"Well, but where's the parson? exclaimed Bromley--What, has
grace been said, the collation served, and the cloth removed?
Upon my word, you have been very expeditious, Miss.
"My God, Bromley, said Townshend, do not reflect so much upon
the ladies modesty. I will stake my life they were not to have
been married these three days.
"Olivia now rose from the sopha in unspeakable agitation, and
endeavoured to defend herself. Gentlemen, assure
yourselves,--give me leave to protest to you,--indeed you will
be sorry--you are mistaken------Oh Miss Bromley, added she, in a
piercing voice, and threw her arms eagerly about the neck of
Louisa.
"Mind them not, my dear, said Louisa; you know, gentlemen, Miss
Seymour is studious; it was a point in philosophy she wished to
settle; that's all, Olivia; and kissed her cheek.
"Or perhaps, added Townshend,--the lady is young and
inexperienced--she wanted a comment upon the bower scene in
Cleopatra.
"Olivia suddenly raised her head and came forward, still leaning
one arm upon Louisa. Hear me, cried she; I will be heard. What
have I done that would expose me to the lash of each unlicenced
tongue? What has there been in any hour of my life, upon which
for calumny to fix her stain? Of what loose word, of what act of
levity and dissipation can I be convicted? Have I not lived in
the solitude of a recluse? Oh, fortune, hard and unexampled!
"Deuce take me, cried sir Charles, whispering Townshend, if I
ever saw any thing so handsome.
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