I heard her say, as he stalked out royally, repeating, that he would take his own way; I say no more, ISIr. Selhv Only consider

Oy,and let Harriet consider, and do yo7< consider, dame Selby: Sir Charles Grandison is not a common mail.

I did not let my aunt know that I heard this speech of my uncle: she only said to me, when she saw me, I have had a little debate with your uncle: we must do as well as we can with him, my dear. He means well.

Thursday morning, October 19.

After breakfast, first one, then another dropt away, and left only Sir Charles and me together. Lucy was the last that went; and the moment she was withdrawn, while I was thinking to retire to dress, he placed himself by me: Think me not ab-rupt, my dearest Miss Byron, said he, that I take almost the only opportunity which has offered of eiitering upon a subject that is next my heart.

I found my face glow. I was silent.

You have g’ven me hope, madam: all your friends encourage that hope. I love, I revere, your friends. What I have now to petition for, is, a confirmation of the hope I have presumed upon. Can you, ma-dam, (the female delicacy is more delicate than that of man can be) unequally as you may think yourself circumstanced Avith a man who owns that once he could have devoted himself to another lady? Can you say, that the man before you is the man whom you C(i7i, whom youc/o, prefer to any other?

He stopt; expecting my answer.

After some hesitations, I have been accustomed, Sir, said I, by those friends whom j’ou so deservedly value, to speak nothing but the simi)lest truth. In an article of this moment, I should be inexcusable, if

I stopt. His eyes were fixed upon my face. For my life I could not speak; yet wished to be able to speak

7/^If x\:lint, madam? and he snatched my hand, bowed his face upon it, held it there, i-ot looking up to mine. I could then speak If thus urged, and by Sir Charles Grandison I did not speak my heart I answer Sir I CAN I DO.

I wanted, I thought, just then, to shrink into my-self.

He kissed my hand with fervour; dropt down on one knee; again kissed it You have laid me, ma-dam, under everlasting obligation: and will you per — mit me, before I rise loveliest of women, will you permit me to beg an early day? I have many aftairs on my hands; many more in design, now I am come, as I hope, to settle in my native country for the rest of my life. My chief glory will be, to behave commendably in the private life. I wish not to be a public man; and it must be a very particular call, for the service of my king and country united, that shall draw me out into public notice. Make me, madam, soon the happy Iinsband I hope to be. I prescribe not to you the time: but you are above empty forms. May I presume to hope, it will be before the end of a month to come?