My honesty (I am poor and lowly, and am not entitled to call it honour)
was in danger. I saw no means of securing myself from your avowed
attempts. You had shewed you would not stick at little matters; and
what, sir, could any body have thought of my sincerity, in preferring
that to all other considerations, if I had not escaped from these
dangers, if I could have found any way for it?--I am not going to say any
thing for him; but, indeed, indeed, sir, I was the cause of putting him
upon assisting me in my escape. I got him to acquaint me what gentry
there were in the neighbourhood that I might fly to; and prevailed upon
him--Don't frown at me, good sir; for I must tell you the whole truth--to
apply to one Lady Jones; to Lady Darnford; and he was so good to apply to
Mr. Peters, the minister: But they all refused me; and then it was he let
me know, that there was no honourable way but marriage. That I declined;
and he agreed to assist me for God's sake.
Now, said he, you are going--I boldly put my hand before his mouth,
hardly knowing the liberty I took: Pray, sir, said I, don't be angry; I
have just done--I would only say, that rather than have staid to be
ruined, I would have thrown myself upon the poorest beggar that ever the
world saw, if I thought him honest.
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