--And that is now.
LETTER XI
MISS BYRON.--IN CONTINUATION
O Lucy, I have such a conversation to relate to you!--But let me lead to
it.
Sir Charles met me at the opening of the door. He was all himself. Such
an unaffected modesty and politeness; yet such an ease and freedom!
I thought, by his address, that he would have taken my hand; and both
hands were so emulatively passive--How does he manage it to be so free in
a first address, yet so respectful, that a princess could not blame him!
After breakfast, my cousins being sent for out to attend Sir John
Allestree and his Niece, Sir Charles and I were left alone: and then,
with an air equally solemn and free, he addressed himself to me.
The last time I had the honour of being alone with my good Miss Byron, I
told her a very tender tale. I was sure it would raise in such a heart
as hers generous compassion for the noblest lady on the continent; and I
presumed, as my difficulties were not owing either to rashness or
indiscretion, that she would also pity the relater.
The story did indeed affect you; yet, for my own sake, as well as yours,
I referred you to Dr. Bartlett, for the particulars of some parts of it,
upon which I could not expatiate.
The doctor, madam, has let me know the particulars which he communicated
to you. I remember with pain the pain I gave to your generous heart in
Lord L----'s study.
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