ill have the trouble given you, said he, of procuring to be
new-set the jewels of the late Lady W---- for a present to the future
bride. My lord shewed them to me (among a great number of other valuable
trinkets of his late wife's) in my last return from the Hall. They are
rich, and will do credit to his quality. You, my Lord L----, you, my
sisters, will be charmed with your new aunt, and her whole family. I
have joy on the happiness in prospect that will gild the latter days of
my mother's brother; and at the same time be a means of freeing from
oppression an ancient and worthy family.

Tears were in every eye. There now, thought I, sits this princely man,
rejoicing every one who sees him, and hears him speak: But where will he
be nine days hence? And whose this day twelvemonth?

He talked with particular pleasure of the expected arrival of his
Beauchamp. He pleased himself, that he should leave behind him a man who
would delight every body, and supply to his friends his absence.--What a
character did he give, and Dr. Bartlett confirm, of that amiable friend
of his!

How did the Earl and Lady Gertrude dwell upon all he said! They prided
themselves on the relation they were likely so soon to stand in to so
valuable a man.

In your last letter, you tell me, Lucy, that Mr. Greville has the
confidence to throw out menaces against this excellent man--Sorry wretch!
--How my heart rises against him!--He--But no more of such an earth-born
creature.

LETTER XV

MISS BYRON.--IN CONTINUATION
THURSDAY MORNING, APRIL 6.

Miss Grandison, accompanied by Miss Jervois, has just left us. Lady
L---- has undertaken, she says, to set all hands at work, to have things
in tolerable order, early as the day is, for Tuesday next. Miss
Grandison (would you believe it?) owns, that she wants spirits to order
anything. What must be the solemnity of that circumstance, when near,
that shall make Charlotte Grandison want spirits?

She withdrew with me to my apartment. She threw herself into a chair:
'Tis a folly to deny it, Harriet, but I am very low, and very silly: I
don't like next Tuesday by any means.

Is your objection only to the day, my dear?

I do not like the man.

Is there any man whom you like better?

I can't say that neither. But this brother of mine makes me think
contemptibly of all other men. I would compound for a man but half so
good--Tender, kind, humane, polite, and even cheerful in affliction!--O,
Harriet!