But I'll no more harp upon this string: You see how he was exasperated
at me; and he seemed to be angry at you too; though something of it was
art, I believe. Indeed, madam, said I, he has been pleased to give me a most noble
lecture; and I find he was angry with me in earnest, and that it will
not be an easy task to behave unexceptionably to him: for he is very
nice and delicate in his notions, I perceive; but yet, as your ladyship
says, exceeding generous. Well, said she, I'm glad thou hadst a little bit of his anger; else I
should have thought it art; and I don't love to be treated with low art,
any more than he; and I should have been vexed if he had done it by me.
But I understand, child, said she, that you keep a journal of all
matters that pass, and he has several times found means to get at it:
Should you care I should see it? It could not be to your disadvantage;
for I find it had no small weight with him in your favour; and I should
take great pleasure to read all his stratagems, attempts, contrivances,
menaces, and offers to you, on one hand, and all your pretty
counter-plottings, which he much praises; your resolute resistance, and
the noble stand you have made to preserve your virtue; and the steps by
which his pride was subdued, and his mind induced to honourable love,
till you were made what you now are: for it must be a rare and uncommon
story; and will not only give me great pleasure in reading, but will
entirely reconcile me to the step he has taken: and that, let me tell
you, is what I never thought to be; for I had gone a great way in
bringing about a match with him and Lady Betty--; and had said so much
of it, that the earl, her father, approved of it: and so did the Duke of
----, her uncle; and Lady Betty herself was not averse: and now I shall
be hunted to death about it; and this has made me so outrageous as you
have seen me upon the matter. But when I can find, by your writings,
that your virtue is but suitably rewarded, it will be not only a good
excuse for me, but for him, and make me love you. There is nothing that
I would not do, said I, to oblige your ladyship; but my poor father and
mother (who would rather have seen me buried quick in the earth, than
to be seduced by the greatest of princes) have them in their hands at
present; and your dear brother has bespoken them, when they have done
reading them: but, if he gives me leave, I will shew them to your
ladyship, with all my heart; not doubting your generous allowances, as
I have had his; though I have treated him very freely all the way, while
he had naughty views; and that your ladyship would consider them as
the naked sentiments of my heart, from time to time delivered to those,
whose indulgence I was sure of; and for whose sight only they were
written. Give me a kiss now, said her ladyship, for your cheerful compliance: for
I make no doubt my brother will consent I shall see them, because they
must needs make for your honour; and I see he loves you better than any
one in the world. I have heard, continued her ladyship, a mighty good character of your
parents, as industrious, honest, sensible, good folks, who know the
world; and, as I doubt not my brother's generosity, I am glad they will
make no ill figure in the world's eye.