But, sure, my dear, you might have got away when you went to your own
dinner? Indeed, sir, said I, her ladyship locked me in, and would not
let me stir.--So you ha'nt ate any dinner? No, indeed, sir, nor had a
stomach for any. My poor dear, said he. But then, how got you away at
last? O sir, replied I, I jumped out of the parlour window, and ran away
to the chariot, which had waited for me several hours, by the elm-walk,
from the time of my lady's coming (for I was just going, as I said); and
Mr. Colbrand conducted me through her servants, whom she called to, to
stop me; and was so kind to step behind the chariot, unknown to me, and
saw me safe here. I'm sure, said he, these insolent creatures must have treated you
vilely. But tell me, what part did Mrs. Jewkes act in this affair? A
very kind part, sir, said I, in my behalf; and I shall thank her for it.
Sweet creature! said he, thou lovest to speak well of every body; but
I hope she deserves it; for she knew you were married.--But come, we'll
now join the company, and try to forget all you have suffered, for two
or three hours, that we may not tire the company with our concerns
and resume the subject as we go home: and you shall find I will do you
justice, as I ought. But you forgive me, sir, said I, and are not angry?
Forgive you, my dear! returned he--I hope you forgive me! I shall never
make you satisfaction for what you have suffered from me, and for me!
And with those words he led me into the company.
He very kindly presented me to the two stranger ladies, and the
gentleman, and them to me: and Sir Simon, who was at cards, rose from
table, and saluted me: Adad! madam, said he, I'm glad to see you here.
What, it seems you have been a prisoner! 'Twas well you was, or your
spouse and I should have sat in judgment upon you, and condemned you to
a fearful punishment for your first crime of laesae majestatis: (I had
this explained to me afterwards, as a sort of treason against my liege
lord and husband:) for we husbands hereabouts, said he, are resolved to
turn over a new leaf with our wives, and your lord and master shall
shew us the way, I can tell you that. But I see by your eyes, my sweet
culprit, added he, and your complexion, you have had sour sauce to your
sweet meat. Miss Darnford said, I think we are obliged to our sweet guest, at last;
for she was forced to jump out at a window to come to us. Indeed! said
Mrs. Peters;--and my master's back being turned, says she, Lady Davers,
when a maiden, was always vastly passionate; but a very good lady when
her passion was over. And she'd make nothing of slapping her maids
about, and begging their pardons afterwards, if they took it patiently;
otherwise she used to say the creatures were even with her.