therefore, thou may'st believe, to attend her sudden commands: and yet,
afraid of pushing matters beyond recovery with her, I thought proper to
lead him from the question, to account for himself and for Mr. Harlowe's
coming to the knowledge of where we are; and for other particulars which
I knew would engage her attention; and which might possibly convince her
of the necessity there was for her to acquiesce in the affirmative I was
disposed to give. And this for her own sake; For what, as I asked her
afterwards, is it to me, whether I am ever reconciled to her family?--A
family, Jack, which I must for ever despise.

You think, Captain, that I have answered doubtfully to the question you
put. You may think so. And you must know, that I have a good deal of
pride; and, only that you are a gentleman, and seem in this affair to be
governed by generous motives, or I should ill brook being interrogated as
to my honour to a lady so dear to me.--But before I answer more directly
to the point, pray satisfy me in a question or two that I shall put to
you.

With all my heart, Sir. Ask me what questions you please, I will answer
them with sincerity and candour.

You say, Mr. Harlowe has found out that we were at a play together: and
that we were both in the same lodgings--How, pray, came he at his
knowledge?--for, let me tell you, that I have, for certain
considerations, (not respecting myself, I will assure you,) condescended
that our abode should be kept secret. And this has been so strictly
observed, that even Miss Howe, though she and my beloved correspond, knows
not directly where to send to us.

Why, Sir, the person who saw you at the play, was a tenant of Mr. John