I am sure, said I, I will take care as much as I can; for I have been
frightened out of my wits, and had offended, before I knew where I was.
So happily did this storm blow over; and my lady was quite subdued and
pacified. When we came out of the garden, his chariot was ready; and he said,
Well, sister, I had most assuredly gone away towards my other house, if
things had not taken this happy turn; and, if you please, instead of
it, you and I will take an airing: And pray, my dear, said he to me, bid
Mrs. Jewkes order supper by eight o'clock, and we shall then join you.
Sir, added he, to her nephew, will you take your horse and escort us? I
will, said he: and am glad, at my soul, to see you all so good friends.
So my dear lord and master handed my lady into his chariot, and her
kinsman and his servants rode after them and I went up to my closet to
ruminate on these things. And, foolish thing that I am, this poor Miss
Sally Godfrey runs into my head!--How soon the name and quality of a
wife gives one privileges, in one's own account!--Yet, methinks, I want
to know more about her; for, is it not strange, that I, who lived
years in the family, should have heard nothing of this? But I was so
constantly with my lady, that I might the less hear of it; for she, I
dare say, never knew it, or she would have told me.
But I dare not ask him about the poor lady.--Yet I wonder what became of
her! Whether she be living? And whether any thing came of it?--May be I
shall hear full soon enough!--But I hope not to any bad purpose.
As to the other unhappy case, I know it was talked of, that in his
travels, before I was taken into the family long, he had one or two
broils; and, from a youth, he was always remarkable for courage, and is
reckoned a great master of his sword. God grant he may never be put to
use it! and that he may be always preserved in honour and safety!
About seven o'clock my master sent word, that he would have me not
expect him to supper; for that he, and my lady his sister, and nephew,
were prevailed upon to stay with Lady Jones; and that Lady Darnford, and
Mr. Peters's family, had promised to meet them there. I was glad they
did not send for me; and the rather, as I hoped those good families
being my friends, would confirm my lady a little in my favour; and so I
followed my writing closely. About eleven o'clock they returned.