I wish he was in half the hurry to be married himself.

So he would be, I dare say, if marriage were as much in his power, as it is in yours.

What a deuse, to be married to a man in a week’s time, with whom I have quarrelled every day for a fortnight past!—­Pride and petulance must go down by degrees, sister.  A month, at least, is necessary, to bring my features to such a placidness with him, as to allow him to smile in my face.

Your brother has hinted, Charlotte, said I, that he loves you for your vivacity; and should still more, if you consulted time and occasion.

He has withdrawn, sister, said Lord L——­, with a resolution, if you deny him, to urge you no further.

I hate his peremptoriness.

Has he not told you, Charlotte, said I, and that in a manner so serious, as to affect every body, that there is a kind of necessity for it?

I don’t love this Clementina, Harriet:  all this is owing to her.

Just then a rapping at the door signified visitors; and Emily ran in—­ Lord G——­, the Earl, and Lady Gertrude, believe me!

Miss Grandison changed colour.  A contrivance of my brother’s!—­Ah, Lord!  Now shall I be beset!—­I will be sullen, that I may not be saucy.

Sullen you can’t be, Charlotte, said Lady L——­:  but saucy you can.  Remember, however, my brother’s earnestness, and spare Lord G——­ before his father and aunt, or you will give me, and every body, pain.

How can I?  Our last quarrel is not made up:  but advise him not to be either impertinent or secure.

Immediately enter’d Sir Charles, introducing the Earl and Lady Gertrude.  After the first compliments, Pray, Sir Charles, said Miss Grandison, drawing him aside, towards me, and whispering, tell me truly:  Did you not know of this visit?

I invited them, Charlotte, whispered he.  I meant not however to surprise you.  If you comply, you will give me great pleasure:  if you do not, I will not be dis-pleased with my sister.

What can I do?  Either be less good to me, sir, or less hurrying.

You have sacrificed enough to female punctilio, Charlotte.  Lord G——­ has been a zealous courtier.  You have no doubt of the ardor of his passion, nor of your own power.  Leave the day to me.  Let it be Tuesday next.

Good heaven!  I can’t bear you, after such a—­and she gasped, as if for breath; and he turning from her to me, she went to Lady Gertrude, who, rising, took her hand, and withdrew with her into the next room.

They staid out till they were told dinner was served:  and when they returned, I thought I never saw Miss Grandison look so lovely.  A charming flush had overspread her cheeks:  a sweet consciousness in her eyes gave a female grace to her whole aspect, and softened, as I may say, the natural majesty of her fine features.

Lord G——­ looked delighted, as if his heart were filled with happy presages.  The earl seemed no less pleased.