would be very strange, as I mentioned in one of my former,* if I, who had
so steadily held out against characters so venerable, against authorities
so sacred, as I may say, when I thought them unreasonably exerted, should
not find myself more equal to such a trial as this; especially as I had
so much reason to be displeased with him for not having taken away my
letter.

On what a point of time may one's worldly happiness depend! Had I but
two hours more to consider of the matter, and to attend to and improve
upon these new lights, as I may call them--but even then, perhaps, I
might have given him a meeting.--Fool that I was! what had I to do to
give him hope that I would personally acquaint him with the reason for my
change of mind, if I did change it?

O my dear! an obliging temper is a very dangerous temper!--By
endeavouring to gratify others, it is evermore disobliging itself!

When the bell rang to call the servants to dinner, Betty came to me and
asked, if I had any commands before she went to hers; repeating her hint,
that she should be employed; adding, that she believed it was expected
that I should not come up till she came down, or till I saw my aunt or
Miss Hervey.

I asked her some questions about the cascade, which had been out of
order, and lately mended; and expressed a curiosity to see how it played,
in order to induce her [how cunning to cheat myself, as it proved!] to go
thither, if she found me not where she left me; it being a part of the
garden most distant from the ivy summer-house.

She could hardly have got into the house when I heard the first signal--O