I sometimes fear she'll overcome me after all.

I have a strong will, but so has she, and when she says such bitter things, it provokes me to such a pass that I feel inclined to do as she bids me, and then break my heart and say, "There, mamma, it's all your fault!"' 'Pray don't!' said I.

'Obedience from such a motive would be positive wickedness, and certain to bring the punishment it deserves.

Stand firm, and your mamma will soon relinquish her persecution; and the gentleman himself will cease to pester you with his addresses if he finds them steadily rejected.' 'Oh, no! mamma will weary all about her before she tires herself with her exertions; and as for Mr.Oldfield, she has given him to understand that I have refused his offer, not from any dislike of his person, but merely because I am giddy and young, and cannot at present reconcile myself to the thoughts of marriage under any circumstances: but by next season, she has no doubt, I shall have more sense, and hopes my girlish fancies will be worn away.

So she has brought me home, to school me into a proper sense of my duty, against the time comes round again.