ering her views, her spirit, her
perseverance, and the free avowal of her regard for him, and her menaces
on his supposed neglect of her. And yet, as she had come over, and he
was obliged to leave England so soon after her arrival; he thought he
could not do less: and he hoped his sisters, from whose example she might
be benefited, would, while she behaved prudently, cultivate her
acquaintance.

The doctor tells me, that now Lady Olivia is so unexpectedly come hither
in person, he thinks it best to decline giving me, as he had once
intended, her history at large; but will leave so much of it as may
satisfy my curiosity, to be gathered from my own observation; and not
only from the violence and haughtiness of her temper, but from the
freedom of her declarations. He is sure, he said, that his patron will
be best pleased, that a veil should be thrown over the weaker part of her
conduct; which, were it known, would indeed be glorious to Sir Charles,
but not so to the lady; who, however, never was suspected, even by her
enemies, of giving any other man reason to tax her with a thought that
was not strictly virtuous: and she had engaged his pity and esteem, for
the sake of her other fine qualities, though she could not his love.
Before she saw him (which, it seems, was at the opera at Florence for the
first time, when he had an opportunity to pay her some slight civilities)
she set all men at defiance.

To-morrow morning Sir Charles is to breakfast with me. My cousins and I
are to dine at Lord L----'s. The Earl and Lady Gertrude are also to be
there. Lord W---- has been prevailed upon to stay, and be there also, as
it is his nephew's last day in England.--'Last day in England!' O, my
Lucy! what words are those!--Lady L---- has invited Lady Olivia and her
aunt, at her own motion, Sir Charles (his time being so short) not
disapproving.

I thank my grandmamma and aunt for their kind summons. I will soon set
my day: I will, my dear, soon set my day.

LETTER XXVI

MISS BYRON.--IN CONTINUATION
FRIDAY NOON, APRIL 14.

Not five hours in bed; not one hour's rest for many uneasy nights before;
I was stupid till Sir Charles came: I then was better. He inquired, with
tender looks and voice, after my health; as if he thought I did not look
well.

We had some talk about Lord and Lady G----. He was anxious for their
happiness. He complimented me with hopes from my advice to her. Lord
G----, he said, was a good-natured honest