excuse him) were not concerned, was a part of my character.

He was proceeding, when, breakfast being ready, in came the empress of my
heart, irradiating all around her, as with a glory--a benignity and
graciousness in her aspect, that, though natural to it, had been long
banished from it.

Next to prostration lowly bowed the Captain. O how the sweet creature
smiled her approbation of him! Reverence from one begets reverence from
another. Men are more of monkeys in imitation than they think
themselves.--Involuntarily, in a manner, I bent my knee--My dearest
life--and made a very fine speech on presenting the Captain to her. No
title myself, to her lip or cheek, 'tis well he attempted not either. He
was indeed ready to worship her;--could only touch her charming hand.

I have told the Captain, my dear creature--and then I briefly repeated
(as if I had supposed she had not heard it) all I had told him.

He was astonished, that any body could be displeased one moment with such
an angel. He undertook her cause as the highest degree of merit to
himself.

Never, I must need say, did an angel so much look the angel. All placid,
serene, smiling, self-assured: a more lovely flush than usual heightening
her natural graces, and adding charms, even to radiance, to her charming
complexion.

After we had seated ourselves, the agreeable subject was renewed, as we
took our chocolate. How happy should she be in her uncle's restored
favour!

The Captain engaged for it--No more delays, he hoped, on her part! Let
the happy day be but once over, all would then be right. But was it
improper to ask for copies of my proposals, and of her answer, in order
to show them to his dear friend, her uncle?

As Mr. Lovelace pleased.--O that the dear creature would always say so!

It must be in strict confidence then, I said. But would it not be better
to show her uncle the draught of the settlements, when drawn?

And will you be so good as to allow of this, Mr. Lovelace?

There, Belford! We were once the quarrelsome, but now we are the polite,
lovers.

Indeed, my dear creature, I will, if you desire it, and if Captain
Tomlinson will engage that Mr. Harlowe shall keep them absolutely a
secret; that I may not be subjected to the cavil and controul of any
others of a family that have used me so very ill.

Now, indeed, Sir, you are very obliging.

Dost think, Jack, that my face did not now also shine?

I held out my hand, (fir