MISS BYRON.--IN CONTINUATION
MONDAY, APRIL 17.
The countess is just gone.
Mr. Reeves was engaged before to breakfast with Lady Betty Williams; and
we were only Mrs. Reeves, Lady D----, and I.
My heart ached at her entrance; and every moment still more, as we were
at breakfast. Her looks, I thought, had such particular kindness and
meaning in them, as seemed to express, 'You have no hopes, Miss Byron,
any where else; and I will have you to be mine.'
But my suspense was over the moment the tea-table was removed. I see
your confusion, my dear, said the countess: [Mrs. Reeves, you must not
leave us;] and I have sat in pain for you, as I saw it increase. By this
I know that Sir Charles Grandison has been as good as his word. Indeed I
doubted not but he would. I don't wonder, my dear, that you love him.
He is the finest man in his manners, as well as person, that I ever saw.
A woman of virtue and honour cannot but love him. But I need not praise
him to you; nor to you, neither, Mrs. Reeves; I see that. Now you must
know, proceeded she, that there is an alliance proposed for my son, of
which I think very well; but still should have thought better, had I
never seen you, my dear. I have talked to my lord about it: you know I
am very desirous to have him married. His answer was; I never can think
of any proposal of this nature, while I have any hope that I can make
myself acceptable to Miss Byron.
What think you, my lord, said I, if I should directly apply to Sir
Charles Grandison, to know his intentions; and whether he has any hopes
of obtaining her favour? He is said to be the most unreserved of men.
He knows our characters to be as unexceptionable as his own; and that our
alliance cannot be thought a discredit to the first family in the
kingdom. It is a free question, I own; as I am unacquainted with him by
person: but he is such a man, that methinks I can take pleasure in
addressing myself to him on any subject.
My lord smiled at the freedom of my motion; but, not disapproving it, I
directly went to Sir Charles; and, after due compliments, told him my
business.
The countess stopt. She is very penetrating. She looked at us both.
Well, madam, said my cousin, with an air of curiosity--Pray, your
ladyship--