they have so charming a knack of blushing in company. If not; and if
blushing be a sign of grace or modesty; have not the sex as great a
command over their blushes as they are said to have over their tears?
This reflection would lead me a great way into female minds, were I
disposed to pursue it.

I told the Captain, that I would prevent his question; and accordingly
(after I had enjoined the strictest secrecy, that no advantage might be
given to James Harlowe, and which he had answered for as well on Mr.
Harlowe's part as his own) I acknowledged nakedly and fairly the whole
truth--to wit, 'That we were not yet married. I gave him hints of the
causes of procrastination. Some of them owing to unhappy
misunderstandings: but chiefly to the Lady's desire of previous
reconciliation with her friends; and to a delicacy that had no example.'

Less nice ladies than this, Jack, love to have delays, wilful and studied
delays, imputed to them in these cases--yet are indelicate in their
affected delicacy: For do they not thereby tacitly confess, that they
expect to be the greatest estgainers in wedlock; and that there is
self-denial in the pride they take in delaying?

'I told him the reason of our passing to the people below as married--yet
as under a vow of restriction, as to consummation, which had kept us both
to the height, one of forbearing, the other of vigilant punctilio; even
to the denial of those innocent freedoms, which betrothed lovers never
scruple to allow and to take.

'I then communicated to him a copy of my proposal of settlement; the
substance of her written answer; the contents of my letter of invitation
to Lord M. to be her nuptial-father; and of my Lord's generous reply.