d and visibly confused. "It is
too late," said I to myself; "happy Lord Staunton!" He saw my distress,
and taking my hand, with the utmost kindness of voice and manner said,
"My dear young friend, content yourself for the present with the
assurance of my entire esteem and affection. This is a very early
declaration. You are scarcely acquainted with Lucilla; you do not yet
know," added he smiling, "half her faults."

"Only tell me, my dear sir," said I, a little re-assured and grasping
his hand, "that when you know all mine, you will not reject me. Only
tell me that you feel no repugnance; that you have no other views; that
Miss Stanley has no other"--here I stopped, my voice failed; the excess
of my emotion prevented me from finishing my sentence. He encouragingly
said, "I know not that Lucilla has any attachment. For myself, I have no
views hostile to your wishes. You have a double interest in my heart.
You are endeared to me by your personal merit, and by my tender
friendship for your beloved father. But be not impetuous. Form no sudden
resolution. Try to assure yourself of my daughter's affection before you
ask it of her. Remain here another month as my welcome guest, as the son
of my friend. Take that month to examine your own heart, and to endeavor
to obtain an interest in hers; we will then resume the subject."

"But, my dear sir," said I, "is not Lord Staunton--" "Set your heart at
rest," said he. "Though we are both a little aristocratic in our
political principles, yet when the competition is for the happiness of
life, and the interests of virtue, both Lucilla and her father think
with Dumont, that

"A lord
Opposed against a man, is but a man."

So saying, he quitted me; but with a benignity in his countenance and
manner that infused not only consolation but joy into my heart. My
spirits were at once elated. To be allowed to think of Lucilla! To be
permitted to attach myself to her! To be sure her heart was not engaged!
To be invited to remain a month longer under the same roof with her; to
see her; to hear her; to talk to her; all this was a happiness so great
that I did not allow myself to repine because it was not all I had
wished to obtain.

I met Mrs. Stanley soon after. I perceived by her illuminated
countenance, that my proposal had been already communicated to her. I
ventured to take her hand, and with the most respectful earnestness
intreated her friendship; her good o