The countess’s voice changed in repeating this speech of his:  and she stopt to praise him; and then went on.

You are the man, indeed, sir!—­But then give me leave to ask you, as I think it very likely that you will be married before your return to England, Whether, now that you have been so good as to speak favourably of my son, and that you call Miss Byron sister, you will oblige him with a recommendation to that sister?

’The Countess of D——­ shews, by this request, her value for a young lady who deserves it; and the more, for its being, I think, (excuse me, madam) a pretty extraordinary one.  But what a presumption would it be in me, to suppose that I had such an interest with Miss Byron, when she has relations as worthy of her, as she is of them?’

You may guess, my dear, said the countess, that I should not have put this question, but as a trial of his heart.  However, I asked his pardon; and told him, that I would not believe he gave it me, except he would promise to mention to Miss Byron, that I had made him a visit on this subject. [Methinks, Lucy, I should have been glad that he had not let me know that he was so forgiving!]

And now, my dear, said the lady, let me turn about.  She did; and put one arm round my neck, and with my own handkerchief wiped my eyes, and kissed my cheek; and when she saw me a little recovered, she addressed me as follows: 

Now, my good young creature, [O that you would let me call you daughter in my way! for I think I must always call you so, whether you do, or not] let me ask you, as if I were your real mother, ’Have you any expectation that Sir Charles Grandison will be yours?’

Dear madam, is not this as hard a question to be put to me, as that which you put to him?

Yes, my dear—­full as hard.  And I am as ready to ask your pardon, as I was his, if you are really displeased with me for putting it.  Are you, Miss Byron?  Excuse me, Mrs. Reeves, for thus urging your lovely cousin:  I am at least entitled to the excuse Sir Charles Grandison made for me, that it is a demonstration of my value for her.

I have declared, madam, returned I, and it is from my heart, that I think he ought to be the husband of the lady abroad:  and though I prefer him to all the men I ever saw, yet I have resolved, if possible, to conquer the particular regard I have for him.  He has in a very noble manner offered me his friendship, so long as it may be accepted without interfering with any other attachments on my part:  and I will be satisfied with that.

A friendship so pure, replied the countess, as that of such a man, is consistent with any other attachments.  My Lord D——­ will, with his whole soul, contribute all in his power to strengthen it:  he admires Sir Charles Grandison:  he would think it a double honour to be acquainted with him through you.  Dearest Miss Byron, take another worthy young man into your friendship, but with a tenderer name:  I shall then claim a fourth place in it for myself.  O my dear!  What a quadruple knot will you tie!