* See Letter X. of this volume, Parag. 2.

***

He has just sent me word, that he insists upon supping with me.  As we had been in a good train for several days past, I thought it not prudent to break with him for little matters.  Yet, to be, in a manner, threatened into his will, I know not how to bear that.

While I was considering, he came up, and, tapping at my door, told me, in a very angry tone, he must see me this night.  He could not rest, till he had been told what he had done to deserve the treatment I gave him.

Treatment I gave him! a wretch!  Yet perhaps he has nothing new to say to me.  I shall be very angry with him.

***

[As the Lady could not know what Mr. Lovelace’s designs were, nor the
   cause of his ill humour, it will not be improper to pursue the subject
   from his lette.

Having described his angry manner of demanding, in person, her company at
   supper, he proceeds as follows:]

’’Tis hard, answered the fair perverse, that I am to be so little my own mistress.  I will meet you in the dining-room half an hour hence.

’I went down to wait the half hour.  All the women set me hard to give her cause for this tyranny.  They demonstrated, as well from the nature of the sex, as of the case, that I had nothing to hope for from my tameness, and could meet with no worse treatment, were I to be guilty of the last offence.  They urge me vehemently to try at least what effect some greater familiarities than I had ever taken with her would have:  and their arguments being strengthened by my just resentments on the discoveries I had made, I was resolved to take some liberties, as they were received, to take still greater, and lay all the fault upon her tyranny.  In this humour I went up, and never had paralytic so little command of his joints, as I had, while I walked about the dining-room, attending her motions.

’With an erect mien she entered, her face averted, her lovely bosom swelling, and the more charmingly protuberant for the erectness of her mien.  O Jack! that sullenness and reserve should add to the charms of this haughty maid! but in every attitude, in every humour, in every gesture, is beauty beautiful.  By her averted face, and indignant aspect, I saw the dear insolent was disposed to be angry—­but by the fierceness of mine, as my trembling hand seized hers, I soon made fear her predominant passion.  And yet the moment I beheld her, my heart was dastardized; and my reverence for the virgin purity, so visible in her whole deportment, again took place.  Surely, Belford, this is an angel.  And yet, had she not been known to be a female, they would not from babyhood have dressed her as such, nor would she, but upon that conviction, have continued the dress.

’Let me ask you, Madam, I beseech you tell me, what I have done to deserve this distant treatment?

’And let me ask you, Mr. Lovelace, why are my retirements to be thus invaded?—­What can you have to say to me since last night, that I went with you so much against my will to the play? and after sitting up with you, equally against my will, till a very late hour?