would not allow of such an intention. Nor ought it.

His impatience, however, hastened the message to me. The countess met me
half-way, and embraced me. My lovely girl, how do you?--My lord, said
she, turning to the earl, I need not say--This is Miss Byron.

He bowed low, and made me a very high compliment; but it had sense in it,
though high, and above my merits. Girls, writing of themselves on these
occasions, must be disclaimers, you know: But, my dear uncle, what care I
now for compliments? The man, from whose mouth only they could be
acceptable, is not at liberty to make me any.

The countess engaged me in an easy general conversation; part of which
turned upon Lord and Lady L----, Miss Grandison, and Miss Jervois, and
how I had passed my time at Colnebrook, in this wintry season, when there
were so many diversions in town. But, said she, you had a man with you,
who is the admiration of every man and woman, wherever he goes.

Is there no making an acquaintance, said my lord, with Sir Charles
Grandison? What I hear said of him, every time he is mentioned in
company, is enough to fire a young man with emulation. I should be happy
did I deserve to be thought of as a second or third man to Sir Charles
Grandison.

I dare say, returned I, your lordship's acquaintance would be highly
acceptable to him. He is easy of access. Men of rank, if men of merit,
must be of kindred, and recognize one another the moment they meet. But
Sir Charles will soon leave England.

The fool sighed: it was, you may believe, involuntarily. I felt myself
blush, and was the more silly for that.

The countess took my hand--One word with you, my dear--and led me out
into the next room, and sitting down, made me sit on the same settee with
her.

O that I could call you daughter! began she at once; and turning half
round to me, put one arm about me, with her other hand taking one of
mine, and earnestly looking in my downcast face.

I was silent. Ah, Lucy! had Lady D---- been the mother of Sir Charles
Grandison, with what pleasure could I have listened to her!

You said, my dear, that Sir Charles Grandison will soon leave England:
--and then you sighed--Will you be quite open-hearted?--May I ask you a
question in hope that you will?

I was silent: yet the word Yes was on my lips.

You have caused it to be told me, that your affections are engaged. This
has been a cruel blow upon us. My lord, nevertheless, has heard so much
of you, [he is