The women started.—­They did nothing but stare; and appeared to be more and more at a loss what to make of the matter between us.

I pretended to be going from her in a pet; but, when I had got to the door, I turned back; and, as if I had recollected myself—­One word more, my dearest creature!—­Charming, even in your anger!—­O my fond soul! said I, turning half round, and pulling out my handkerchief.—­

I believe, Jack, my eyes did glisten a little.  I have no doubt but they did.  The women pitied me—­honest souls!  They showed they had each of them a handkerchief as well as I. So, has thou not observed (to give a familiar illustration,) every man in a company of a dozen, or more, obligingly pull out his watch, when some one has asked what’s o’clock?—­ As each man of a like number, if one talks of his beard, will fall to stroking his chin with his four fingers and thumb.

One word only, Madam, repeated I, (as soon as my voice had recovered its tone,) I have represented to Captain Tomlinson in the most favourable light the cause of our present misunderstanding.  You know what your uncle insists upon, and with which you have acquiesced.—­The letter in my hand, [and again I offered it to her,] will acquaint you with what you have to apprehend from your brother’s active malice.

She was going to speak in a high accent, putting the letter from her, with an open palm—­Nay, hear me out, Madam—­The Captain, you know, has reported our marriage to two different persons.  It is come to your brother’s ears.  My own relations have also heard of it.—­Letters were brought me from town this morning, from Lady Betty Lawrance, and Miss Montague.  Here they are. [I pulled them out of my pocket, and offered them to her, with that of the Captain; but she held back her still open palm, that she might not receive them.] Reflect, Madam, I beseech you, reflect upon the fatal consequences with which this, your high resentment, may be attended.

Ever since I knew you, said she, I have been in a wilderness of doubt and error.  I bless God that I am out of your hands.  I will transact for myself what relates to myself.  I dismiss all your solicitude for me.—­ Am I not my own mistress?—­Have you any title?—­

The women stared—­[the devil stare ye, thought I!—­Can ye do nothing but stare?]—­It was high time to stop her here.

I raised my voice to drown her’s.—­You used, my dearest creature, to have a tender and apprehensive heart.—­You never had so much reason for such a one as now.

Let me judge for myself, upon what I shall see, not upon what I shall hear.—­Do you think I shall ever?—­

I dreaded her going on—­I must be heard, Madam, (raising my voice still higher,)—­you must let me read one paragraph or two out of this letter to you, if you will not read it yourself—­

Begone from me, Man!—­Begone from me with thy letters!  What pretence hast thou for tormenting me thus?  What right?—­What title?—­