Part 23 (2/2)

The Hon. GEORGE MOLESWORTH to the same.

_London_

The day of days is over!

I am too happy to sleep:--exquisite felicity wants not the common supports of nature.--In such scenes as I have witness'd, the _soul_ begins to know herself:--she gives us a peep into futurity:--the enjoyments of this day has been all her own.

Once more I regain the beaten path of narrative.

Suppose me then under the hands of hair-dressers, valets, &c. &c. &c. I hate those fellows about me:--but the singularity of this visit made me undergo their tortures with tolerable patience.--Now was the time when Vanity, under pretence of respect, love, and decorum, usher'd in her implements.

It was about two when we were set down at Lady Mary Sutton's.--Darcey trembled, and look'd so pale at coming out of his chair, that I desir'd a servant to shew us to a room, where we might be alone 'till Mr. Powis was inform'd of our being in the house.--He instantly came with Lady Mary.--Tender welcomes and affectionate caresses fill'd him with new life.--Her Ladys.h.i.+p propos'd he should first see Miss Powis in her dressing-room;--that none should be present but Mr. and Mrs. Powis, her Ladys.h.i.+p, and your humble servant.

Judge how agreeable this must be to his Lords.h.i.+p, whose extreme weakness consider'd, could not have supported this interview before so much company as were a.s.sembled in the drawing-room.

The plan settled, Lady Mary withdrew to prepare Miss Powis for our reception.--A footman soon came with a message from her Ladys.h.i.+p that she expected us.

I was all compa.s.sionate at this moment:--the conflicts of my feeble friend were not to be conceal'd.--We follow'd Mr. Powis;--the door open'd;--Darcey turn'd half round, and laying his cold clammy hand on mine, said, Oh Molesworth! my happiness is in view!--how can I meet it?

Inimitable creature!--Can I describe your reception of my friend?--can I describe the dignity of beauty;--the melting softness of sensibility;--the blus.h.i.+ng emotion of surprize?--No, Risby;--impossible!

The Ladies stood to receive us; Miss Powis supported between her mother and Lady Mary;--_she_ all graceful timidity;--_they_ all extasy and rapture.--Do you not expect to see Darcey at the feet of his mistress?--No; at Mrs. Powis's, at Lady Mary's, he fell.

The eyes of his Adorable glisten'd.--He was rais'd, and embrac'd tenderly--by the parents,--by Lady Mary.--Mr. Powis said, presenting him to his delighted daughter, _You_, my dear, must make _our_ returns of grat.i.tude to Lord Darcey;--giving him her more than pa.s.sive hand, which he press'd to his lips with fervor, saying, _This_ is the hour my soul has flown up to pet.i.tion--Dearest, best of women! tell me I am welcome.

She attempted to reply;--it was only an attempt.

She does bid you welcome, return'd Mr. Powis;--her _heart_ bids you welcome.

Indeed, said she, I am not ungrateful:--_indeed_, my Lord, I am not insensible to the obligations you have laid me under.

As these words escap'd her, you must certainly take in the whole countenance of Darcey.

By this time we were seated, and Lady Mary return'd to the company.

Honour'd as I am, said his Lords.h.i.+p, addressing Miss Powis, will you permit me, Madam, in presence of your revered parents,--in presence of the friend to whom every wish of my heart has been confess'd;--will you permit me to hope you are not offended by my application to Sir James?--May I hope for your--

Friends.h.i.+p, my Lord (reply'd she, interrupting him); you may command my friends.h.i.+p.

_Friends.h.i.+p!_ (retorted he) Miss Powis, starting up:--is that _all I_ am to expect?--Can I accept your _friends.h.i.+p?_--No, Madam, the man who would have died for you aspires to more than _friends.h.i.+p_;--he aspires to your _love_.

I am no stranger, my Lord, return'd she, to the honour you intend me;--I am no stranger to _your_ worth;--but I have scruples;--scruples that seem to me insurmountable.

I never saw him so affected.

<script>