Page:Evelina (1778 Volume 1).pdf/216

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194
EVELINA.

to each other as early as you please, I'll promise to agree to your time."

"You know, dear Madam," said he, sipping his tea, "you know I only live in your sight."

"O yes, my Lord, I have long known that. But I begin to fear we shall be too late for Ranelagh this evening."

"O no, Madam," said Mr. Lovel, looking at his watch, "it is but just past ten."

"No more!" cried she, "O then we shall do very well."

All the ladies then started up, and declared they had no time to lose.

"Why what the D—l," cried the Captain, (leaning forward with both his arms on the table,) are you going to Ranelagh at this time of night?"

The ladies looked at one another, and smiled.

"To Ranelagh?" cried Lord ———, "Yes, and I hope you are going too; for we cannot possibly excuse these ladies."

"I go to Ranelagh?—if I do, I'll be ———."

Every body now stood up, and the stranger Lord, coming round to me, said, "You go, I hope?"

"No, my Lord, I believe not."

"O you cannot, must not be so barbarous." And he took my hand, and ran onsaying