Martin: Why, I know; for I am more
than half reformed already.
At the chariot door, Mrs. Arthur, Mrs. Brooks, and Mrs. Chambers, were
brought to me, by their respective spouses; and presently the witty Lady
Towers, who bantered me before, (as I once told you,) joined them; and
Mrs. Arthur said, she wished me joy; and that all the good ladies, my
neighbours, would collect themselves together, and make me a visit.
This, said I, will be an honour, madam, that I can never enough
acknowledge. It will be very kind so to countenance a person who will
always study to deserve your favour, by the most respectful behaviour.
Lady Towers said, My dear neighbour, you want no countenance; your own
merit is sufficient. I had a slight cold, that kept me at home in the
morning; but I heard you so much talked of, and praised, that I resolved
not to stay away in the afternoon; and I join in the joy every one gives
you. She turned to my master, and said, You are a sly thief, as I always
thought you. Where have you stolen this lady? And now, how barbarous is
it, thus unawares, in a manner, to bring her here upon us, to mortify and
eclipse us all?--You are very kind, madam, said he, that you and all my
worthy neighbours see with my eyes. But had I not known she had so much
excellency of mind and behaviour, as would strike every body in her
favour at first sight, I should not have dared to class her with such of
my worthy neighbours, as now so kindly congratulate us both.
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