a noble air, pressed it to his lips.  “I must not carry my jest too far upon a mind so apprehensive, as I otherwise might be inclined to do.”  And leading me to Mr. Adams and Mr. Williams, he said, taking Mr. Williams’s hand with his left, as he held mine in his right, “Your worthy brother clergyman, Mr. Adams, gives me leave to confirm the decision of my dear wife, whom you are to thank for the living of E. upon the condition she proposed; and may you give but as much satisfaction there, as you have done in this family, and as Mr. Williams has given to his flock; and they will then be pleased as much with your ministry as they have hitherto been with his.”

Mr. Adams trembled with joy, and said, he could not tell how to bear this excess of goodness in us both:  and his countenance and eyes gave testimony of a gratitude too high for further expression.

As for myself, you, my honoured and dear friends, who know how much I am always raised, when I am made the dispenser of acts of bounty and generosity to the deserving; and who now instead of incurring blame, as I had apprehended, found myself applauded by every one, and most by the gentleman whose approbation I chiefly coveted to have:  you, I say, will judge how greatly I must be delighted.

But I was still more affected, when Mr. B. directing himself to me, and to Mr. Williams at the same time, was pleased to say, “Here, my dear, you must thank this good gentleman for enabling you to give such a shining proof of your excellence:  and whenever I put power into your hands for the future, act but as you have now done, and it will be impossible that I should have any choice or will but yours.”

“O Sir,” said I, pressing his hand with my lips, forgetting how many witnesses I had of my grateful fondness, “how shall I, oppressed with your goodness, in such a signal instance as this, find words equal to the gratitude of my heart!—­But here,” patting my bosom, “just here, they stick;—­and I cannot—­”

And, indeed, I could say no more; and Mr. B. in the delicacy of his apprehensiveness for me, led me into the next parlour; and placing himself by me on the settee, said, “Take care, my best beloved, that the joy, which overflows your dear heart, for having done a beneficent action to a deserving gentleman, does not affect you too much.”

My Lady Davers followed us:  “Where is my angelic sister?” said she.  “I have a share in her next to yourself, my noble brother.”  And clasping me to her generous bosom, she ran over with expressions of favour to me, in a style and words, which would suffer, were I to endeavour to repeat them.

Coffee being ready, we returned to the company.  My Lord Davers was pleased to make me a great many compliments, and so did Mr. H. after his manner.  But the countess exceeded herself in goodness.

Mr. B. was pleased to say, “It is a rule with me, not to leave till to-morrow what can be done to-day:—­and when, my dear, do you propose to dispense with Mr. Adams’s good offices in your family?  Or did you intend to induce him to go to town with us?”