, however, I think proper to advertise you of, that she has no
independant fortune, and if you should even succeed in your addresses, you would
have the mortification to see her reduced to indigence, unless you have
wherewithal to support her - And I am credibly informed of your incapacity that
way. - Nay, I will confess, that, urged by this consideration, I have actually
sent notice to her brother, of the progress I suspect you have made in her
affection, and desired him to take his precautions accordingly.« - Alarmed and
provoked at this information, I told his lordship, that I did not see how he
could reconcile that piece of conduct with his profession of open dealing, and
flung away from him in a passion.
    As I walked homeward, in hopes of hearing from my mistress as usual by means
of Miss Williams, I was surprized with the waving of a handkerchief, from the
window of a coach and six that passed by me at full speed; and upon further
observation, I saw a servant on horse-back riding after it, who, I knew by his
livery, belonged to the Squire. - Thunderstruck with this discovery, the
knowledge of my misfortune rushed all at once upon my reflection! I guessed
immediately that the signal was made by the dear hand of Narcissa, who being
hurried away in consequence of Lord Quiverwit's message to her brother, had no
other method of relating her distress, and imploring my assistance. - Frantick
with this conjecture, I run to my lodging, snatched my pistols, and ordered
Strap to get post-horses, with such incoherence of speech and disorder, that the
poor valet, terrified with the suspicion of another duel, instead of providing
what I desired, went forthwith to Freeman, who being informed of my behaviour,
came streight to my apartment, and conjured me so pathetically to acquaint him
with the cause of my uneasiness, that I could not refuse to tell him my
happiness was fled with Narcissa, and that I must retrieve her or perish. He
represented the madness of such an undertaking, and endeavoured to divert me
from it with great strength of friendship and reason: But all his arguments
would have been ineffectual, had he not put me in mind of the dependance I ought
to have on the love of Narcissa, and attachment to her maid, which could not
fail of finding opportunities enow to advertise me of their situation; and at
the same time, demonstrated the injury my charmer's reputation must suffer from
my precipitate retreat. I was convinced and composed by these considerations:
