Is not friendship the basis of my
love? And does he not tender me that?
Nevertheless, at the time, do what I could, I found a tear ready to
start. My heart was very untoward, Lucy; and I was guilty of a little
female turn. When I found the twinkling of my eyes would not disperse
the too ready drop, and felt it stealing down my cheek, I wiped it off--
The poor Emily, said I--She will be grieved at parting with you. Emily
loves her guardian.
And I love my ward. I once had a thought, madam, of begging your
protection of Emily: but as I have two sisters, I think she will be happy
under their wings, and in the protection of my good Lord L---- and the
rather, as I have no doubt of overcoming her unhappy mother, by making
her husband's interest a guaranty for her tolerable, if not good,
behaviour to her child.
I was glad to carry my thoughts out of myself, as I may say, and from my
own concerns. We all, sir, said I, look upon Mr. Beauchamp as a
future--
Husband for Emily, madam, interrupted he?--It must not be at my motion.
My friend shall be entitled to share with me my whole estate; but I will
never seek to lead the choice of my WARD. Let Emily, some time hence,
find out the husband she can be happy with; Beauchamp the wife he can
love: Emily, if I can help it, shall not be the wife of any man's
convenience. Beauchamp is nice, and I will be as nice for my WARD.
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