thout the least hint of
the dear interest I take in him: they spoke of the happiness of knowing
me: they asked my friendship, in a manner the most flattering that can
be imagined. How strongly does Mrs. Temple, my dear, resemble her
amiable brother! her eyes have the same sensibility, the same pleasing
expression; I think I scarce ever saw so charming a woman; I love her
already; I feel a tenderness for her, which is inconceivable; I caught
myself two or three times looking at her, with an attention for which I
blushed.

How dear to me is every friend of my Rivers!

I believe, there was something very foolish in my behaviour; but
they had the good-breeding and humanity not to seem to observe it.

I had almost forgot to tell you, they said every thing obliging and
affectionate of you and Captain Fermor.

My mind is in a state not to be described; I feel joy, I feel
anxiety, I feel doubt, I feel a timidity I cannot conquer, at the
thought of seeing Mrs. Rivers.

I have to dress; therefore must finish this when I return.

Twelve at night.

I am come back, my dearest Bell; I have gone through the scene I so
much dreaded, and am astonished I should ever think of it but with
pleasure. How much did I injure this most amiable of women! Her
reception of me was that of a tender parent, who had found a long-lost
child; she kissed me, she pressed me to her bosom; her tears flowed
in abundance; she called me her daughter, her other Lucy: she asked me
a thousand questions of her son; she would know all that concerned him,
however minute: how he looked, whether he talked much of her, what were
his amusements; whether he was as handsome as when he left England.

I answered her with some hesitation, but with a pleasure that
animated my whole soul; I believe, I never appeared to such advantage
as this day.

You will not ascribe it to an unmeaning vanity, when I tell you, I
never took such pains to please; I even gave a particular attention to
my dress, that I might, as much as possible, justify my Rivers's
tenderness: I never was vain for myself; but I am so for him: I am
indifferent to admiration as Emily Montague; but as the object of his
love, I would be admired by all the world; I wish to be the first of
my sex in all that is amiable and lovely, that I might make a sacrifice
worthy of my Rivers, in shewing to all his friends, that he only can
inspire me with tenderness, that I live for him alone.

Mrs. Rivers pressed me