The chariot first drawing up to the church door, Mr. B. led the countess into church.  My Lord Davers did me that honour; and Mr. H. handed his aunt through a crowd of gazers, many of whom, as usual, were strangers.  The neighbouring gentlemen and their ladies paid us their silent respects; but the thoughts of the wicked verses, or rather, as Lady Davers will have me say, wicked action of the transcriber of them, made me keep behind the pew; but my lady sat down by me, and whisperingly talked between whiles, to me, with great tenderness and freedom in her aspect; which I could not but take kindly, because I knew she intended by it, to shew every one she was pleased with me.

Afterwards she was pleased to add, taking my hand, and Mr. B. and the countess heard her (for she raised her voice to a more audible whisper), “I’m proud to be in thy company, and in this solemn place, I take thy hand, and acknowledge with pride, my sister.”  I looked down; and indeed, at church, I can hardly at any time look up; for who can bear to be gazed at so?—­and softly said, “Oh! my good lady! how much you honour me; the place, and these surrounding eyes, can only hinder me from acknowledging as I ought.”

My best friend, with pleasure in his eyes, said, pressing his hand upon both ours, as my lady had mine in hers—­“You are two beloved creatures:  both excellent in your way.  God bless you both.”—­“And you too, my dear brother,” said my lady.

The countess whispered, “You should spare a body a little!  You give one, ladies, and Mr. B., too much pleasure all at once.  Such company, and such behaviour adds still more charms to devotion; and were I to be here a twelvemonth, I would never miss once accompanying you to this good place.”

Mr. H. thought he must say something, and addressing himself to his noble uncle, who could not keep his good-natured eye off me—­“I’ll be hang’d, my lord, if I know how to behave myself!  Why this outdoes the chapel!—­I’m glad I put on my new suit!” And then he looked upon himself, as if he would support, as well as he could, his part of the general admiration.

But think you not, my dear Miss Darnford, and my dearest father and mother, that I am now in the height of my happiness in this life, thus favoured by Lady Davers?  The dean preached an excellent sermon; but I need not have said that; only to have mentioned, that he preached, was saying enough.

My lord led me out when divine service was over; and being a little tender in his feet, from a gouty notice, walked very slowly.  Lady Towers and Mrs. Brooks joined us in the porch, and made us their compliments, as did Mr. Martin.  “Will you favour us with your company home, my old acquaintance?” said Mr. B. to him.—­“I can’t, having a gentleman, my relation, to dine with me; but if it will be agreeable in the evening, I will bring him with me to taste of your Burgundy:  for we have not any such in the county.”—­“I shall be glad to see you, or any friend of yours,” replied Mr. B.