My lord was greatly pleased with her too. He complimented her as the
beloved ward of the best of guardians. He lamented, with us, the
occasion that called his nephew abroad. He was full of his own
engagements with Miss Mansfield, and declared that his nephew should
guide and govern him as he pleased in every material case, respecting
either the conduct of his future life, or the management and disposition
of his estate; declaring, that he had made his will, and, reserving only
his lady's jointure, and a few legacies, had left every thing to him.
How right a thing, even in policy, is it, my dear, to be good and
generous.
I must not forget, that my lord wished with all his soul, that was his
expression, that he might have the honour of giving to his nephew my hand
in marriage.
I could feel myself blush. I half-suppressed a sigh: I would have wholly
suppressed it, if I could. I recovered the little confusion, his too
plainly expressed wish gave me, by repeating to myself the word CLEMENTINA.
This Charlotte is a great coward. But I dare not tell her so, for fear
of a retort. I believe I should be as great a one in her circumstances,
so few hours to one of the greatest events of one's life! But I pretend
not to bravery: yet hope, that in the cause of virtue or honour I should
be found to have a soul.
I write now at my cousin's.
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