of others;
in order to give credit to an excursion that might otherwise be freely
spoken of, in her own country.

She seemed to listen to this advice. She bespoke, and was promised, the
friendship of the two sisters; and included in her request, through their
interests, mine; and Lady G---- was called in, by her sister, to join in
the promise.

She desired that Sir Charles might be requested to walk in; but would not
suffer the sisters to withdraw, as they would have done, when he
returned. He could not but be polite; but, it seems, looked still
disturbed. I beg you to excuse, sir, said she, my behaviour to you: it
was passionate; it was unbecoming. But, in compliment to your own
consequence, you ought to excuse it. I have only to request one favour
of you: That you will suspend for one week, in regard to me, your
proposed journey; but for one week; and I will, now I am in England, stay
some months; perhaps till your return.

Excuse me, madam.

I will not excuse you--But one week, sir. Give me so much importance
with myself, as for one week's suspension. You will. You must.

Indeed I cannot. My soul, I own to you, is in the distresses of the
family of Porretta. Why should I repeat what I said to you before?

I have bespoken, sir, the civilities of your sisters, of your family: you
forbid them not?

You expect not an answer, madam, to that question. My sisters will be
glad, and so will their lords, to attend you wherever you please, with a
hope to make England agreeable to you.

How long do you propose to stay in Italy, sir?

It is not possible for me to determine.

Are you not apprehensive of danger to your person?

I am not.

You ought to be.

No danger shall deter me from doing what I think to be right. If my
motives justify me, I cannot fear.

Do you wish me, sir, to stay in England till your return?

A question so home put, disturbed him. Was it a prudent one in the lady?
It must either subject her to a repulse; or him, by a polite answer, to
give her hope, that her stay in England might not be fruitless, as to the
view she had in coming. He reddened. It is fit, answered he, that your
own pleasure should determine you. It did, pardon me, madam, in your
journey hither.

She reddened to her very ears. Your brother, ladies, has the reputation
of being a polite man: bear witness to this instance of it. I am ashamed
of myself!

If I am unpolite, madam, my sincerity will be my excuse; at least to my