made
it.

Lord L---- asked Sir Charles, whether he had fixed the day of his setting
out?

I have, said he, within this half hour. Mr. Lowther has told me, that he
shall be ready by the beginning of next week; and on Saturday sennight I
hope to be at Dover, on my way.

We looked upon one another. Miss Grandison told me afterwards, that my
colour went and came several times, and that she was afraid for me. My
heart was indeed a little affected. I believe I must not think of taking
leave of him when he sets out. Ah, Lucy! Nine days hence!--Yet, in less
than nine days after that, I shall be embraced by the tenderest relations
that ever creature had to boast of.

Sir Charles taking his sister aside, I want, said he, to say a few words
to you, Charlotte. They were about half an hour together; and then
returning, I am encouraged to think, said he, that Charlotte will give
her hand to Lord G----. She is a woman of honour, and her heart must
therefore go with it.--I have a request to make to her, before all you
our common friends--The Earl of G----, Lady Gertrude, Lord G----, all
join in one suit: it is, that I may be allowed to give my sister to Lord
G---- before I leave England.

I have told you, brother, that it is impossible, if you go away in nine
or ten days time.

Sir Charles particularly requested my influence. I could have no doubt,
I said, but Miss Grandison would oblige her brother.

She vehemently opposed so early a day.

In a most affectionate manner, yet with an air of seriousness, he urged
his request. He said, that it was very proper for him to make some
dispositions of his affairs before he went abroad. He should leave
England with much more pleasure, if he saw his Charlotte the wife of a
man so worthy as Lord G----: Lord G----, said he, adores you: You
intended to be his: Resolve to oblige your brother, who, though he cannot
be happy himself, wishes to see you so.

O, Sir Charles! said she, you ruin me by your solemnity, and by your
goodness.

The subject is not a light one. I am greatly in earnest, Charlotte. I
have many affairs on my hands. My heart is in this company; yet my
engagements will permit me but few opportunities to enjoy it between this
and Tuesday next. If you deny me now, I must acquiesce: If you have more
than punctilio to plead, say you have; and I will not urge you farther.

And so this is the last time of asking, sir? A little archly--

Not the last time of my Lord G----'s,