We looked upon one another.  Miss Grandison told me afterwards, that my colour went and came several times, and that she was afraid for me.  My heart was indeed a little affected.  I believe I must not think of taking leave of him when he sets out.  Ah, Lucy!  Nine days hence!—­Yet, in less than nine days after that, I shall be embraced by the tenderest relations that ever creature had to boast of.

Sir Charles taking his sister aside, I want, said he, to say a few words to you, Charlotte.  They were about half an hour together; and then returning, I am encouraged to think, said he, that Charlotte will give her hand to Lord G——.  She is a woman of honour, and her heart must therefore go with it.—­I have a request to make to her, before all you our common friends—­The Earl of G——­, Lady Gertrude, Lord G——­, all join in one suit:  it is, that I may be allowed to give my sister to Lord G——­ before I leave England.

I have told you, brother, that it is impossible, if you go away in nine or ten days time.

Sir Charles particularly requested my influence.  I could have no doubt, I said, but Miss Grandison would oblige her brother.

She vehemently opposed so early a day.

In a most affectionate manner, yet with an air of seriousness, he urged his request.  He said, that it was very proper for him to make some dispositions of his affairs before he went abroad.  He should leave England with much more pleasure, if he saw his Charlotte the wife of a man so worthy as Lord G——­:  Lord G——­, said he, adores you:  You intended to be his:  Resolve to oblige your brother, who, though he cannot be happy himself, wishes to see you so.

O, Sir Charles! said she, you ruin me by your solemnity, and by your goodness.

The subject is not a light one.  I am greatly in earnest, Charlotte.  I have many affairs on my hands.  My heart is in this company; yet my engagements will permit me but few opportunities to enjoy it between this and Tuesday next.  If you deny me now, I must acquiesce:  If you have more than punctilio to plead, say you have; and I will not urge you farther.

And so this is the last time of asking, sir?  A little archly—­

Not the last time of my Lord G——­’s, but of mine—­But I will not allow you now to answer me lightly.  If you can name a day before Tuesday, you will greatly oblige me.  I will leave you to consider of it.  And he withdrew.

Every one then urged her to oblige her brother.  Lady L——­ very particularly.  She told her, that he was entitled to her compliance; and that he had spoken to her on this subject in a still more earnest manner.  She should hardly be able to excuse her, she said, if the serious hint he had given about settling his affairs before he went abroad, had not weight with her.  You know, Charlotte, continued she, that he can have no motive but your good; and you have told me, that you intend to have Lord G——­; and that you esteem his father, his aunt, and every one of his family, whom you have seen; and they are all highly pleased with you.  Settlements are already drawn:  that my brother told you last night.  Nothing is wanting but your day.