called himself blessed in his
sister's son, for his recommendation of each to the other. The lady
thinks better of him, as her mother owned to Sir Charles, than she
thought she should, from report.

I begin to think, Lucy, that those who set out for happiness are most
likely to find it, when they live single till the age of fancy is over.
Those who marry while it lasts, are often disappointed of that which they
propose so largely to themselves: while those who wed for convenience,
and deal with tolerable honesty by each other, are at a greater
certainty. Tolerable, I repeat, since, it seems, we are to expect that
both parties will turn the best side of the old garment outward. Hence
arises consolation to old maidens, and cautions against precipitation--
Expatiate, my dear, on this fruitful subject: I would, were I at leisure.

Sir Charles says that he doubts not, but Lord W---- will be as happy a
man as he wishes to be, in less than a month.

The deuse is in this brother of mine, whispered Miss Grandison, to me,
for huddling up of marriages! He don't consider, that there may be two
chances for one, that his honest folks may in half a year's time, bless
him the contrary way.

Sir Charles told us, that he had desired Lord W---- to give out every
where (that the adversaries of the Mansfield family might know it) his
intended alliance; and that he and his nephew were both determined to
procure a retrospection of all former proceedings.

Sir Charles got to Sir Harry Beauchamp's a little before his friend
arrived. Sir Harry took him aside at his alighting, and told him, that
Lady Beauchamp had had clouds on her brow all the day, and he was afraid,
would not receive his son with the graciousness that once he hoped for
from her: but, that he left him to manage with her. She never, said he,
had so high an opinion either of man or woman as she has of you.

Sir Charles addressed himself to her, as not doubting her goodness upon
the foot of their former conversation; and praised her for the graces
that however appeared but faintly in her countenance, till his
compliments lighted them up, and made them shine full out in it. He told
her, that his sister and Lord G---- were to be married on the following
Tuesday. He himself, he said, should set out for Paris on Friday after:
but hoped to see a family intimacy begun between his sisters and Lady
Beauchamp; and between their lords, and Sir Harry, and Mr. Beauchamp. He
applauded her