The doctor tells me, that now Lady Olivia is so unexpectedly come hither in person, he thinks it best to decline giving me, as he had once intended, her history at large; but will leave so much of it as may satisfy my curiosity, to be gathered from my own observation; and not only from the violence and haughtiness of her temper, but from the freedom of her declarations.  He is sure, he said, that his patron will be best pleased, that a veil should be thrown over the weaker part of her conduct; which, were it known, would indeed be glorious to Sir Charles, but not so to the lady; who, however, never was suspected, even by her enemies, of giving any other man reason to tax her with a thought that was not strictly virtuous:  and she had engaged his pity and esteem, for the sake of her other fine qualities, though she could not his love.  Before she saw him (which, it seems, was at the opera at Florence for the first time, when he had an opportunity to pay her some slight civilities) she set all men at defiance.

To-morrow morning Sir Charles is to breakfast with me.  My cousins and I are to dine at Lord L——­’s.  The Earl and Lady Gertrude are also to be there.  Lord W——­ has been prevailed upon to stay, and be there also, as it is his nephew’s last day in England.—­’Last day in England!’ O, my Lucy! what words are those!—­Lady L——­ has invited Lady Olivia and her aunt, at her own motion, Sir Charles (his time being so short) not disapproving.

I thank my grandmamma and aunt for their kind summons.  I will soon set my day:  I will, my dear, soon set my day.

LETTER XXVI

Miss Byron.—­In continuation
Friday noon, April 14.

Not five hours in bed; not one hour’s rest for many uneasy nights before; I was stupid till Sir Charles came:  I then was better.  He inquired, with tender looks and voice, after my health; as if he thought I did not look well.

We had some talk about Lord and Lady G——.  He was anxious for their happiness.  He complimented me with hopes from my advice to her.  Lord G——­, he said, was a good-natured honest man.  If he thought his sister would make him unhappy, he should himself be so.

I told him, that I dared to answer for her heart.  My lord must bear with some innocent foibles, and all would be well.

We then talked of Lady Olivia.  He began the subject, by asking me my opinion of her.  I said she was a very fine woman in her person; and that she had an air of grandeur in her mien.

And she has good qualities, said he; but she is violent in her passions.  I am frequently grieved for her.  She is a fine creature in danger of being lost, by being made too soon her own mistress.

He said not one word of his departure to-morrow morning:  I could not begin it; my heart would not let me; my spirits were not high:  and I am afraid, if that key had been touched, I should have been too visibly affected.  My cousins forbore, upon the same apprehension.