first, because I respected his Lordship above any man living; and next,
because it looked as if I were induced by selfish considerations to
take that from him, which nobody else would offer to me.

And what, returned he, shall be my inducement to take what I do at your
hands?--Hay, Sir?

Indeed, Cousin Lovelace, said Lady Betty, with great gravity, we do not
any of us, as Lady Sarah says, deserve at your hands the treatment you
give us: and let me tell you, that I don't think my character and your
cousin Charlotte's ought to be prostituted, in order to ruin an innocent
lady. She must have known early the good opinion we all have of her, and
how much we wished her to be your wife. This good opinion of ours has
been an inducement to her (you see she says so) to listen to your
address. And this, with her friends' folly, has helped to throw her into
your power. How you have requited her is too apparent. It becomes the
character we all bear, to disclaim your actions by her. And let me tell
you, that to have her abused by wicked people raised up to personate us,
or any of us, makes a double call upon us to disclaim them.

Lovel. Why this is talking somewhat like. I would have you all
disclaim my actions. I own I have done very vilely by this lady. One
step led to another. I am curst with an enterprizing spirit. I hate
to be foiled--

Foiled! interrupted Lady Sarah. What a shame to talk at this
rate!--Did the lady set up a contention with you? All nobly sincere,
and plain-hearted, have I heard Miss Clarissa Harlowe is: above art,
above disguise; neither the coquette, nor the prude!--Poor lady! she
deserved a better fare from the man for whom she took the step which