"How could I keep away, when I heard you were here?"
"You must not speak to me, sir; I am forbidden."
"Pray do not condemn me unheard."
"If I listen to you I shall believe you. I won't hear a word. Gentlemen
can do things that ladies cannot even speak about. Talk to my aunt
Molineux; our fate depends on her. This will teach you not to be so
wicked. What business have gentlemen to be so wicked? Ladies are not.
No, it is no use; I will not hear a syllable. I am ashamed to be seen
speaking to you. You are a bad character. Oh, Charles, is it true you
had a fit?"
"Yes."
"And have you been very ill? You look ill."
"I am better now, dearest."
"Dearest! Don't call me names. How dare you keep speaking to me when I
request you not?"
"But I can't excuse myself, and obtain my pardon, and recover your
love, unless I am allowed to speak."
"Oh, you can speak to my aunt Molineux, and she will read you a fine
lesson."
"Where is she?"
"Nobody knows. But there is her house, the one with the iron gate. Get
her ear first, if you really love me; and don't you ever waylay me
again. If you do, I shall say something rude to you, sir. Oh, I'm so
happy!"
Having let this out, she hid her face with her hands, and fled like the
very wind.
At dinner-time she was in high spirits.
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