_Mr F_ My dear creature, why sure _thou_ canst not be serious in asking me the question!
_Mrs G_ Sir, I _am_ serious, and expect a serious answer.
_Mr F_ Why then,--seriously, I have no more thoughts of marrying thee, than I have of marrying the first sultana in the grand seignior's seraglio.
_Mrs G_ Very well, Sir; very well; I am answered; (and she walked quicker about the room than before).
We were both silent. She, I suppose, expected that I should propose other terms, and a settlement; and waited, to try if I would speak. I had a mind to teaze her a little, and hummed a tune.
_Mrs G_ (Advancing to me, and making a low curt'sey, with a most scornful and sarcastical air) May I presume to enquire what your mightiness's pleasure is in regard to me? Do you intend to keep me for your nurse against your next illness, or to send me to the grand seignior's seraglio to wait upon the first sultana?
_Mr F_ Neither (carelessly, and looking another way). I have not yet determined which way I shall dispose of you.
_Mrs G_ _Dispose_ of me! _dispose_ of me! why sure the man has lost his senses!
_Mr F_ Look you, Mrs Gerrarde; we will no longer play at cross-purposes: sit down, and be calm for a few minutes, till you hear what I have to say.
(She did so, with a kind of impatience in her looks, that informed me I might have made a very free proposal, without any great danger of her resentment).
_Mr F_ How long have you and I been acquainted?
_Mrs G_ Lord! what is that question to the purpose?
_Mr F_ 'Tis only in order to my desiring you would look back, and, upon recollection, ask yourself, if you ever had any reason to look upon me as your lover.
_Mrs G_ I made that observation to you when we were travelling together: what is the use of it now?
_Mr F_ Did I, in the course of our journey, declare myself to be such, or drop the least hint of devoting myself to you on any condition?
_Mrs G_ We did not talk on the subject at all.
_Mr F_ Did I ever presume, on the advantage of having you in my power, to venture on the smallest liberty with you; or ever deviate from that respect in my behaviour, that I was used, at all other times, to treat you with?
_Mrs G_ I do not say you did; and it was that very behaviour that inclined me to imagine you had other thoughts than those I find you have.