She is my sister.
I have not, madam, to Lady L----, turning rudely from me, and, not very
civilly, from her. Ah! thought I, these men! The more they are courted
--Wretches! to find their consequence in a woman's meekness--Yet, I could
not forbear shewing mine.--Nature, Harriet! Who can resist constitution?
What stiff airs are these! approaching him.--I do assure you, my lord, I
shall not take this behaviour well; and put my hand on his arm.
I was served right. Would you believe it? The man shook off my
condescending hand, by raising his elbow scornfully. He really did!
Nay, then!--I left him, and retired to my former seat. I was vexed that
it was Sunday: I wanted a little harmony.
Lord and Lady L---- both blamed me, by their looks; and my lady took my
hand, and was leading me towards him. I shewed a little reluctance: and,
would you have thought it? out of the drawing-room whipt my nimble lord,
as if on purpose to avoid being moved by my concession.
I took my place again.
I beg of you, Charlotte, said Lady L----, go to my lord. You have used
him ill.
When I think so, I will follow your advice, Lady L----.
And don't you think so, Lady G----? said Lord L----.
What! for taking my own option how I would be dressed to-day?--What! for
deferring--That moment in came my bluff lord--Have I not, proceeded I,
been forced to dine without him to-day? Did he let me know what account
I could give of his absence? Or when he would return?--And see, now, how
angry he looks!
He traversed the room--I went on--Did he not shake off my hand, when I
laid it, smiling, on his arm? Would he answer me a question, which I
kindly put to him, fearing he had not dined, and might be sick for want
of eating? Was I not forced to apply to Lady L---- for an answer to my
careful question, on his scornfully turning from me in silence?--Might we
not, if he had not gone out so abruptly, nobody knows where, have made
the appearance his heart is so set upon?--But now, indeed, it is too
late.
Pages:
366
367
368
369
370
371
372
373
374
375
376
377
378
379
380
381
382
383
384
385
386
387
388
389
390