“‘Be assured, madam,’ said I, ’that you are in honourable hands.  I will convey you to my sister, who is a young lady of honour and virtue.’

“I shut the chariot door.  Sir Hargrave was now on his legs, supported by his coachman; his other servants had fled.

“I bid one of my servants tell him who I was.  He cursed me, and threatened vengeance.

“I then stepped back to my chariot, and reassured Miss Byron, who had sunk down at the bottom of it.  What followed, I suppose, Charlotte”—­ bowing to his sister—­“you told Mr. Reeves?”

“I can only say, my brother,” said Miss Grandison, “that you have rescued an angel of a woman, and you have made me as happy by it as yourself.”

VIII.—­Mr. Deane to Sir Charles Grandison

Selby House, October 3.  An alliance more acceptable, were it with a prince, could not be proposed, than that which Sir Charles Grandison, in a manner so worthy of himself, has proposed with a family who have thought themselves under obligation to him ever since he delivered the darling of it from the lawless attempts of a savage libertine.  I know to whom I write; and will own that it has been my wish in a most particular manner.  As to the young lady, I say nothing of her, yet how shall I forbear?  Oh, sir, believe me, she will dignify your choice.  Her duty and her inclination through every relation of life were never divided.

Excuse me, sir.  No parent was ever more fond of his child than I have been from her infancy of this my daughter by adoption.

IX.—­Miss Byron to Lady G. (Formerly Charlotte Grandison)

October 14.  Sir Charles came a little after eleven.  He addressed us severally with his usual politeness, and my grandmother particularly, with such an air of reverence as did himself credit, because of her years and wisdom.

Presently my aunt led me away to another chamber, and then went away, but soon returned, and with her the man of men.

She but turned round, and saw him take my hand, which he did with a compliment that made me proud, and left us together.

Oh, my dear, your brother looked the humble, modest lover, yet the man of sense, of dignity, in love.  I could not but be assured of his affection.

* * * * *

On one knee he dropped, and taking my passive hand between his, and kissing it, he said: 

“My dear Miss Byron, you are goodness itself.  I approached you with diffidence and with apprehension.  May blessings attend my future life, as my grateful heart shall acknowledge this goodness!”

Again he kissed my hand, rising with dignity.  I could have received his vows on my knees, but I was motionless; yet how was I delighted to be the cause of joy to him!  Joy to your brother—­to Sir Charles Grandison!

He saw me greatly affected, and considerately said: 

“I will leave you, my dear Miss Byron, to entitle myself to the congratulations of all our friends below.  From this moment I date my happiness!”