As soon as Lady G---- (so now I must call her) recovered herself from the
surprise into which my lord's present and address had put her, she went
to him: Allow me, my lord, said she, and bent one knee to him, to crave
your blessing; and at the same time to thank you for your paternal
present to your ever obliged Charlotte.
God bless you, my dear! saluting her--But thank your noble brother: you
delight me with your graceful acceptance.
Lady L---- came up. My Lord, you overcome me by your bounty.--How shall
I--
Your brother's princely spirit, Lady L----, said he, makes this present
look mean. Forgive me only, that it was not done before. And he saluted
her.
Lord L---- came up. Lady L---- shewed him the opened notes--See here, my
lord, said she, what Lord W---- has done: and he calls this the interest
due on that.
Your lordship oppresses me with your goodness to your niece, said Lord
L----. May health, long-life, and happiness, attend you in your own
nuptials!
There, there, said Lord W----, pointing to Sir Charles, (who had
withdrawn, and then entered), make your acknowledgment: his noble spirit
has awakened mine; it was only asleep. My late sister's brother wanted
but the force of such an example. That son is all his mother.
Sir Charles joining them, having heard only the last words--If I am
thought a son not unworthy of the most excellent of mothers, said he, and
by her brother, I am happy.
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