She called me sweet young creature; (supposing me, I doubt not, younger than I am;) but said, that the graces of my person and mind alarmed her not, as they would have done, had not his attachment to Clementina been what now she saw, but never could have believed it was; having supposed, that compassion only was the tie that bound him to her.

But compassion, Lucy, from such a heart as his, the merit so great in the lady, must be love; a love of the nobler kind—­And if it were not, it would be unworthy of Clementina’s.

Lady Maffei called upon her dignity, her birth, to carry her above a passion that met not with a grateful return.  She advised her to dispose herself to stay in England some months, now she was here.  And as her friends in Italy would suppose what her view was in coming to England, their censures would be obviated by her continuing here for some time, while Sir Charles was abroad, and in Italy:  and that she should divert herself with visiting the court, the public places, and in seeing the principal curiosities of this kingdom, as she had done those 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.