I have not, madam, to Lady L----, turning rudely from me, and, not very civilly, from her. Ah! thought I, these men! The more they are courted --Wretches! to find their consequence in a woman's meekness--Yet, I could not forbear shewing mine.--Nature, Harriet! Who can resist constitution?
What stiff airs are these! approaching him.--I do assure you, my lord, I shall not take this behaviour well; and put my hand on his arm.
I was served right. Would you believe it? The man shook off my condescending hand, by raising his elbow scornfully. He really did!
Nay, then!--I left him, and retired to my former seat. I was vexed that it was Sunday: I wanted a little harmony.
Lord and Lady L---- both blamed me, by their looks; and my lady took my hand, and was leading me towards him. I shewed a little reluctance: and, would you have thought it? out of the drawing-room whipt my nimble lord, as if on purpose to avoid being moved by my concession.
I beg of you, Charlotte, said Lady L----, go to my lord. You have used him ill.
When I think so, I will follow your advice, Lady L----.
And don't you think so, Lady G----? said Lord L----.
What! for taking my own option how I would be dressed to-day?--What! for deferring--That moment in came my bluff lord--Have I not, proceeded I, been forced to dine without him to-day? Did he let me know what account I could give of his absence? Or when he would return?--And see, now, how angry he looks!
He traversed the room--I went on--Did he not shake off my hand, when I laid it, smiling, on his arm? Would he answer me a question, which I kindly put to him, fearing he had not dined, and might be sick for want of eating? Was I not forced to apply to Lady L---- for an answer to my careful question, on his scornfully turning from me in silence?--Might we not, if he had not gone out so abruptly, nobody knows where, have made the appearance his heart is so set upon?--But now, indeed, it is too late.
Oons, madam! said he, and he kimboed his arms, and strutted up to me. Now for a cuff, thought I. I was half afraid of it: but out of the room again capered he.
Lord bless me, said I, what a passionate creature is this!
Lord and Lady L---- both turned from me with indignation. But no wonder if one, that they both did. They are a silly pair; and I believe have agreed to keep each other in countenance in all they do.