But for fear these evidences should be suspected, here comes the jet of the business—­’No less than four worthy gentlemen of fortune and family, who were all in company such a night particularly, at a collation to which they were invited by Robert Lovelace, of Sandoun-hall, in the county of Lancaster, esquire, in company with Magdalen Sinclair, widow, and Priscilla Partington, spinster, and the lady complainant, when the said Robert Lovelace addressed himself to the said lady, on a multitude of occasions, as his wife; as they and others did, as Mrs. Lovelace; every one complimenting and congratulating her upon her nuptials; and that she received such their compliments and congratulations with no other visible displeasure or repugnance, than such as a young bride, full of blushes and pretty confusion, might be supposed to express upon such contemplative revolvings as those compliments would naturally inspire.’  Nor do thou rave at me, Jack, nor rebel.  Dost think I brought the dear creature hither for nothing?

And here’s a faint sketch of my plot.—­Stand by, varlets—­tanta-ra-ra-ra!  —­Veil your bonnets, and confess your master!

LETTER V

Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq. 
Sunday.

Have been at church, Jack—­behaved admirably well too!  My charmer is pleased with me now:  for I was exceedingly attentive to the discourse, and very ready in the auditor’s part of the service.—­Eyes did not much wander.  How could they, when the loveliest object, infinitely the loveliest in the whole church, was in my view!

Dear creature! how fervent, how amiable, in her devotions!  I have got her to own that she prayed for me.  I hope a prayer from so excellent a mind will not be made in vain.

There is, after all, something beautifully solemn in devotion.  The Sabbath is a charming institution to keep the heart right, when it is right.  One day in seven, how reasonable!—­I think I’ll go to church once a day often.  I fancy it will go a great way towards making me a reformed man.  To see multitudes of well-appearing people all joining in one reverend act.  An exercise how worthy of a rational being!  Yet it adds a sting or two to my former stings, when I think of my projects with regard to this charming creature.  In my conscience, I believe, if I were to go constantly to church, I could not pursue them.

I had a scheme come into my head while there; but I will renounce it, because it obtruded itself upon me in so good a place.  Excellent creature!  How many ruins has she prevented by attaching me to herself —­by engrossing my whole attention.

But let me tell thee what passed between us in my first visit of this morning; and then I will acquaint thee more largely with my good behaviour at church.

I could not be admitted till after eight.  I found her ready prepared to go out.  I pretended to be ignorant of her intention, having charged Dorcas not to own that she had told me of it.