his soul, that was his
expression, that he might have the honour of giving to his nephew my hand
in marriage.

I could feel myself blush. I half-suppressed a sigh: I would have wholly
suppressed it, if I could. I recovered the little confusion, his too
plainly expressed wish gave me, by repeating to myself the word CLEMENTINA.

This Charlotte is a great coward. But I dare not tell her so, for fear
of a retort. I believe I should be as great a one in her circumstances,
so few hours to one of the greatest events of one's life! But I pretend
not to bravery: yet hope, that in the cause of virtue or honour I should
be found to have a soul.

I write now at my cousin's. I came hither to make an alteration in my
dress. I have promised to be with the sweet Bully early in the morning
of her important day.

LETTER XX

MISS BYRON.--IN CONTINUATION
TUESDAY NIGHT, | APRIL 11, 12.
WEDNESDAY MORNING,|

Miss Grandison is no longer to be called by that name. She is Lady
G----. May she make Lord G---- as happy as I dare say he will make her,
if it be not her own fault!

I was early with her, according to promise. I found her more affected
than she was even last night with her approaching change of condition.
Her brother had been talking to her, she said; and had laid down the
duties of the state she was about to enter into, in such a serious
manner, and made the performance of them of so much importance to her
happiness both here and hereafter, that she was terrified at the thoughts
of what she was about to undertake. She had never considered matrimony
in that formidable light before. He had told her, that he was afraid of
her vivacity; yet was loath to discourage her cheerfulness, or to say
any thing that should lower her spirits. All he besought of her was, to
regard times, tempers, and occasions; and then it would be impossible but
her lively humour must give delight not only to the man whom she favoured
with her hand, but to every one who had the pleasure of approaching her.
If, Charlotte, said he, you would have the world around you respect your
husband, you must set the example. While the wife gives the least room
to suspect, that she despises her husband, she will find that she
subjects him to double contempt, if he resents it not; and if he does,
can you be happy? Aggressors lay themselves open to severe reprisals.
If you differ, you will be apt to make by-standers judges over you. They
will remember, when you