They embraced her. They tenderly raised her between them; and again embraced her.

I would not, methinks Sir, said she, turning to Sir Charles, for the first time see the Count of Bel-vedere before all this company, though I revere every one in it. Is the count in the house?

He is in my study, madam.

Will my mamma, said she, turning to her, honour me with her presence?

She gave her hand to Sir Charles, and took mine. Jeronymo followed her; and Sir Charles led her into the next room. Too great solemnity in all this! whispered the Marquis to Father Marescotti. She courtesied, invitingly to Mrs. Beaumont. She also followed her.

Sir Charles, seating her and the marchioness, by the young lady’s silent permission, went into his study; and, having prepared the count to expect a solemn and uncommon reception, introduced him. He approached her, profoundly bowing: a sweet blush overspread her cheeks: You, my Lord ot Bel-vedere, said she, are one of those my friends, to whom I am, in some measure, accountable for the rash step which brought me into this kingdom; because it has induced you to accompany my brothers, whom you have always honoured with your friend-ship. Forgive nie for any inconveniencies you have suffered on this occasion.

What honour does Lad Clementina do me to rank me in the number of t’ e friends to whom she thinks herself accountable! Believe me, madam

My lord, interrupted she, I shall always regard you as the friend of my family, and as my friend. I shall wish your happiness, I do wish your happiness, as my own; and 1 cannot give you a stronger proof that I do, than by withholding from you the hand which you have sought to obtain with an unshaken, and, my friends think, an obliging perseverance, quite through an unhappy malady, which ought to liave deterred you, for many sakes, and most for your own.