ies: I do my utmost not to
deserve it; and, let me tell you, madam, that I will not suffer you to be
displeased with me.

I took her half-reluctant hand, and led her to a chair, and seated myself
in another near her.

I see, sir, you have your arts.

She took the fire-screen, that hung by the side of the chimney, and held
it before her face, now glancing at me, now turning away her eye, as if
resolved to be displeased.

You come upon a hateful errand, sir: I have been unhappy ever since your
officious letter came.

I am sorry for it, madam. While you are warm with the remembrance of a
past misunderstanding, I will not offer to reason with you: but let me,
madam, see less discomposure in your looks. I want to take my
impressions of you from more placid features: I am a painter, madam: I
love to draw lady's pictures. Will you have this pass for a first
sitting?

She knew not what to do with her anger: she was loath to part with it.

You are impertinent, Sir Charles--Excuse me--You are impertinent.

I do excuse you, Lady Beauchamp: and the rather, as I am sure you do not
think me so. Your freedom is a mark of your favour; and I thank you for
it.

You treat me as a child, sir--

I treat all angry people as children: I love to humour them. Indeed,
Lady Beauchamp, you must not be angry with me. Can I be mistaken? Don't
I see in your aspect the woman of sense and reason?--I never blame a lady
for her humoursomeness, so much as, in my mind, I blame her mother.

Sir! said she. I smiled. She bit her lip, to avoid returning a smile.

Her character, my dear friend, is not, you know, that of an ill-tempered
woman, though haughty, and a lover of power.

I have heard much of you, Sir Charles Grandison: but I am quite mistaken
in you: I expected to see a grave formal young man, his prim mouth set in
plaits: But you are a joker; and a free man; a very free man, I do assure
you.

I would be thought decently free, madam; but not impertinent. I see with
pleasure a returning smile. O that ladies knew how much smiles become
their features!--Very few causes can justify a woman's anger--Your sex,
madam, was given to delight, not to torment us.

Torment you, sir!--Pray, has Sir Harry--

Sir Harry cannot look pleased, when his lady is dis-pleased: I saw that
you were, madam, the moment I beheld you. I hope I am not an unwelcome
visitor to Sir Harry for one hour, (I intend to stay no longer,) that he
received me with so distu