From my own Apartment,October 24.
My brother Tranquillus,who is a man of business,came to me this morning into my study,and after very many civil expressions in return for what good offices I had done him,told me "he desired to carry his wife,my sister,that very morning to his own house."Ireadily told him "I would wait upon him"without asking why he was so impatient to rob us of his good company.He went out of my chamber,and I thought seemed to have a little heaviness upon him,which gave me some disquiet.Soon after my sister came to me with a very matron-like air,and most sedate satisfaction in her looks,which spoke her very much at ease;but the traces of her countenance seemed to discover that she had lately been in a passion,and that air of content to flow from a certain triumph upon some advantage obtained.She no sooner sat down by me but I perceived she was one of those ladies who begin to be managers within the time of their being brides.Without letting her speak,which I saw she had a mighty inclination to do,I said,"Here has been your husband,who tells me he has a mind to go home this very morning,and I have consented to it."--"It is well,"said she,"for you must know--""Nay,Jenny,"said I,"I beg your pardon,for it is you must know.
You are to understand,that now is the time to fix or alienate your husband's heart for ever;and I fear you have been a little indiscreet in your expressions or behaviour towards him,even here in my house.""There has,"says she,"been some words;but I will be judged by you if he was not in the wrong:nay,I need not be judged by anybody,for he gave it up himself,and said not a word when he saw me grow passionate but,'Madam,you are perfectly in the right of it:'as you shall judge--""Nay,madam,"said I,"I am judge already,and tell you that you are perfectly in the wrong of it;for if it was a matter of importance,I know he has better sense than you;if a trifle,you know what I told you on your wedding day,that you were to be above little provocations."She knows very well I can be sour upon occasion,therefore gave me leave to go on.