I am glad, my dear, said I, that
you are capable of this tenderness of temper: you blustering girls--But
fear, I believe, will make cowards loving.
Harriet, said she, and flung from me to the window, remember this: may I
soon see you in the same situation! I will then have no mercy upon you.
The subject, which Sir Charles led to at breakfast, was the three
weddings of Thursday last. He spoke honourably of marriage, and made
some just compliments to Lord and Lady L----; concluding them with
wishes, that his sister Charlotte and Lord G---- might be neither more
nor less happy than they were. Then turning to Lord W----, he said, he
questioned not his lordship's happiness with the lady he had so lately
seen; for I cannot doubt, said he, of your lordship's affectionate
gratitude to her, if she behaves, as I am sure she will.
My lord had tears in his eyes. Never man had such a nephew as I have,
said he. All the joy of my present prospects, all the comforts of my
future life, are and will be owing to you.
Here had he stopt, it would have been well: but turning to me, he
unexpectedly said, Would to God, madam, that you could reward him! I
cannot; and nobody else can.
All were alarmed for me; every eye was upon me. A sickishness came over
my heart--I know not how to describe it. My head sunk upon my bosom. I
could hardly sit; yet was less able to rise.
Pages:
191
192
193
194
195
196
197
198
199
200
201
202
203
204
205
206
207
208
209
210
211
212
213
214
215