Hear me patiently, for a moment. Previous to this conversation, I was
convinced of the folly and danger of excessive haste. Should you
imagine I have any self-complacency or caprice to gratify, by delay,
you will do me great injustice: I solemnly protest I have none. My own
interest, had I no better motive, would make me avoid such conduct. The
inconsistencies and vain antics of the girl, which are justly enough
stigmatized by the epithets flirting and coquetry, are repaid tenfold
upon the wife. I would deal openly, honestly, and generously; but not
rashly. I have every predilection in your favour which you could wish;
such doubts excepted as I have declared. But I must not give either you
or the world cause to accuse me of levity. My consent to speak to Sir
Arthur would be generally understood as a pledge to proceed; not it is
true by me, if I saw just cause to retract: but, though I earnestly
desire to reform, I almost as earnestly wish not unnecessarily to
offend the prejudices of mankind.
Nay let me beg, let me conjure you--[He took both my hands with great
ardour.]
And let me beg too, let me conjure you, not to think meanly or unkindly
of me, when I tell you that I must insist on a short delay.