I went out early this morning, on a design that I know not yet whether
I shall or shall not pursue; and on my return found Simon Parsons, my
Lord’s Berkshire bailiff, (just before arrived,) waiting for me with a
message in form, sent by all the family, to press me to go down, and
that at my Lord’s particular desire, who wants to see me before he
dies.
Simon has brought my Lord’s chariot-and-six [perhaps my own by this
time,] to carry me down. I have ordered it to be in readiness by four
to-morrow morning. The cattle shall smoke for the delay; and by the
rest they’ll have in the interim, will be better able to bear it.
I am still resolved upon matrimony, if my fair perverse will accept of
me. But, if she will not——why then I must give an uninterrupted
hearing, not to my conscience, but to these women below.
Dorcas had acquainted her lady with Simon’s arrival and errand. My
beloved had desired to see him. But my coming in prevented his
attendance on her, just as Dorcas was instructing him what questions he
should not answer to, that might be asked of him.
I am to be admitted to her presence immediately, at my repeated
request. Surely the acquisition in view will help me to make up all
with her. She is just gone up to the dining-room.
Nothing will do, Jack!—I can procure no favour from her, though she has
obtained from me the point which she had set her heart upon.