So, Belford, for all her future joys she depends entirely upon the invisible Good.  She is certainly right; since those who fix least upon second causes are the least likely to be disappointed—­And is not this gravity for her gravity?

She had hardly done speaking, when Dorcas came running up in a hurry—­ she set even my heart into a palpitation—­thump, thump, thump, like a precipitated pendulum in a clock-case—­flutter, flutter, flutter, my charmer’s, as by her sweet bosom rising to her chin I saw.

This lower class of people, my beloved herself observed, were for ever aiming at the stupid wonderful, and for making even common incidents matter of surprise.

Why the devil, said I to the wench, this alarming hurry?—­And with your spread fingers, and your O Madams, and O Sirs!—­and be cursed to you!  Would there have been a second of time difference, had you come up slowly?

Captain Tomlinson, Sir!

Captain Devilson, what care I?—­Do you see how you have disordered your lady?

Good Mr. Lovelace, said my charmer, trembling [see, Jack, when she has an end to serve, I am good Mr. Lovelace,] if—­if my brother,—­if Captain Singleton should appear—­pray now—­I beseech you—­let me beg of you—­to govern your temper—­My brother is my brother—­Captain Singleton is but an agent.

My dearest life, folding my arms about her, [when she asks favours, thought I, the devil’s in it, if she will not allow such an innocent freedom as this, from good Mr. Lovelace too,] you shall be witness of all passes between us.—­Dorcas, desire the gentleman to walk up.

Let me retire to my chamber first!—­Let me not be known to be in the house!

Charming dear!—­Thou seest, Belford, she is afraid of leaving me!—­O the little witchcrafts!  Were it not for surprises now-and-then, how would an honest man know where to have them?

She withdrew to listen.—­And though this incident has not turned out to answer all I wished from it, yet is it not necessary, if I would acquaint thee with my whole circulation, to be very particular in what passed between Captain Tomlinson and me.

Enter Captain Tomlinson, in a riding-dress, whip in hand.

Your servant, Sir,—­Mr. Lovelace, I presume?

My name is Lovelace, Sir.

Excuse the day, Sir.—­Be pleased to excuse my garb.  I am obliged to go out of town directly, that I may return at night.

The day is a good day.  Your garb needs no apology.

When I sent my servant, I did not know that I should find time to do myself this honour.  All that I thought I could do to oblige my friend this journey, was only to assure myself of your abode; and whether there was a probability of being admitted to the speech of either you, or your lady.

Sir, you best know your own motives.  What your time will permit you to do, you also best know.  And here I am, attending your pleasure.