Pray sir, said I, since you embolden me to talk on this important
subject, may I not send my dear father and mother word of my happiness?--
You may, said he; but charge them to keep it secret, till you or I direct
the contrary. And I told you, I would see no more of your papers; but I
meant, I would not without your consent: but if you will shew them to me
(and now I have no other motive for my curiosity, but the pleasure I take
in reading what you write,) I shall acknowledge it as a favour.
If, sir, said I, you will be pleased to let me write over again one
sheet, I will; though I had relied upon your word, and not written them
for your perusal. What is that? said he: though I cannot consent to it
beforehand: for I more desire to see them, because they are your true
sentiments at the time, and because they were not written for my perusal.
Sir, said I, what I am loath you should see, are very severe reflections
on the letter I received by the gipsy, when I apprehended your design of
the sham-marriage; though there are other things I would not have you
see; but that is the worst. It can't be worse, said he, my dear sauce-
box, than I have seen already; and I will allow your treating me in ever
so black a manner, on that occasion, because it must have a very black
appearance to you.
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