True, Beck, very true,
said my lady; but there's no bearing the impudence of the creature in the
mean time.
I would have gone out at the door, but her kinsman ran and set his back
against it. I expected bad treatment from her pride, and violent temper;
but this was worse than I could have thought of. And I said to him, Sir,
when my master comes to know your rude behaviour, you will, may be, have
cause to repent it: and went and sat down in the window again.
Another challenge, by gad! said he; but I am glad she says her master!--
You see, madam, she herself does not believe she is married, and so has
not been so much deluded as you think for: And, coming to me with a most
barbarous air of insult, he said, kneeling on one knee before me, My new
aunt, your blessing or your curse, I care not which; but quickly give me
one or other, that I may not lose my dinner!
I gave him a most contemptuous look: Tinselled toy, said I, (for he was
laced all over), twenty or thirty years hence, when you are at age, I
shall know how to answer you better; mean time, sport with your footman,
and not with me! and so I removed to another window nearer the door, and
he looked like a sad fool, as he is.
Beck, Beck, said my lady, this is not to be borne! Was ever the like
heard! Is my kinsman and Lord Davers's to be thus used by such a slut?
And was coming to me: And indeed I began to be afraid; for I have but a
poor heart, after all.
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