half-concerned me for him. Yet I was hastening from him, when, with a
solemn air, looking upon his sword, but catching, as it were, his hand
from it, he folded both his arms, as if a sudden thought had recovered
him from an intended rashness.

Stay, one moment--but one moment stay, O best beloved of my soul!--Your
retreat is secure, if you will go: the key lies at the door.--But, O
Madam, next Wednesday, and you are Mr. Solmes's!--Fly me not so eagerly--
hear me but a few words.

When near the garden-door, I stopped; and was the more satisfied, as I
saw the key there, by which I could let myself in again at pleasure.
But, being uneasy lest I should be missed, I told him, I could stay no
longer. I had already staid too long. I would write to him all my
reasons. And depend upon it, Mr. Lovelace, said I [just upon the point
of stooping for the key, in order to return] I will die, rather than have
that man. You know what I have promised, if I find myself in danger.

One word, Madam, however; one word more [approaching me, his arms still
folded, as if, I thought, he would not be tempted to mischief]. Remember
only, that I come at your appointment, to redeem you, at the hazard of my
life, from your gaolers and persecutors, with a resolution, God is my
witness, or may he for ever blast me! [that was his shocking imprecation]
to be a father, uncle, brother, and, as I humbly hoped, in your own good
time, a husband to you, all in one. But since I find you are so ready to
cry out for help against me, which must bring down upon me the vengeance
of all your family, I am contented to run all risques. I will not ask
you to retreat with me; I will attend you into the garden, and into the
house, if I am not intercepted.