I was baulked, and withdrew. For I saw him turn the seal about and about, as if he would see whether I had endeavoured to look into it.
He needed not to have been so afraid; for I would not have done such a thing had I known my life was to depend upon it. I went up, and could not help weeping at his quick answer; yet I did my endeavour to hide it, when he came up.
"Was not my girl a little inquisitive upon me just now?"
"I spoke pleasantly. Sir—But you were very quick on your girl."
"'Tis my temper, my dear—You know I mean nothing. You should not mind it."
"I should not, Sir, if I had been used to it."
He looked at me with sternness, "Do you doubt my honour, Madam?"
"Madam! I did you say. Sir?—I won't take that word!—Dear Sir, call it back—I won't be called Madam!—Call me your girl, your rustic, your Pamela—call me any thing but Madam!"
"My charmer, then, my life, my soul: will any of those do?" and saluted me: "but whatever you do, let me not see that you have any doubts of my honour to you."
"The very mention of the word, dear Sir, is a security to me; I want no other; I cannot doubt: but if you speak short to me, how shall I bear that?"