I missed it not till my aunt this minute told me, that Sir Charles, crossing the walk which I had just before quitted, stooped, and took up a paper. Im-mediately my heart misgave me. I took out my let — ter: I thought I had it all But the fatal, fatal sixth sheet, is wanting: that must be what he stooped for, and took up. What shall I do! Sweet Emily! now will he never suffer you to live with him. Ail my own heart laid open too! Such prattling also! I cannot look him in the face! How shall I do, to get away to Shirley-manor, and hide myself in the indulgent bosom of my grandmamma? What affecta — tion, after this, will it be, to refuse him his day! But he demands audience of me. Could any-thing (O the dear Emily!) have ha])pened more mortifying to your

HARRIET BYRON r

* Beginning, Why did I weep? p 160.

Letter XXVI.

Miss Byron. In Continuation.

Frid.iy afternoon, October 20.

I WAS all confusion when he, looking as uncon-scious as he used to do, entered my dressing-room. I turned my face from him. He seemed surprised at my concern. Miss Byron, I hope, is well. Has any-thing disturbed you, madam?

My paper, my paper! You took it up For the world I would not The poor Emily! Give it me; Give it me; and I burst into tears.

Was there ever such a fool.’^ What business had I to name Emily?

He took it out of his pocket. I came to give it to you; putting it into my hand. I saw it was your writing, madam: I folded it up immediately: it has not been unfolded since: not a single sentence did I permit myself to read.

Are you sure, Sir, you have not read it: nor any part of it?

Upon my honour, I have not.

I cleared up at once. A blessed rev.ard, thought I, for denying my own curiosity, when pressed by my Charlotte to reada letter clandestinely obtained!

A thousand, thousand thanks to you, Sir, for not giving way to your curiosity. I should have been miserable, perhaps, for months, had you read that paper.

You now indeed raise my curiosity, madam. Perhaps your generosity will permit you to gratify it’; though I should not have forgiven myself, had I taken advantage of such an accident.

I will tell you the contents of some parts of it. Sir.

Those which relate to my Emily, if you please, madam. The poor Emily, you said. You have alarmed me. Perhaps I am not to be ^jniti’ happy! What oi^ poor Emily! Has the girl been impru-dent? Has she already What of the poor Emily! And his face glowed with impatience. No harm, Sir, of Emily! Only a request of the dear girl! [What better use could i have made of mv fright, Lady G.? ] But the manner of my mentioning it, I would not for the world you should have seen.