The marchioness joined us in tears. This dear child knows me not; heeds me not: she never was unmindful of her mother before. I have talked to her of the Chevalier Grandison: she regards not your name. O this affecting silence! Camilla has told her, that she is to see you. My daughter-inlaw has told her so. O Chevalier! she has quite, quite lost her understanding. Nay, we were bar-barous enough to try the name of Laurana. She was not terrified, as she used to be, with that.

Camilla came in with a face of joy: Lady Cle-mentina has just spoken! I told her, she must pre pare to see the Chevalier Grandison in all his glory, and that every-body, the general in particular, ad-mired him. Go, naughty Camilla, said she, tapping my hand; you are a wicked deceiver. 1 have been

SIK CHARLES GRANDISON. 3 told this story too often, to credit it. This was all I could get her to say.

Hence it was concluded, that she would take some notice of me when she saw me; and I was led by the general, followed by the rest, into the marchioness’s drawing-room.

Father Marescotti had given me an advantageous character of the general’s lady, whom I had not yet seen. The bishop had told me, that she was such another excellent woman as his mother, and like her, had the Italian reserve softened by a polite French education.

When we came into the drawing-room, the ge-neral presented me to her. I do not, madam, bid you admire the Chevalier Grandison, said he; but I forgive you if you do; because you will not be able to do otherwise.

My lord, said she, you told me an hour ago, that I must; and now, that I see the chevalier, you will have no cause to reproach me with disobedience.

Father Marescotti, madam, said I, bid me expect from the lady of the young Marchese della Porretta every-thing that was condescending and good. Your compassionate love for an unhappy new sister, who deserves every-one’s love, exalts your character.

Father Marescotti came in. We took our places. It was designed, I found, to try to revive the young lady’s attention, by introducing her in full assembly, I one of it. But I could not forbear asking the marchioness, If Lady Clementina would not be too much startled at so much company?

I wish, said the marquis, sighing, that she may be startled.

We meet, as only on a conversation-visit, said the marchioness. We have tried every other way to awaken her attention.

We are all near relations, said the bishop.

And want to make our observations, said the ge-neral.

She has been bid to expect you among us, re-sumed the marchioness. We shall only be attend — ed by Laura and Camilla.

Just then entered the sweet lady, leaning upon Ca-milla, Laura attending. Her movement was slow and solemn. Her eyes were cast on the ground. Her robes were black and flowing. A veil of black gauze half covered her face. What woe was there in it!