For the Shortness of which the Length of the next shall make
some Amends
.
Sir George, to gratify Arabella's humor, had not presumed to come to the Castle for several Days; but, hearing that they were preparing to leave the Country, he wrote a short Billet to her; and in the Style of Romance, most humbly intreated her to grant him a Moment's Audience. Arabella being informed by Lucy, to whom Sir George's Gentleman had addressed himself, that he had brought a Letter from his Master, she ordered her to bring him to her Apartment, and as soon as he appeared, How comes it, said she, that the Prince your Master, has had the Presumption to importune me again, after my absolute Commands to the contrary? The Prince, my Master, Madam! said the Man, excessively surprised. Ay! said Arabella, Are you not Sir George's 'Squire? And does he not trust you with his most secret Thoughts? I belong to Sir George Bellmou r, Madam, replied the Man, who did not understand what she meant: I have not the Honor to be a 'Squire. No! interrupted Arabella; 'tis strange then, that he should have honored you with his Commission; Pray, what is it you come to request for him?