Lady G——­ is very earnest with me to give into the town diversions for a month to come:  but I have now no desire in my heart so strong, as to throw myself at the feet of my grandmamma and aunt; and to be embraced by my Lucy and Nancy, and all my Northamptonshire friends.

I am only afraid of my uncle.  He will rally his Harriet; yet only, I know, in hopes to divert her, and us all:  but my jesting days are over:  my situation will not bear it.  Yet if it will divert himself, let him rally.

I shall be so much importuned to stay longer than I ought, or will stay, that I may as well fix a peremptory day at once.  Will you, my ever indulgent friends, allow me to set out for Selby-house on Friday next?  Not on a Sunday, as Lady Betty Williams advises, for fear of the odious waggons.  But I have been in a different school.  Sir Charles Grandison, I find, makes it a tacit rule with him, Never to begin a journey on a Sunday; nor, except when in pursuit of works of mercy or necessity, to travel in time of divine service.  And this rule he observed last Sunday, though he reached us here in the evening.  O my grandmamma!  How much is he, what you all are, and ever have been!—­But he is now pursuing a work of mercy.  God succeed to him the end of his pursuit!

But why tacit? you will ask.  Is Sir Charles Grandison ashamed to make an open appearance in behalf of his Christian duties?  He is not.  For instance; I have never seen him sit down at his own table, in the absence of Dr. Bartlett, or some other clergyman, but he himself says grace; and that with such an easy dignity, as commands every one’s reverence; and which is succeeded by a cheerfulness that looks as if he were the better pleased for having shewn a thankful heart.

Dr. Bartlett has also told me, that he begins and ends every day, either in his chamber, or in his study, in a manner worthy of one who is in earnest in his Christian profession.  But he never frights gay company with grave maxims.  I remember, one day, Mr. Grandison asked him, in his absurd way, Why he did not preach to his company now and then?  Faith, Sir Charles, said he, if you did, you would reform many a poor ignorant sinner of us; since you could do it with more weight, and more certainty of attention, than any parson in Christendom.

It would be an affront, said Sir Charles, to the understanding, as well as education, of a man who took rank above a peasant, in such a country as this, to seem to question whether he knew his general duties, or not, and the necessity of practising what he knew of them.  If he should be at a loss, he may once a week be reminded, and his heart kept warm.  Let you and me, cousin Everard, shew our conviction by our practice; and not invade the clergyman’s province.

I remember that Mr. Grandison shewed his conviction by his blushes; and by repeating the three little words, You and me!  Sir Charles.

***

SUNDAY EVENING.