And as you know all that has happened
since, I hope these will satisfy you.
He was going to speak; but I said, to drive him from thinking of any
more, And I must beg you, sir, to read the matter favourably, if I have
exceeded in any liberties of my pen.
I think, said he, half-smiling, you may wonder at my patience, that I can
be so easy to read myself abused as I am by such a saucy slut.--Sir, said
I, I have wondered you should be so desirous to see my bold stuff; and,
for that very reason, I have thought it a very good, or a very bad sign.
What, said he, is your good sign?--That it may have an effect upon your
temper, at last, in my favour, when you see me so sincere. Your bad
sign? Why, that if you can read my reflections and observations upon
your treatment of me, with tranquillity, and not be moved, it is a sign
of a very cruel and determined heart. Now, pray, sir, don't be angry at
my boldness in telling you so freely my thoughts. You may, perhaps, said
he, be least mistaken, when you think of your bad sign. God forbid!
said I.
So I took out my papers; and said, Here, sir, they are. But if you
please to return them, without breaking the seal, it will be very
generous: and I will take it for a great favour, and a good omen.
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