Whither, Sir, do you draw me?--Leave me this moment--Do you seek to keep
me till my return shall grow dangerous or impracticable? This moment let
me go, if you would have me think tolerably of you.

My happiness, Madam, both here and hereafter, and the safety of all your
implacable family, depend upon this moment.

To Providence, Mr. Lovelace, and to the law, will I leave the safety of
my friends. You shall not threaten me into a rashness that my heart
condemns!--Shall I, to promote your happiness, as you call it, depend
upon future peace of mind?

You trifle with me, my dear life, just as our better prospects begin to
open. The way is clear; just now it is clear; but you may be prevented
in a moment. What is it you doubt?--May I perish eternally, if your will
shall not be a law to me in every thing! All my relations expect you.--
Next Wednesday!--Dearest creature! think of next Wednesday!--And to what
is it I urge you, but to take a step that sooner than any other will
reconcile you to all whom you have most reason to value in your family?

Let my judge for myself, Sir. Do not you, who blame my friends for
endeavouring to compel me, yourself seek to compel. I won't bear it.
Your earnestness gives me greater apprehensions, and greater reluctance.
Let me go back, then--let me, before it is too late, go back, that it may
not be worse for both--What mean you by this forcible treatment? Is it
thus that I am to judge of the entire submission to my will which you
have so often vowed?--Unhand me this moment, or I will cry out for help.

I will obey you, my dearest creature!--And quitted my hand with a look
full of tender despondency, that, knowing the violence of his temper,