ot be thought a discredit to the first family in the
kingdom. It is a free question, I own; as I am unacquainted with him by
person: but he is such a man, that methinks I can take pleasure in
addressing myself to him on any subject.

My lord smiled at the freedom of my motion; but, not disapproving it, I
directly went to Sir Charles; and, after due compliments, told him my
business.

The countess stopt. She is very penetrating. She looked at us both.

Well, madam, said my cousin, with an air of curiosity--Pray, your
ladyship--

I could not speak for very impatience--

I never heard in my life, said the countess, such a fine character of any
mortal, as he gave you. He told me of his engagements to go abroad as
the very next day. He highly extolled the lady for whose sake,
principally, he was obliged to go abroad; and he spoke as highly of a
brother of hers, whom he loved as if he were his own brother; and
mentioned very affectionately the young lady's whole family.

'God only knows,' said he, 'what may be my destiny!--As generosity, as
justice, or rather as Providence, leads, I will follow.'

After he had generously opened his heart, proceeded the countess, I asked
him, If he had any hope, should the foreign lady recover her health, of
her being his?

'I can promise myself nothing,' said he. 'I go over without one selfish
hope. If the lady recover her health, and her brother can be amended in
his, by the assistance I shall carry over with me, I shall have joy
inexpressible. To Providence I leave the rest. The result cannot be in
my own power.'

Then, sir, proceeded the countess, you cannot in honour be under any
engagements to Miss Byron?

I arose from my seat. Whither, my dear?--I have done, if I oppress you.
I moved my chair behind hers, but so close to hers, that I leaned on the
back of it, my face hid, and my eyes running over. She stood up. Sit
down again, madam, said I, and proceed--Pray proceed. You have excited
my curiosity. Only let me sit here, unheeded, behind you.

Pray, madam, said Mrs. Reeves, (burning also with curiosity, as she has
since owned,) go on; and indulge my cousin in her present seat. What
answer did Sir Charles return?

My dear love, said the countess, (sitting down, as I had requested,) let
me first be answered one question. I would not do mischief.

You cannot do mischief, madam, replied I. What is your ladyship's
question?

Has Sir Charles Grandison ever directly made his a