ABSTRACT
Lord Francis having candidly avowed the whole series of machinations, with noble and ingenuous pride confessed himself her lover: but at the same time he conjured her to believe that his sense of her virtues would ever shield her from a dishonourable motive. ‘Your distresses,’ said he, ‘Your sensibility, awaken all the purer feelings of my soul. But destiny having placed you under my protection, you shall find it a safe and sacred shelter from every species of persecution. Yet as calumny is lynx-eyed, and as I value your reputation far more than I should enjoy the triumphs of a boyish vanity, I will not remain under the roof while you condescend to acknowledge it as your asylum. This night I will find a lodging, where I shall remain as long as you will honour my home by calling it your own.’
