Two o'clock.
I am very sorrowful, and still have greater reason; for, just now, as I
was in my closet, opening the parcel I had hid under the rose-bush, to
see if it was damaged by lying so long, Mrs. Jewkes came upon me by
surprise, and laid her hands upon it; for she had been looking through
the key-hole, it seems.
I know not what I shall do! For now he will see all my private thoughts
of him, and all my secrets, as I may say. What a careless creature I
am!--To be sure I deserve to be punished.
You know I had the good luck, by Mr. Williams's means, to send you all my
papers down to Sunday night, the 17th day of my imprisonment. But now
these papers contain all my matters from that time, to Wednesday the 27th
day of my distress: And which, as you may now, perhaps, never see, I will
briefly mention the contents to you.
In these papers, then, are included, 'An account of Mrs. Jewkes's arts to
draw me in to approve of Mr. Williams's proposal for marriage; and my
refusing to do so; and desiring you not to encourage his suit to me. Mr.
Williams's being wickedly robbed, and a visit of hers to him; whereby she
discovered all his secrets. How I was inclined to get off, while she was
gone; but was ridiculously prevented by my foolish fears, etc.
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