Part 10 (1/2)

I wish I may not laugh out in the midst of his fine speeches.--

I wish your Ladys.h.i.+p could see this cool attention I give him.--But I have nettled him to the truth this afternoon:--his pride was alarm'd;--it could certainly proceed from _no other_ cause, after he has _declared off_.

I was sitting at the tea-table, a trouble I always take from Lady Powis, who with Sir James was walking just without the windows, when Lord Darcey open'd the door, and said, advancing towards me with affected airs of admiration,--How proud should I be to see my house and table so graced!--Then leaning over the back of my chair, Well, my angel! how is the bad arm? Come, let me see, attempting to draw off my glove.

Oh! quite well, my Lord; withdrawing my hand carelessly.

For heaven's sake, take more care of yourself, Miss Warley; this might have been a sad affair.

Depend on that, my Lord, for my own sake.

For your _own sake!_ Not in consideration of any _other_ person?

Yes; of _Lady Mary Sutton, Sir James_ and _Lady Powis, good Mr.

Jenkings_ and _his wife_, who I know would be concerned was I to suffer much from any accident.

Then there is no _other_ person you would wish to preserve your life for?

Not that I know at present, my Lord,

Not that you know at _present!_ so you think you may one day or _other?_

I pretend not, my Lord, to answer for what _may_ happen; I have never seen the _person_ yet. I was going to say something further, I have really forgot what, when he turn'd from me, and walked up and down the room with a seeming discomposure.

_If_ you are sincere in what you have said, _Miss Warley_; _if_ you are _really_ sincere, I do p.r.o.nounce--Here he burst open the door, and flew out the instant Sir James and Lady Powis entered.

When the tea was made, a footman was sent to Lord Darcey; but he was no where to be found.

This is very strange, said her Ladys.h.i.+p; Lord Darcey never used to be out of the way at tea-time. I declare I am quite uneasy; perhaps he may be ill.

Oh! cry'd Sir James, don't hurry yourself; I warrant he is got into one of his old reveries, and forgets the time.

I was quite easy. I knew his abrupt departure was nothing but an air:--an air of consequence, I suppose.--However, I was willing to be convinced, so did not move till I saw the Gentleman sauntering up the lawn. As no one perceived him but myself, I slid out to the housekeeper, and told her, if her Lady enquir'd for me, I was gone home to write Letters by to-morrow's post.

You have enough of it now, I believe, my dear Lady; two long letters by the same packet:--but you are the repository of my joy, my grief, the very inmost secrets of my soul.--You, my dear Lady, have the whole heart of

F. WARLEY.

LETTER XVIII.

Lord DARCEY to the Honourable GEORGE MOLESWORTH.

_Barford Abbey_.

Ruin'd and undone, as I hope for mercy!--undone too by my own egregious folly!--She is quite lost,--quite out of my power.--I wish Lord Allen had been in the bottom of the sea;--he can never make me amends;--no, if he was to die to-morrow and leave me his whole fortune.--

I told you he was to dine here yesterday.--I cannot be circ.u.mstantial.--He did dine here;--to my utter sorrow he did.