I hope, my lord, said I, that you will not want any influence but your own.  She has a thousand good qualities.  She has charming spirits.  You will have nothing to bear with but from them.  They will not last always.  Think only, that she can mean nothing by the exertion of them, but innocent gaiety; and she will every day love your lordship the better for bearing with her.  You know she is generous and noble.

I see, madam, said he, she has let you into—­

She has not acquainted me with the particulars of the little misunderstanding; only has said, that there had been a slight one; which was quite made up.

I am ashamed, replied he, to have it thought by Miss Byron, that there could have been a misunderstanding between us, especially so early.  She knows her power over me.  I am afraid she despises me.

Impossible, my lord!  Have you not observed, that she spares nobody when she is in a lively humour?

True—­But here she comes!—­Not a word, madam!—­I bowed assenting silence.  Lord G——­ said, she, approaching him, in a low voice, I shall be jealous of your conversations with Miss Byron.

Would to heaven, my dearest life! snatching at her withdrawn hand, that—­

I were half as good as Miss Byron:  I understand you:  but time and patience, sir; nodding to him, and passing him.

Admirable creature! said he, how I adore her!

I hinted to her afterwards, his fear of her despising him.  Harriet, answered she, with a serious air, I will do my duty by him.  I will abhor my own heart, if I ever find in it the shadow of a regard for any man in the world, inconsistent with that which he has a right to expect from me.

I was pleased with her.  And found an opportunity to communicate what she said, in confidence, to my lord; and had his blessings for it.

But now for some account of Lady Olivia.  With which I will begin a new letter.

LETTER XXV

MISS BYRON.—­IN CONTINUATION

Sir Charles returned with the ladies.  He presented to Lady Olivia and her aunt, Lady G——­, Lord L——­, and Lord W——.  I was in another apartment talking with Dr. Bartlett.  Lady Olivia asked for the doctor.  He left me to pay his respects to her.

Sir Charles being informed, that I was in the house, told Lady Olivia, that he hoped he should have the honour of presenting to her one of our English beauties; desiring Lady G——­ to request my company.

Lady G——­ came to me—­A lovely woman, I assure you, Harriet; let me lead you to her.

Sir Charles met me at the entrance of the drawing-room:  Excuse me, madam, said he, taking my hand, with profound respect, and allow me to introduce to a very amiable Italian lady, one who does so much honour to Britain.—­ Miss Byron, madam, addressing himself to her, salutes you.  The advantages of person are her least perfection.