Not one word of apology, my lord, interrupted I. I withdrew not from disrespect, or in resentment; but purely from concern, that, in your opinion, I deserved not the honour done me, by one so dear to you. Think me unhappy, my lord, and pity me. Principle, not perverseness, influences me: it does every one present: it does the dear lady above: and shall we not allow for one another, when we are all actuated by the same motive?

O that 1 could embrace my fourth son! said the marchioness. The bishop threw his arms about me. Generous expansion of heart! were the words that fell from his lips, And must not, said the count, this young man be one of us?

After chocolate, the marchioness withdrew to the window, making a motion to me to attend her. I hastened to her. She complimented me, speaking low, as a fit person to be consulted in a case where female delicacy was concerned; and then asked me, what I would have her say to Clementina, who had offered her hand to me on conditions, with which she had hopes I would comply? Must I tell the dear child, she is rejected?

Lady Clementina rejected! Dear madam, how can I bear that she should but suppose it? Be pleased to tell her, that 1 have been again sounded on the subject of a change of religion; but that I was so steady in my faith, that there were no hopes of my conversion, as you will call it: and be so good as to remind her (it may look like a breach of conditions if 1 do) that 1 require not a change in her; and that therefore the terms proposed are unequal.

Fain, very fain, chevalier, would I She stopt there But no more on this subject, resumed she, I will see in what way the dear creature is now.

She left me, and went to her daughter. The sub-ject was changed.

In about half an hour she returned. She told me, that she had followed my advice; but that Clementina seemed dissatisfied and perplexed: and, as she had not asked to see me, advised me to sus-pend my attendance on her till the afternoon, as she would by that means have more time to compose her spirits; and herself further opportunities of talking with her.

Declining their invitation to dinner, I went to my lodgings; and to amuse myself, had recourse to my pen.

Having written thus far, I lay it down till my return from them. vol.. XIII.

Letter XXVIII.

Sir Charles Grandison. In Continuation.

At my entrance into the palace of Porretta, I was desired to walk into the garden to the bishop. I found with him Father Marescotti.

Dear Grandison, said the bishop, meeting me, and taking my hand, you must decide a point between the father and me, that we are afraid has made us a little accountable to you.

I was silent. He proceeded.