And you may believe I could not
very well like to be supplanted in a view that lay next my heart; and
that by an old acquaintance, whose good, before this affair, I was
studious to promote.
I would only say, sir, said he, that my first motive was entirely such as
became my function: And, very politely, said my master, he added, And I
am very sure, that however inexcusable I might seem in the progress of
the matter, yourself, sir, would have been sorry to have it said, you had
cast your thoughts on a person, that nobody could have wished for but
yourself.
Well, Mr. Williams, said I, I see you are a man of gallantry, as well as
religion: But what I took most amiss was, that, if you thought me doing a
wrong thing, you did not expostulate with me upon it, as your function
might have allowed you to do; but immediately determined to counterplot
me, and attempt to secure to yourself a prize you would have robbed me
of, and that from my own house. But the matter is at an end, and I
retain not any malice upon it; though you did not know but I might, at
last, do honourably by her, as I actually intend.
I am sorry for myself, sir, said he, that I should so unhappily incur
your displeasure; but I rejoice for her sake in your honourable
intentions: give me leave only to say, that if you make Miss Andrews your
lady, she will do credit to your choice with every body that sees her, or
comes to know her; and, for person and mind both, you may challenge the
county.
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