As soon as he had released her from his arms he led her to a chair, kept her hand in his, and seated himself by her: she was not in the least abashed, did not betray any extraordinary agitation, nor studied to avoid his eyes; for real purity is not suspicious--Amelia, he cried, I know the sacred nature of the responsibility I have incurred by giving way to the raptures, which your charms inspired. Your father’s picture hangs before me; I well remember the apostrophe I made to it; you do not want the presence of Mrs. Jennings to guarantee my good behaviour; your very best duenna is my honour. That mother, who is scarcely cold in her shrowd, with her dying breath bequeathed you to my honour, my protection and my constant care through life. These are my duties; they are such as a brother, as a guardian or a father might engage in: I don’t commence my execution of them after the way of either of these, but, availing myself of the first favourable opportunity, and snatching at the first kind expression, which your politeness prompts you to address to me, I instantly throw my unprivileged arms about your chaste and beauteous person with all the ardour of a lover--All this is true: I felt that ardour, and I feel that love--Let me now ask you, Does the declaration of that love offend you? Oh, no, no, no. And may I hope in time to merit a return of love? You merit it already, and you have it--But hold! restrain yourself. Don’t make it such a wonder that I speak the truth; but as I have answered fairly, hear me now in my turn, calmly, patiently, I pray you; for I verily believe, that upon the candour, with which you shall treat the sincere confession and appeal I am now about to make to you, the happiness of my life in future will depend. Speak freely; I am all attention. I will not deceive you.