She had thrown herself into her chair:  her eyes cast down:  she was motionless, as in a profound study.

The Captain bowed to her again:  but met with no return to his bow.  Mr. Lovelace, said he, (with an air of equality and independence,) I am your’s.

Still the dear unaccountable sat as immovable as a statue; stirring neither hand, foot, head, nor eye—­I never before saw any one in so profound a reverie in so waking a dream.

He passed by her to go out at the door she sat near, though the passage by the other door was his direct way; and bowed again.  She moved not.  I will not disturb the lady in her meditations, Sir.—­Adieu, Mr. Lovelace —­no farther, I beseech you.

She started, sighing—­Are you going, Sir?

Capt.  I am, Madam.  I could have been glad to do you service; but I see it is not in my power.

She stood up, holding out one hand, with inimitable dignity and sweetness —­I am sorry you are going, Sir!—­can’t help it—­I have no friend to advise with—­Mr. Lovelace has the art (or good fortune, perhaps I should call it) to make himself many.—­Well, Sir—­if you will go, I can’t help it.

Capt.  I will not go, Madam; his eyes twinkling. [Again seized with a fit of humanity!] I will not go, if my longer stay can do you either service or pleasure.  What, Sir, [turning to me,] what, Mr. Lovelace, was your expedient;—­perhaps something may be offered, Madam—­

She sighed, and was silent.

Revenge, invoked I to myself, keep thy throne in my heart.  If the usurper love once more drive thee from it, thou wilt never again regain possession!

Lovel.  What I had thought of, what I had intended to propose, [and I sighed,] was this, that the dear creature, if she will not forgive me, as she promised, will suspend the displeasure she has conceived against me, till Lady Betty arrives.—­That lady may be the mediatrix between us.  This dear creature may put herself into her protection, and accompany her down to her seat in Oxfordshire.  It is one of her Ladyship’s purposes to prevail on her supposed new niece to go down with her.  It may pass to every one but to Lady Betty, and to you, Captain Tomlinson, and to your friend Mr. Harlowe (as he desires) that we have been some time married:  and her being with my relations will amount to a proof to James Harlowe that we are; and our nuptials may be privately, and at this beloved creature’s pleasure, solemnized; and your report, Captain, authenticated.

Capt.  Upon my honour, Madam, clapping his hand upon his breast, a charming expedient!—­This will answer every end.

She mused—­she was greatly perplexed—­at last, God direct me! said she:  I know not what to do—­a young unfriended creature!  Whom can I have to advise with?—­Let me retire, if I can retire.

She withdrew with slow and trembling feet, and went up to her chamber.