Thus it was--My charmer accompanied Mrs. Moore again to church this
afternoon. I had been in very earnest, in the first place, to obtain her
company at dinner: but in vain. According to what she had said to Mrs.
Moore,* I was too considerable to her to be allowed that favour. In the
next place, I besought her to favour me, after dinner, with another
garden-walk. But she would again go to church. And what reason have I
to rejoice that she did!


* See Letter III. of this volume.


My worthy friend, Mrs. Bevis, thought one sermon a day, well observed,
enough; so staid at home to bear me company.

The lady and Mrs. Moore had not been gone a quarter of an hour, when a
young country-fellow on horseback came to the door, and inquired for Mrs.
Harriot Lucas. The widow and I (undetermined how we were to entertain
each other) were in the parlour next the door; and hearing the fellow's
inquiry, O my dear Mrs. Bevis, said I, I am undone, undone for ever, if
you don't help me out!--Since here, in all probability, is a messenger
from that implacable Miss Howe with a letter; which, if delivered to Mrs.
Lovelace, may undo all we have been doing.

What, said she, would you have me do?

Call the maid in this moment, that I may give her her lesson; and if it
be as I imagined, I'll tell you what you shall do.