Urge me no more, Mr. Lovelace, I conjure you. You yourself have given me
a hint, which I will speak plainer to, than prudence, perhaps, on any
other occasion, would allow. I am convinced, that Wednesday next (if I
had time I would give you my reasons) is not intended to be the day we
had both so much dreaded: and if after that day shall be over, I find my
friends determined in Mr. Solmes's favour, I will then contrive some way
to meet you with Miss Howe, who is not your enemy: and when the solemnity
has passed, I shall think that step a duty, which till then will be
criminal to take: since now my father's authority is unimpeached by any
greater.

Dearest Madam--

Nay, Mr. Lovelace, if you now dispute--if, after this more favourable
declaration, than I had the thought of making, you are not satisfied,
I shall know what to think both of your gratitude and generosity.

The case, Madam, admits not of this alternative. I am all gratitude upon
it. I cannot express how much I should be delighted with the charming
hope you have given me, were you not next Wednesday, if you stay, to be
another man's. Think, dearest creature! what an heightening of my
anguish the distant hope you bid me look up to is, taken in this light!

Depend, depend upon it, I will die sooner than be Mr. Solmes's. If you
would have me rely upon your honour, why should you doubt of mine?

I doubt not your honour, Madam; your power is all I doubt. You never,
never can have such another opportunity.--Dearest creature, permit me--
and he was again drawing me after him.