You think, Captain, that I have answered doubtfully to the question you put.  You may think so.  And you must know, that I have a good deal of pride; and, only that you are a gentleman, and seem in this affair to be governed by generous motives, or I should ill brook being interrogated as to my honour to a lady so dear to me.—­But before I answer more directly to the point, pray satisfy me in a question or two that I shall put to you.

With all my heart, Sir.  Ask me what questions you please, I will answer them with sincerity and candour.

You say, Mr. Harlowe has found out that we were at a play together:  and that we were both in the same lodgings—­How, pray, came he at his knowledge?—­for, let me tell you, that I have, for certain considerations, (not respecting myself, I will assure you,) condescended that our abode should be kept secret.  And this has been so strictly observed, that even Miss Howe, though she and my beloved correspond, knows not directly where to send to us.

Why, Sir, the person who saw you at the play, was a tenant of Mr. John Harlowe.  He watched all your motions.  When the play was done, he followed your coach to your lodgings.  And early the next day, Sunday, he took horse, and acquainted his landlord with what he had observed.

Lovel.  How oddly things come about!—­But does any other of the Harlowes know where we are?

Capt.  It is an absolute secret to every other person of the family; and so it is intended to be kept:  as also that Mr. John Harlowe is willing to enter into treaty with you, by me, if his niece be actually married; for perhaps he is aware, that he shall have difficulty enough with some people to bring about the desirable reconciliation, although he could give them this assurance.

I doubt it not, Captain—­to James Harlowe is all the family folly owing.  Fine fools! [heroically stalking about] to be governed by one to whom malice and not genius, gives the busy liveliness that distinguishes him from a natural!—­But how long, pray, Sir, has Mr. John Harlowe been in this pacific disposition?

I will tell you, Mr. Lovelace, and the occasion; and be very explicit upon it, and upon all that concerns you to know of me, and of the commission I have undertaken to execute; and this the rather, as when you have heard me out, you will be satisfied, that I am not an officious man in this my present address to you.

I am all attention, Captain Tomlinson.

And so I doubt not was my beloved.

Capt.  ’You must know, Sir, that I have not been many months in Mr. John Harlwe’s neighbourhood.  I removed from Northamptonshire, partly for the sake of better managing one of two executorship, which I could not avoid engaging in, (the affairs of which frequently call me to town, and are part of my present business;) and partly for the sake of occupying a neglected farm, which has lately fallen into my hands.