Clarissa, Volume 6 - The History Of A Young Lady
Clarissa, Volume 6 - The History Of A Young Lady
Clarissa, Volume 6 - The History Of A Young Lady
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<strong>Clarissa</strong>, <strong>Volume</strong> 6 − <strong>The</strong> <strong>History</strong> <strong>Of</strong> A <strong>Young</strong> <strong>Lady</strong> 98<br />
I will give thee a brief account of what passed between us.<br />
I first proposed instant marriage; and this in the most fervent manner: but was denied as fervently.<br />
Would she be pleased to assure me that she would stay here only till Tuesday morning? I would but just go<br />
down to see how my Lord was−−to know whether he had any thing particular to say, or enjoin me, while yet<br />
he was sensible, as he was very earnest to see me: perhaps I might be up on Sunday.−−Concede in<br />
something!−−I beseech you, Madam, show me some little consideration.<br />
Why, Mr. Lovelace, must I be determined by your motions?−−Think you that I will voluntarily give a<br />
sanction to the imprisonment of my person? <strong>Of</strong> what importance to me ought to be your stay or your return.<br />
Give a sanction to the imprisonment of your person! Do you think, Madam, that I fear the law?<br />
I might have spared this foolish question of defiance: but my pride would not let me. I thought she threatened<br />
me, Jack.<br />
I don't think you fear the law, Sir.−−You are too brave to have any regard either to moral or divine sanctions.<br />
'Tis well, Madam! But ask me any thing I can do to oblige you; and I will oblige you, though in nothing will<br />
you oblige me.<br />
<strong>The</strong>n I ask you, then I request of you, to let me go to Hampstead.<br />
I paused−−And at last−−By my soul you shall−−this very moment I will wait upon you, and see you fixed<br />
there, if you'll promise me your hand on Thursday, in presence of your uncle.<br />
I want not you to see me fixed. I will promise nothing.<br />
Take care, Madam, that you don't let me see that I can have no reliance upon your future favour.<br />
I have been used to be threatened by you, Sir−−but I will accept of your company to Hampstead−−I will be<br />
ready to go in a quarter of an hour−−my clothes may be sent after me.<br />
You know the condition, Madam−−Next Thursday.<br />
You dare not trust−−−−<br />
My infinite demerits tell me, that I ought not−−nevertheless I will confide in your generosity.−−To−morrow<br />
morning (no new cause arising to give reason to the contrary) as early as you please you may go to<br />
Hampstead.<br />
This seemed to oblige her. But yet she looked with a face of doubt.<br />
I will go down to the women, Belford. And having no better judges at hand, will hear what they say upon my<br />
critical situation with this proud beauty, who has so insolently rejected a Lovelace kneeling at her feet, though<br />
making an earnest tender of himself for a husband, in spite of all his prejudices to the state of shackles.<br />
LETTER XXXIV<br />
MR. LOVELACE, TO JOHN BELFORD, ESQ.