Capt. Mr. Lovelace, but that I know your modesty, or you could give a reason—
Lovel. Looking down, and very modest—I can't think so, Captain—but let us call another cause.
Every woman present could look me in the face, so bashful was I.
Capt. Well, but as to our present situation—only it mayn't be proper— looking upon me, and round upon the women.
Lovel. O Captain, you may say any thing before this company—only, Andrew, [to my new servant, who attended us at table,] do you withdraw: this good girl [looking at the maid-servant] will help us to all we want.
Away went Andrew: he wanted not his cue; and the maid seemed pleased at my honour's preference of her.
Capt. As to our present situation, I say, Mr. Lovelace—why, Sir, we shall be all untwisted, let me tell you, if my friend Mr. John Harlowe were to know what that is. He would as much question the truth of your being married, as the rest of the family do.
Here the women perked up their ears; and were all silent attention.
Capt. I asked you before for particulars, Mr. Lovelace; but you declined giving them.—Indeed it may not be proper for me to be acquainted with them.—But I must own, that it is past my comprehension, that a wife can resent any thing a husband can do (that is not a breach of the peace) so far as to think herself justified for eloping from him.
Lovel. Captain Tomlinson:—Sir—I do assure you, that I shall be offended—I shall be extremely concerned—if I hear that word eloping mentioned again—