Never, I must need say, did an angel so much look the angel.  All placid, serene, smiling, self-assured:  a more lovely flush than usual heightening her natural graces, and adding charms, even to radiance, to her charming complexion.

After we had seated ourselves, the agreeable subject was renewed, as we took our chocolate.  How happy should she be in her uncle’s restored favour!

The Captain engaged for it—­No more delays, he hoped, on her part!  Let the happy day be but once over, all would then be right.  But was it improper to ask for copies of my proposals, and of her answer, in order to show them to his dear friend, her uncle?

As Mr. Lovelace pleased.—­O that the dear creature would always say so!

It must be in strict confidence then, I said.  But would it not be better to show her uncle the draught of the settlements, when drawn?

And will you be so good as to allow of this, Mr. Lovelace?

There, Belford!  We were once the quarrelsome, but now we are the polite, lovers.

Indeed, my dear creature, I will, if you desire it, and if Captain Tomlinson will engage that Mr. Harlowe shall keep them absolutely a secret; that I may not be subjected to the cavil and controul of any others of a family that have used me so very ill.

Now, indeed, Sir, you are very obliging.

Dost think, Jack, that my face did not now also shine?

I held out my hand, (first consecrating it with a kiss,) for her’s.  She condescended to give it me.  I pressed it to my lips:  You know not Captain Tomlinson, (with an air,) all storms overblown, what a happy man—­

Charming couple! [his hands lifted up,] how will my good friend rejoice!  O that he were present!  You know not, Madam, how dear you still are to your uncle Harlowe!

I am still unhappy ever to have disobliged him!

Not too much of that, however, fairest, thought I!

The Captain repeated his resolution of service, and that in so acceptable a manner, that the dear creature wished that neither he, nor any of his, might ever want a friend of equal benevolence.

Nor any of this, she said; for the Captain brought it in, that he had five children living, by one of the best wives and mothers, whose excellent management made him as happy as if his eight hundred pounds a year (which was all he had to boast of) were two thousand.

Without economy, the oracular lady said, no estate was large enough.  With it, the least was not too small.

Lie still, teasing villain! lie still.—­I was only speaking to my conscience, Jack.

And let me ask you, Mr. Lovelace, said the Captain; yet not so much from doubt, as that I may proceed upon sure grounds—­You are willing to co-operate with my dear friend in a general reconciliation?