The dear girl ran on upon what might have been the consequence, and what a loss the world would have had, if the horrid fact had been perpetrated.  Lady Maffei told her, however, that had not her heart relented, she might have done him mischief; for he was too rash in approaching her.  She fell down on her knees to him, as soon as he had wrested the poniard from her.  I forgive, and pity you, madam, said he, with an air that had, as Olivia and her aunt have recollected since, both majesty and compassion in it:  but, against her entreaty, he would withdraw:  yet, at her request, sent in Lady L——­ to her; and, going into his study, told not even Dr. Bartlett of it, though he went to him there immediately.

From the consciousness of this violence, perhaps, the lady was more temperate afterwards, even to the very time of his departure.

***

Lord bless me, what shall I do?  Lady D——­ has sent a card to let me know, that she will wait upon Mrs. Reeves and me to-marrow to breakfast.  She comes, no doubt, to tell me, that Sir Charles having no thoughts of Harriet Byron, Lord D——­ may have hopes of succeeding with her:  and, perhaps, her ladyship will plead Sir Charles’s recommendation and interest in Lord D——­’s favour.  But should this plea be made, good Heaven give me patience!  I am afraid I shall be uncivil to this excellent woman.

LETTER XXIX

Miss Byron.—­In continuation
Monday, April 17.

The countess is just gone.

Mr. Reeves was engaged before to breakfast with Lady Betty Williams; and we were only Mrs. Reeves, Lady D——­, and I.

My heart ached at her entrance; and every moment still more, as we were at breakfast.  Her looks, I thought, had such particular kindness and meaning in them, as seemed to express, ’You have no hopes, Miss Byron, any where else; and I will have you to be mine.’

But my suspense was over the moment the tea-table was removed.  I see your confusion, my dear, said the countess:  [Mrs. Reeves, you must not leave us;] and I have sat in pain for you, as I saw it increase.  By this I know that Sir Charles Grandison has been as good as his word.  Indeed I doubted not but he would.  I don’t wonder, my dear, that you love him.  He is the finest man in his manners, as well as person, that I ever saw.  A woman of virtue and honour cannot but love him.  But I need not praise him to you; nor to you, neither, Mrs. Reeves; I see that.  Now you must know, proceeded she, that there is an alliance proposed for my son, of which I think very well; but still should have thought better, had I never seen you, my dear.  I have talked to my lord about it:  you know I am very desirous to have him married.  His answer was; I never can think of any proposal of this nature, while I have any hope that I can make myself acceptable to Miss Byron.