I had much ado to prevail upon her, continued her faithful woman, to go to rest at midnight: yet at four in the morning she arose, and went to her pen and ink; and about six commanded me to call Laura to attend her, while I went to you with the message I have brought. I expostulated with her, and beg-ged she would delay it till the marchioness arose; but she began to be impatient: I have reason in my request, Camilla, said she. I must not be contra-dicted, or expostulated with: my head will not bear opposition, at this time. Is it a slight thing for such a poor creature as I have been, and am, to be pu< oufof her course? Am 1 not to have a meeting with the Chevalier Grandison, on the most important act of my life? My mamma tells me, that I am to be now mistress of my own will; don’t you, Camilla, seek to controul me. I shall not be prepared enough for the subject he will possibly talk to me upon, till the afternoon: and if I know he is in the house with an expectation of seeing me, I shall want the presence of mind I am struggling to obtain.

So, Sir, concluded Camilla, I have performed my duty. The dear lady, I see, will be in too much confusion, if the important subject be not begun with precaution: but who shall instruct you in such delicate points as these? One thing, however, per-mit me, Sir, to observe: I have often known young ladies go on courageously with a lover, while the end in view has been distant, or there have been difficulties to encounter with; but when these dif-ficulties are overcome, and they have ascended the hill they toiled up, they have turned round, and looked about them, with fear as strong as their hope. What the conditions may be But the Count of Belvedere is come.

Ten o’clock.

The count accosted me, in return for the kindest reception I could give him. with an air of coldness and displeasure. 1 was surprised at a behaviour so different from his usual politeness, and the kindness he had ever shewn me. I took notice to him of it. He asked me, If I would tell him faithfully what my present situation was with Lady Clementina?

I will, my lord, if I tell you any thing of it: but the temper of mind you seem to be in, may not perhaps;, for your own sake, any more than mine, make it prudent for me to comply with your expectations.

You need not give me any other answer, replied

S4R CHARLES 6RANDIS0U. 14?1 he. You seem to be sure of the lady; but she must not, she shall not, be yours, while I am living.