Page:Arabella (Second Edition - Volume 1).pdf/178

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which you, by supporting him, are not equally guilty of?

Who? I! Madam! cried out Edward: Sure your Ladyship does not suspect me of such a strange Design! God knows I never thought of such a Thing!

Ah! Dissembler! interrupted Arabella, do not make use of that sacred Name to mask thy impious Falshoods: Confess with what Intent you came into my Father's Service disguised.

I never came disguised, Madam, returned Edward.

No! said Arabella: What means that Dress in which I see you, then?

'Tis the Marquis's Livery, Madam, said Edward, which he did not order to be taken from me when I left his Service.

And with what Purpose didst thou wear it? said she, Do not your Thoughts accuse you of your Crime?

I always hoped, Madam——said he.

You hoped! interrupted Arabella: frowning, Did I ever give you Reason to hope? I will not deny but I had Compassion on you; but even That you was ignorant of.

I know, Madam, you had Compassion on me, said Edward; for your Ladyship, I always thought, did not believe me guilty.

I was weak enough, said she, to have Compassion on you, though I did believe you guilty.

Indeed, Madam, returned Edward, I always hoped, as I said before (but your Ladyship would not hear me out), that you did not believe any malicious Reports; and therefore you had Compassion on me.