Well, said he, I sent not for you on this account, just now; but for two
reasons. The first is, That you promise me, that for a fortnight to come
you will not offer to go away without my express consent; and this I
expect for your own sake, that I may give you a little more liberty. And
the second is, That you will see and forgive Mrs. Jewkes: she takes on
much, and thinks that, as all her fault was her obedience to me, it would
be very hard to sacrifice her, as she calls it, to your resentment.
As to the first, sir, said I, it is a hard injunction, for the reasons I
have mentioned. And as to the second, considering her vile, unwomanly
wickedness, and her endeavours to instigate you more to ruin me, when
your returning goodness seemed to have some compassion upon me, it is
still harder. But, to shew my obedience to your commands, (for you know,
my dear parents, I might as well make a merit of my compliance, when my
refusal would stand me in no stead,) I will consent to both; and to every
thing else, that you shall be pleased to enjoin, which I can do, with
innocence.
That's my good girl! said he, and kissed me: This is quite prudent, and
shews me, that you don't take insolent advantage of my favour for you;
and will, perhaps, stand you in more stead than you are aware of.
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