We both applauded her. Well we might. If her greatness be owing to a raised imagination, who shall call it a malady? Who, but for the dear lady’s own sake, would regret the next-to-divine impulse, by which, on several occasions, she has shewn herself actuated?

She suftered herself to be led to her mother, who embracing her (Clementina again kneeling to her) My dearest child, my blessed daughter, we all of us, while such are your apprehensions, must acquiesce with your reasons. Be happy, my love, in your own magnanimity. J glory in my child.

And I in my sister, said the noble Jeronymo

Saint! angel! kneeling to her on one knee, notwith-standing his lameness, I next to adore my sister.

She called him her brother, her true brother. Then, taking my hand: And will yo?^ Lady Grandison, said she, be my sister? Shall Sir Charles Grandison be my brother? Will you return with us into Italy? Shall we cultivate on both sides a family-friendship to the end of our lives?

] threw my arms about her neck, tears mingling on the cheeks of both: It will be my ambition, my great ambition, to deserve the distinction you give me My sister, my friend, the sister of my best friend, love liim as he honours ijou; and me for his sake, as I will you for your own, as well as for his to the end of my life.

Sir Charles clasped his arms about us both. His eyes spoke his admiration of her, and his delight in each. Angels he called us. Then seating us, he took the count’s hand; and, leading him to her, Let me, madam, present to you the Count of Belvedere, as a man equally to be pitied and esteemed. He yields to your magnanimity with a greatness of mind like your own. Keceive then, acknowledge, the ^friend in him. lie will endeavour to forego a dearer hope.

Then will I receive him as my friend. I thank you, my lord, for the honour you have so long done me. ^lay vou behajjpy w itii a woman, who cii}i deserve you! See that happy pair before you; May you be c/.v happy as Sir Charles Grandison! What greater felicity can I wish you?

He took her hand: on one knee he raised it to his lips: I will tear from you, madam, a tormentor. I nnisc a.sk nothing oi’ i/on; but, ibr myself, I c;m only promise, in the words of the Chevalier Grandison, to tiKifaroHr to i’orego a dearer, xht.’ driirc t, hope.

The count arose, bowing to her with profound rc-T S spect; his eyes full; as his heart seemed to be. Sig* nor Jeronymo motioned to return to the company. Lady Clementina wished to retire with me, till what had passed was related to the rest. I led her to my closet. There did we renew our vows of everlasting friendship.