"Really, Sir Harry, this is too absurd!—eloping with me, as though I were an innocent fool, who could be led to do any one thing which clashes with my humour."
Sir Harry, at last finding it impossible either by joke or earnestness to induce me to enter his house, begged I would get into his carriage to be carried to my own house.
"No," said I. "No power on earth shall induce me, to enter your carriage again."
My anger towards Meyler for his supposed neglect, having now cooled, I was beginning to be very unhappy about him, and very much out of humour with Sir Harry.
"I will walk home," I said, "or at least, walk till I can find a coach, and I insist on your leaving me this instant."
"That, my sweet Harriette, is quite impossible; and, since you are so obstinate as to insist on risking to catch your death of cold by walking home without a bonnet, I must accompany you."
"It is quite fine again now," answered I, and on I set accompanied by Sir Harry, having first fastened my shawl over my head.
My house in the New Road had a garden before it. I felt dreadfully afraid of finding Meyler there; and I almost wished Mildmay to remain at hand to protect me, in case he should grow violent before I could convince him of my innocence.
"If Meyler is not there, I will come in," said Sir Harry.
I was really astonished at his assurance. "What do you think Meyler would say, if he found you in his house?" I inquired.