Page:The female Quixote, or, The adventures of Arabella (Second Edition).pdf/188

 Upon Miss Glanville's Appearance, she forced herself to assume a chearful Look, asking her Pardon, for receiving her in Bed; and complaining of bad Rest, which had occasioned her lying late.

Miss Glanville, after answering her Compliments with almost equal Politeness, proceeded to ask her an hundred Questions concerning the Cause of her Absence from the Castle: Your woman, pursued she, laughing, told us a strange Medley of Stuff about a great Man, who was a Gardener; and wanted to carry you away: Sure there was nothing in it! Was there?

You must excuse me, Cousin, said Arabella, if I do not answer your Questions precisely now: 'Tis sufficient that I tell you, Certain Reasons obliged me to act in the Manner I did, for my own Preservation; and that, another time, you shall know my History; which will explain many things you seem to be surprised at, at present.

Your History, said Miss Glanville! Why, will you write your own History then?

I shall not write it, said Arabella; tho', questionless, it will be written after my Death.

And must I wait till then for it, resumed Miss Glanville, gaily?

No, no, interrupted Arabella: I mean to gratify your Curiosity sooner; but it will not be yet a good time; and, haply, not till you have acquainted me with yours.

Mine! said Miss Glanville: It would not be worth your hearing; for really I have nothing to tell, that would make an History.