-- On all such occasions, the first torrent of passion must
be allowed to subside gradually. -- I endeavoured to beguile his
attention by starting little hints and insinuating other objects
of discourse imperceptibly; and being exceedingly pleased in my
own mind at this event, I exerted myself with such an
extraordinary flow of spirits as was attended with success. -- In a
few hours, he was calm enough to hear reason, and even to own
that Heaven could not have interposed more effectually to rescue
him from disgrace and ruin. -- That he might not, however, relapse
into weaknesses for want of company, I passed the night in his
chamber, in a little tent bed brought thither on purpose; and
well it was I took this precaution, for he started up in bed
several times, and would have played the fool, if I had not been
present.
Next day he was in a condition to talk of business, and vested me
with full authority over his household, which I began to exercise
without loss of time, tho' not before he knew and approved of the
scheme I had projected for his advantage. -- He would have quitted
the house immediately; but this retreat I opposed. -- Far from
encouraging a temporary disgust, which might degenerate into an
habitual aversion, I resolved, if possible, to attach him more
than ever to his Houshold Gods.
Pages:
597
598
599
600
601
602
603
604
605
606
607
608
609
610
611
612
613
614
615
616
617
618
619
620
621