ncertainties, a young
lady whose prudence and great qualities must make herself and any man
happy, whom she shall favour with her hand.

'To be still more explicit,' proceeded he, With what face could I look up
to a woman of honour and delicacy, such a one as the lady before whom I
now stand, if I could own a wish, that, while my honour has laid me under
obligation to one lady, if she shall be permitted to accept of me, I
should presume to hope, that another, no less worthy, would hold her
favour for me suspended, till she saw what would be the issue of the
first obligation? No, madam; I could sooner die, than offer such
indignity to both! I am fettered, added he; but Miss Byron is free: and
so is the lady abroad. My attendance on her at this time, is
indispensable; but I make not any conditions for myself--My reward will
be in the consciousness of having discharged the obligations that I think
myself under, as a man of honour.'

The countess's voice changed in repeating this speech of his: and she
stopt to praise him; and then went on.

You are THE man, indeed, sir!--But then give me leave to ask you, as I
think it very likely that you will be married before your return to
England, Whether, now that you have been so good as to speak favourably
of my son, and that you call Miss Byron sister, you will oblige him with
a recommendation to that sister?

'The Countess of D---- shews, by this request, her value for a young lady
who deserves it; and the more, for its being, I think, (excuse me, madam)
a pretty extraordinary one. But what a presumption would it be in me, to
suppose that I had SUCH an interest with Miss Byron, when she has
relations as worthy of her, as she is of them?'

You may guess, my dear, said the countess, that I should not have put
this question, but as a trial of his heart. However, I asked his pardon;
and told him, that I would not believe he gave it me, except he would
promise to mention to Miss Byron, that I had made him a visit on this
subject. [Methinks, Lucy, I should have been glad that he had not let me
know that he was so forgiving!]

And now, my dear, said the lady, let me turn about. She did; and put one
arm round my neck, and with my own handkerchief wiped my eyes, and kissed
my cheek; and when she saw me a little recovered, she addressed me as
follows:

Now, my good young creature, [O that you would let me call you daughter
in my way! for I think I must always call you so, whether y