He talk of love!--If he had
any the least notion of regard for me, to be sure he would not give this
naughty body such power over me:--And if he does come, where is his
promise of not seeing me without I consent to it? But, it seems, his
honour owes me nothing! So he tells me in his letter. And why? Because
I am willing to keep mine. But, indeed, he says, he hates me perfectly:
But it is plain he does, or I should not be left to the mercy of this
woman: and, what is worse, to my woful apprehensions.
Friday, the 36th day of my imprisonment.
I took the liberty yesterday afternoon, finding the gates open, to walk
out before the house; and, ere I was aware, had got to the bottom of the
long row of elms; and there I sat myself down upon the steps of a sort of
broad stile, which leads into the road, and goes towards the town. And
as I sat musing upon what always busies my mind, I saw a whole body of
folks running towards me from the house, men and women, as in a fright.
At first I wondered what was the matter, till they came nearer; and I
found they were all alarmed, thinking I had attempted to get off. There
was first the horrible Colbrand, running with his long legs, well nigh
two yards at a stride; then there was one of the grooms, poor Mr.
Pages:
274
275
276
277
278
279
280
281
282
283
284
285
286
287
288
289
290
291
292
293
294
295
296
297
298