"But, Kitty," here the Doctor beamed upon me like the sun in splendour, "I have here--yea, even in this house, the husband of my choice, the man who will make thee happy. Start not--it is resolved. Child, _obey me_." I declare that I was so terrified by the Doctor's words, so amazed by his announcement, so spellbound by his words and manner, that I did not dare resist. Had he told me that I was to be hanged, I could not have made an effort to save myself. "_Obey me_," he repeated, bending his eyebrows, and looking upon me no longer as a sun in splendour, but as an angry judge might look upon a criminal. "Stand here--so--do not move; keep thy face covered with thy hood, all but thine eyes. Give me your hand when I ask it, and be silent, save when I bid thee speak. Be not afraid, girl; I do this for thine own good. I give thee a gentleman for thy husband. Thou shalt not leave this place yet awhile, but needs must that thou be married. I return in five minutes." He took the jug of beer and climbed the stairs. I meanwhile stood where he had placed me, my hood over my head, in the most dreadful terror that ever assailed the heart of any girl. Upstairs the Doctor awakened Lord Chudleigh with some difficulty. He sat up on the bed and looked round him, wondering where he was. "I know now," he murmured, "you are Doctor Shovel, and this is----" "Your lordship is in the Liberties of the Fleet." "My head is like a lump of lead," said the young man. "Your lordship was very merry last night, as, indeed, befits the happy occasion." "Was I merry? Indeed, I think I was very drunk. What occasion?" "Drink a little small ale," said the Doctor; "it will revive you." He took a long drink of the beer, and tried to stand. "So," he said, "I am better already; but my head reels, Doctor, and my legs are unsteady. It serves me right. It is the first time, and it shall be the last." "I hope so, since your lordship is about to undertake so important a charge." "What charge?" asked Lord Chudleigh, still dazed and unsteady. "Is it possible that your lordship hath forgotten your mistress of whom you would still be talking last night? 'The sweetest girl in England--the prettiest girl in all the world--the fairest, kindest nymph'--I quote your lordship." Lord Chudleigh stared in amazement. "The sweetest girl?--what girl?" "Oh, your lordship is pleased to jest with me." "I remember you, Doctor Shovel, whom I came to see last night with Sir Miles Lackington; I remember the punch and the songs; but I remember nothing about any girl." "Why, she is downstairs now, waiting for your lordship. You will come downstairs and keep your appointment." He spoke in a peremptory manner, as if ordering and expecting obedience. "My appointment? Have I gone mad? It is this cursed punch of yours. My appointment?" The Doctor gave him his coat and wig, and helped him to put them on.