nothing on earth is so perverse as a woman, when she is set upon carrying
a point, and has a meek man, or one who loves his peace, to deal with.

My beloved was vexed. She pulled out her handkerchief: but was more
inclined to blame me than herself.

Had you kept your word, Mr. Lovelace, and left me when we came to
town--And there she stopt; for she knew, that it was her own fault that
we were not married before we left the country; and how could I leave her
afterwards, while her brother was plotting to carry her off by violence?

Nor has this brother yet given over his machinations.

For, as the Captain proceeds, 'Mr. John Harlowe owned to him (but in
confidence) that his nephew is at this time busied in endeavouring to
find out where we are; being assured (as I am not to be heard of at any
of my relations, or at my usual lodgings) that we are together. And that
we are not married is plain, as he will have it, from Mr. Hickman's
application so lately made to her uncle; and which was seconded by Mrs.
Norton to her mother. And her brother cannot bear that I should enjoy
such a triumph unmolested.'

A profound sigh, and the handkerchief again lifted to the eye. But did
not the sweet soul deserve this turn upon her, for feloniously resolving
to rob me of herself, had the application made by Hickman succeeded?

I read on to the following effect:

'Why (asked Mr. Harlowe) was it said to his other inquiring friend, that
we were married; and that by his niece's woman, who ought to know? who