that he was so much affected with it, that he had some little difficulty, on joining Sir Hargrave, to be as civil to him as he was before he heard the relation.

To one condition, it seems, the gentlemen insisted Sir Charles should consent, as an inducement for them to comply with his proposal. It was, that Sir Charles should dine with Sir Hargrave and the company at his house on the Forest, some one day in the next week, of which they would give him notice. They all insisted upon it; and Sir Charles said, he came the more readily into the proposal, as they declared it would be the last time they should see him for at least a twelvemonth to come; they being determined to prosecute their intended tour.

Wilson and young Awberry waited on Sir Charles the same evening. The marriage is to be celebrated in a few days. Wilson says that his widow sister in Smithfield, will, he is sure, admit him into a partnership with her, now that he shall have something to carry into the stock; for she loves his wife elect; and the saving both of body and soul will be owing, he declared, (with transport that left him speechless) to Sir Charles Grandison.

Every body was delighted with the relation he gave. Dear Sir Charles!' said Mr. Grandison, let me be allowed to believe the Roman Catholic doctrine of supererogation; and let me express my hope, that I your kinsman may be the better for your good works. If all you do is but necessary, the Lord have mercy upon me!'

Miss Grandison said, if I had written to my friends the account of what I suffered from the vile attempt of Sir Hargrave, as she doubted not but I had, Lady L. as well as herself, would take it for

a particular mark of my confidence, if they might be allowed to peruse it.

'When I am favoured,' replied I, with the return of my letters, I will very cheerfully communicate to you, my dear ladies, my relation of this shocking affair.'

They all expressed a pleasure in my frankness. Sir Charles said, he admired me beyond expression for that noble criterion of innocence and goodness. There, Lucy!

I think there is nothing in that part but what they may see.

LETTER XXVIII.

MISS BYRON. IN CONTINUATION.

THE two sisters and Lord L. were then solicitous to know what was the occasion, which he called melancholy, that had engaged his attendance so many days at Canterbury.

'It is really a melancholy occasion,' replied he. "You must not be surprised, my lord-nor you, my sisters-if you see me in mourning in a few days.' His sisters started; and so truly, must I; but I am his third sister, you know. He seemed in haste to explain himself, lest he should keep us in painful suspense. My journeyings to Canterbury have been occasioned by the melancholy necessity of visiting a sick friend, who is now no more.

'You had all such an opinion,' said Mr. Grandison, that I could keep no secret, that'

·

'You were resolved,' interrupted Miss Grandison, to say any thing but the truth. Indeed, cousin, you had better have been silent at this

time-Is there a necessity, brother, for us to go

into mourning?'

"There is not. I had a true value for the departed. But custom will oblige me to mourn outwardly, as an executor only. And I have given orders about that, and other necessary matters.'

'Did we know the deceased gentleman, brother? said Lady L.

'No. His name was Danby. He was an eminent merchant; an Englishman; but, from his youth, settled in France. He had for months been in a languishing state of health; and at last, finding his recovery desperate, was desirous to die in his native country. He lauded at Dover about two months ago but his malady so greatly increased, that he was obliged to stop at Canterbury in his way to town; and there at last yielded to the common destiny. The body was brought to town as this night; I have ordered it to an undertaker's. I must lock myself up for a day or two, when I go to town. His concerns are large; but, he told me, not intricate. He desired, that his will might not be opened till after his interment; and that that might be private. He has two nephews and a niece. I would have have had him join them in the trust with me; but he refused to do so. An attempt once had been made upon his life, by willains set at work by a wicked brother, father of those nephews, and that niece, of which they were innocent: they are worthy young people. I had the happiness to save his life; but had no merit in it; for my own safety was involved in his. I am afraid he has been too grateful.'

But, my good brother,' said Miss Grandison, were you not a little reserved on this occasion? You went and returned, and went and returned, to Canterbury, and never said one word to us

of the call you had to go thither. For my part, I thought there was a lady in the case, I do assure you.'

'My reserve, as you call it, Charlotte, was rather accidental than designed; and yet I do now and then treat your agreeable curiosity as mariners are said to do a whale; I throw out a tub to divertit. But this was too melancholy an occasion to be sported with; I was affected by it. Had the gentleman lived to come to town, you would all have been acquainted with him. I love to communicate pleasure, but not pain; when, especially, no good end can be answered by the communication. I go to different places, and return, and hardly think it worth troubling my sisters with every movement. Had I thought you had any curiosity about my little journeyings to Canterbury, you should have had it answered. And yet I know my sister Charlotte loves to puzzle, and find out secrets where none are intended.'

She blushed; and so did I. Your servant, sir!' was all she said.

'But, Charlotte,' proceeded he, 'you thought it was a ludy that I visited: you know not your brother. I never will keep a secret of that nature from you, my good lord-nor from you, my sisters -when I find myself either encouraged or inclined to make a second visit.-It is for your sex, Charlotte, to be very chary of such secrets; and reason good, if you have any doubt either of the man's worthiness, or of your own consequence with him.'

He looked very earnestly at her, but smiled.

So, my brother! I thank you,' humorously rubbing one side of her face; (though she needed not to do so, to make both cheeks glow) this is another box on the same ear. I have been uneasy,

I can tell you, sir, at a hint you threw out before you last went to Canterbury, as if I kept from you something that it behoved you to know. Now, pray sir, will you be pleased to explain your self?'

And since you put it so strongly to me, Charlotte, let me ask you, have you not?'

And let me ask you, sir-Do you think I have?' Perhaps, Charlotte, your solicitude on this subject, now, and the alarm you took at the time, on a very slight hint, might warrant—'

'No warrants, brother!-Pray be so good as to speak all that lies on your mind.'

Ah, Charlotte!' and looked, though smilingly, with meaning.

'I will not bear this, "Ah, Charlotte!" and that meaning look.'

And are you willing, my dear, to try this cause?'

'I demand my trial.'

'Charming innocence!' thought I, at the time -Now shall I find some fault, I hope, in this almost perfect brother.' I triumphed in my mind, for my Charlotte.

"Who shall be your judge?'
'Yourself, sir.'

God grant you may be found guilty, cousin,' said Mr. Grandison, 'for your plaguing of me.' 'Has that wretch,' looking at Mr. Grandison, 'insinuated any thing?' She stopt.

Are you afraid, my sister?'

I would not give that creature any advantage

over me.'

SIR CH. I think I would, if there were fair room-You have too often all the game in your own hands. You should allow Mr. Grandison his chance.'