free behaviour before her: she presumed to prate in favour of the
man's fit of fondness; yet, at other times, is a prude of a girl.
Before my anger was gone down, in again [It is truth, Harriet,] came the
bold wretch. I will not, said he, as you are not particularly employed,
leave you--Upon my soul, madam, you don't use me well. But if you will
oblige me with your company tomorrow morning--