Hey-day! cried the sea-officer, waked out of his stupid doze by the clamour about him: what's the matter here—What are you doing? Where's my Lucy? Zounds, sir! said he, to the young fellow who held her, what business have you with my Lucy? And uttering a dreadful oath, drew out his sword, and staggered towards his gay rival, who observing the weakness of his antagonist, flourished with his sword to show his courage and frighten the ladies, who all ran away screaming. Arabella taking Miss Glanville under the arm, cried out to Mr. Glanville as she left the place, to take care of the distressed lady, and, while the two combatants were disputing for her, to carry her away in safety.
But Mr. Glanville, without regarding this injunction, hastened after her; and to pacify her, told her the lady was rescued by her favourite lover, and carried off in triumph.
But are you sure, said Arabella, it was not some other of her ravishers who carried her away, and not the person whom she has haply favoured with her affection? May not the same thing have happened to her, as did to the beautiful Candace, queen of Ethiopia; who, while two of her ravishers were fighting for her, a third whom she took for her deliverer, came and carried her away.
But she went away willingly, I assure you, madam, said Mr. Glanville: pray don't be in any concern about her——
If she went away willingly with him, replied Arabella, it is probable it may not be another ravisher: and yet if this person that rescued her happened to be in armour, and the vizor of his helmet down, she might be mistaken as well as Queen Candace.
Well, well, he was not in armour, madam, said Glanville, almost beside himself with vexation at her folly——
You seem to be disturbed, sir, said Arabella, a little surprised at his peevish tone. Is there any thing in this adventure which concerns you? Nay, now I remember, you did not offer to defend the beautiful unknown. I am not willing to impute your inaction upon such an occasion to want of courage or generosity; perhaps you are acquainted with her history, and from this knowledge refused to engage in her defence.
Mr. Glanville, perceiving the company gather from all parts to the walk they were in, told her he would acquaint her with all he knew concerning the disguised lady when they were in the coach on their return home; and Arabella, impatient for the promised story, proposed to leave the gardens immediately, which was gladly complied with by Mr. Glanville, who heartily repented his having carried her thither.