Mrs. Jewkes held up her eyes and hands, and said, Such art, such

caution, such cunning, for thy years!--Well!--Why, said I, (that he

might be more on his guard, though I hope there cannot be deceit in

this; 'twould be strange villany, and that is a hard word, if there

should!) I have been so used to be made a fool of by fortune, that I

hardly can tell how to govern myself; and am almost an infidel as to

mankind. But I hope I may be wrong; henceforth, Mrs. Jewkes, you shall

regulate my opinions as you please, and I will consult you in every

thing--(that I think proper, said I to myself)--for, to be sure, though

I may forgive her, I can never love her. She left Mr. Williams and me, a few minutes, together; and I said,

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Consider, sir, consider what you have done. 'Tis impossible, said he,

there can be deceit. I hope so, said I; but what necessity was there

for you to talk of your former declaration? Let this be as it will, that

could do no good, especially before this woman. Forgive me, sir; they

talk of women's promptness of speech; but, indeed, I see an honest heart

is not always to be trusted with itself in bad company. He was going to reply, but though her task is said to be ALMOST (I took

notice of that word) at an end, she came up to us again, and said; Well,

I had a good mind to show you the way to church to-morrow. I was glad of

this, because, though in my present doubtful situation I should not have

chosen it, yet I would have encouraged her proposal, to be able to judge

by her being in earnest or otherwise, whether one might depend upon the

rest. But Mr. Williams again indiscreetly helped her to an excuse, by

saying, that it was now best to defer it one Sunday, and till matters

were riper for my appearance: and she readily took hold of it, and

confirmed his opinion. After all, I hope the best: but if this should turn out to be a plot,

I fear nothing but a miracle can save me. But, sure the heart of man is

not capable of such black deceit. Besides, Mr. Williams has it under his

own hand, and he dare not but be in earnest: and then again, though to

be sure he has been very wrong to me, yet his education, and parents'

example, have neither of them taught him such very black contrivances.

So I will hope for the best. Mr. Williams, Mrs. Jewkes, and I, have been all three walking together

in the garden; and she pulled out her key, and we walked a little in the

pasture to look at the bull, an ugly, grim, surly creature, that hurt

the poor cook-maid; who is got pretty well again. Mr. Williams pointed

at the sunflower, but I was forced to be very reserved to him; for the

poor gentleman has no guard, no caution at all. We have just supped together, all three: and I cannot yet think that all

must be right.--Only I am resolved not to marry, if I can help it; and I

will give no encouragement, I am resolved, at least, till I am with you. Mr. Williams said, before Mrs. Jewkes, he would send a messenger with

a letter to my father and mother.--I think the man has no discretion

in the world: but l desire you will send no answer, till I have the

pleasure and happiness which now I hope for soon, of seeing you. He

will, in sending my packet, send a most tedious parcel of stuff, of my

oppressions, my distresses, my fears; and so I will send this with it;

(for Mrs. Jewkes gives me leave to send a letter to my father, which

looks well;) and I am glad I can conclude, after all my sufferings, with

my hopes, to be soon with you, which I know will give you comfort; and

so I rest, begging the continuance of your prayers and blessings, Your ever dutiful DAUGHTER.




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