To be sure they
did right, if they withdrew in hopes these kind words would have been
received as reconciliatory ones; and not in displeasure with me, as I am
half-afraid they did: for their good-nature (worthy souls!) does
sometimes lead them into misapprehensions. I kindly laid my hand on his
arm again.--He was ungracious.--Nay, my lord, don't once more reject me
with disdain--If you do--I then smiled most courteously. Carry not your
absurdities, my lord, too far: and I took his hand:--[There, Harriet, was
condescension!]--I protest, sir, if you give yourself any more of these
airs, you will not find me so condescending. Come, come, tell me you are
sorry, and I will forgive you.
Sorry! madam; sorry!--I am indeed sorry, for your provoking airs!
Why that's not ill said--But kimboed arms, my lord! are you not sorry for
such an air? And Oons! are you not sorry for such a word? and for such
looks too? and for quarreling with your dinner?--I protest, my lord, you
make one of us look like a child who flings away his bread and butter
because it has not glass windows upon it--
Not for one moment forbear, madam!--
Pr'ythee, pr'ythee--[I profess I had like to have said honest friend]--No
more of these airs; and, I tell you, I will forgive you.
But, madam, I cannot, I will not--
Hush, hush; no more in that strain, and so loud, as if we had lost each
other in a wood--If you will let us be friends, say so--In an instant--If
not, I am gone--gone this moment--casting off from him, as I may say,
intending to mount up stairs.
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