once seen her, and would not know her among a thousand.

I remember, Sir, that I thought I never saw a finer woman in my life.
But, Mr. Lovelace, I believe, you will allow, that it is better that her
relations should have wronged you, than you the lady, I hope, Sir, you
will permit me to repeat my question.


Enter Dorcas, in a hurry.

A gentleman, this minute, Sir, desires to speak with your honour--[My
lady, Sir!--Aside.]

Could the dear creature put Dorcas upon telling this fib, yet want to
save me one?

Desire the gentleman to walk into one of the parlours. I will wait upon
him presently.

[Exit Dorcas.


The dear creature, I doubted not, wanted to instruct me how to answer
the Captain's home put. I knew how I intended to answer it--plumb, thou
may'st be sure--but Dorcas's message staggered me. And yet I was upon
one of my master-strokes--which was, to take advantage of the captain's
inquiries, and to make her own her marriage before him, as she had done
to the people below; and if she had been brought to that, to induce her,
for her uncle's satisfaction, to write him a letter of gratitude; which
of course must have been signed Clarissa Lovelace. I was loth,