Volume II Part 33 (1/2)

How can I consent to see him again, when yesterday's interview was interpreted by you, Madam, as well as by every other, as an encouragement to him? when I myself declared, that if I saw him a second time by my own consent, it might be so taken? and when I am determined never to encourage him?

You might spare your reflections upon me, Miss. I have no thanks either from one side or the other.

And away she flung.

Dearest Madam! said I, following her to the door--

But she would not hear me further; and her sudden breaking from me occasioned a hurry to some mean listener; as the slipping of a foot from the landing-place on the stairs discovered to me.

I had scarcely recovered myself from this attack, when up came Betty--Miss, said she, your company is desired below-stairs in your own parlour.

By whom, Betty?

How can I tell, Miss?--perhaps by your sister, perhaps by your brother--I know they wont' come up stairs to your apartment again.

Is Mr. Solmes gone, Betty?

I believe he is, Miss--Would you have him sent for back? said the bold creature.

Down I went: and to whom should I be sent for, but to my brother and Mr.

Solmes! the latter standing sneaking behind the door, so that I saw him not, till I was mockingly led by the hand into the room by my brother.

And then I started as if I had beheld a ghost.

You are to sit down, Clary.

And what then, Brother?

Why then, you are to put off that scornful look, and hear what Mr.

Solmes has to say to you.

Sent down for to be baited again, thought I!

Madam, said Mr. Solmes, as if in haste to speak, lest he should not have an opportunity given him, [and indeed he judged right,] Mr. Lovelace is a declared marriage hater, and has a design upon your honour, if ever--

Base accuser! said I, in a pa.s.sion, s.n.a.t.c.hing my hand from my brother, who was insolently motioning to give it to Mr. Solmes; he has not!--he dares not!--But you have, if endeavouring to force a free mind be to dishonour it!

O thou violent creature! said my brother--but not gone yet--for I was rus.h.i.+ng away.

What mean you, Sir, [struggling vehemently to get away,] to detain me thus against my will?

You shall not go, Violence; clasping his unbrotherly arms about me.

Then let not Mr. Solmes stay.--Why hold you me thus? he shall not for your own sake, if I can help it, see how barbarously a brother can treat a sister who deserves not evil treatment.

And I struggled so vehemently to get from him, that he was forced to quit my hand; which he did with these words--Begone then, Fury!--how strong is will!--there is no holding her.

And up I flew to my chamber, and locked myself in, trembling and out of breath.