My master just now sent for me down to take a walk with him in the
garden: but I like him not at all, nor his ways; for he would have, all
the way, his arm about my waist, and said abundance of fond things to me,
enough to make me proud, if his design had not been apparent. After
walking about, he led me into a little alcove, on the farther part of the
garden; and really made me afraid of myself, for he began to be very
teasing, and made me sit on his knee; and was so often kissing me, that I
said, Sir, I don't like to be here at all, I assure you. Indeed you make
me afraid!--And what made me the more so, was what he once said to Mrs.
Jewkes, and did not think I heard him, and which, though always uppermost
with me, I did not mention before, because I did not know how to bring it
in, in my writing.
She, I suppose, had been encouraging him in his wickedness; for it was
before the last dreadful trial: and I only heard what he answered.
Said he, I will try once more; but I have begun wrong for I see terror
does but add to her frost; but she is a charming girl, and may be thawed
by kindness; and I should have melted her by love, instead of freezing
her by fear.
Is he not a wicked, sad man for this?--To be sure, I blush while I write
it.
Pages:
320
321
322
323
324
325
326
327
328
329
330
331
332
333
334
335
336
337
338
339
340
341
342
343
344