I therefore behaved and answered unaffectedly; but
avoided such a promptness of speech, as would have looked like making
pretensions to knowledge and opinion, though some of my lord's questions
were apparently designed to engage me into freedom of discourse. The
countess observed me narrowly. She whispered to me, that she did; and
made me a very high compliment on my behaviour. How much, Lucy, do I
love and reverence her!
My lord was spoken too slightly of, by Miss Grandison, in a former
conversation. He is really a fine gentleman. Any woman who is not
engaged in her affections, may think herself very happy with him. His
conversation was easy and polite, and he said nothing that was low or
trifling. Indeed, Lucy, I think Mr. Greville and Mr. Fenwick are as
greatly inferior to Lord D----, as Lord D---- is to Sir Charles
Grandison.
At parting, he requested of me, to be allowed to repeat his visits.
My lord, said the countess, before I could answer, you must not expect a
mere stiff maiden answer from Miss Byron: she is above all vulgar forms.
She and her cousins have too much politeness, and, I will venture to say,
discernment, not to be glad of your acquaintance, as an acquaintance--
But, for the rest, you must look to your heart.
I shall be afraid, said he, turning to the countess, to ask your ladyship
for an explanation. Miss Byron, I hope, sir, addressing himself to Mr.
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