My charmer owned afterwards her concern on my being so short.  Whatever I shall mingle of her emotions, thou wilt easily guess I had afterwards.

Sir, I hope no offence.  I intend none.

None—­None at all, Sir.

Sir, I have no interest in the affair I come about.  I may appear officious; and if I thought I should, I would decline any concern in it, after I have just hinted what it is.

And pray, Sir, what is it?

May I ask you, Sir, without offence, whether you wish to be reconciled, and to co-operate upon honourable terms, with one gentleman of the name of Harlowe; preparative, as it may be hoped, to a general reconciliation?

O how my heart fluttered! cried my charmer.

I can’t tell, Sir—­[and then it fluttered still more, no doubt:] The whole family have used me extremely ill.  They have taken greater liberties with my character than are justifiable; and with my family too; which I can less forgive.

Sir, Sir, I have done.  I beg pardon for this intrusion.

My beloved was then ready to sink, and thought very hardly of me.

But, pray, Sir, to the immediate purpose of your present commission; since a commission it seems to be?

It is a commission, Sir; and such a one, as I thought would be agreeable to all parties, or I should not have given myself concern about it.

Perhaps it may, Sir, when known.  But let me ask you one previous question—­Do you know Colonel Morden, Sir?

No, Sir.  If you mean personally, I do not.  But I have heard my good friend Mr. John Harlowe talk of him with great respect; and such a co-trustee with him in a certain trust.

Lovel.  I thought it probable, Sir, that the Colonel might be arrived; that you might be a gentleman of his acquaintance; and that something of an agreeable surprise might be intended.

Capt.  Had Colonel Morden been in England, Mr. John Harlowe would have known it; and then I should not have been a stranger to it.

Lovel.  Well but, Sir, have you then any commission to me from Mr. John Harlowe?

Capt.  Sir, I will tell you, as briefly as I can, the whole of what I have to say; but you’ll excuse me also in a previous question, for what curiosity is not my motive; but it is necessary to be answered before I can proceed; as you will judge when you hear it.

Lovel.  What, pray, Sir, is your question?

Capt.  Briefly, whether you are actually, and bona fide, married to Miss
Clarissa Harlowe?

I started, and, in a haughty tone, is this, Sir, a question that must be answered before you can proceed in the business you have undertaken?

I mean no offence, Mr. Lovelace.  Mr. Harlowe sought to me to undertake this office.  I have daughters and nieces of my own.  I thought it a good office, or I, who have many considerable affairs upon my hands, had not accepted of it.  I know the world; and will take the liberty to say, that if the young lady—­