He very kindly presented me to the two stranger ladies, and the
gentleman, and them to me: and Sir Simon, who was at cards, rose from
table, and saluted me: Adad! madam, said he, I'm glad to see you here.
What, it seems you have been a prisoner! 'Twas well you was, or your
spouse and I should have sat in judgment upon you, and condemned you to a
fearful punishment for your first crime of laesae majestatis: (I had this
explained to me afterwards, as a sort of treason against my liege lord
and husband:) for we husbands hereabouts, said he, are resolved to turn
over a new leaf with our wives, and your lord and master shall shew us
the way, I can tell you that. But I see by your eyes, my sweet culprit,
added he, and your complexion, you have had sour sauce to your sweet
meat.
Miss Darnford said, I think we are obliged to our sweet guest, at last;
for she was forced to jump out at a window to come to us. Indeed! said
Mrs. Peters;--and my master's back being turned, says she, Lady Davers,
when a maiden, was always vastly passionate; but a very good lady when
her passion was over. And she'd make nothing of slapping her maids
about, and begging their pardons afterwards, if they took it patiently;
otherwise she used to say the creatures were even with her.
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