Joseph, I am always contriving to give you reputation. No man suffers by
serving me.

But, if our parley should last longer than I wish; and if any of her
friends miss her before I cry, Hem, hem, twice; then, in order to save
yourself, (which is a very great point with me, I assure you,) make the
same noise as above: but as I directed before, open not the door with
your key. On the contrary, wish for a key with all your heart; but for
fear any of them should by accident have a key about them, keep in
readiness half a dozen little gravel-stones, no bigger than peas, and
thrust two or three slily into the key-hole; which will hinder their key
from turning round. It is good, you know, Joseph, to provide against
every accident in such an important case, as this. And let this be your
cry, instead of the other, if any of my enemies come in your sight, as
you seem to be trying to burst the door open, Sir! Sir! or Madam!
Madam! O Lord, hasten! O Lord, hasten! Mr. Lovelace! Mr. Lovelace!--
And very loud--and that shall quicken me more than it shall those you
call to.--If it be Betty, and only Betty, I shall think worse of your art
of making love* than of your fidelity, if you can't find a way to amuse
her, and put her upon a false scent.


* See Vol.II. Letter XXIX.


You must tell them that your young lady seemed to run as fast off with me
as I with her. This will also confirm to them that all pursuit is in
vain. An end will hereby be put to Solmes's hopes: and her friends,
after a while, will be more studious to be reconciled to her than to get
her back. So you will be a happy instrument of great good to all round.