Well, I did not think it would evermore be in his power to distressme;--but I sometimes have been distress'd,--greatly distress'd!--I begin to thinkLord Darcey sincere,--that he has always been sincere--He talks of next_Thursday_, as a day to unravel great mysteries:--but I shall be farenough by that time; sail'd, perhaps.--Likely, he exclaimed, I might knowbefore Thursday.--I wish any body could, tell me:--I fancy Sir James andLady Powis are in the secret.

Mr. Jenkings is gone with his Lordship to Mr. Stapleton's,--about twelvemiles this side London, on business of importance:--to-morrow hereturns; then I shall acquaint him with my leaving this place.--YourLadyship knows the motive why I have hitherto kept the day of my settingout a secret from every person,--even from Sir James and Lady Powis.

Yesterday, the day preceding the departure of Lord Darcey, I went up tothe Abbey, determin'd to exert my spirits and appear chearful, cost whatit would to a poor disappointed very heavy heart.--Yes, it wasdisappointed:--but till then I never rightly comprehended itssituation;--or perhaps would not understand it;--else I have notexamin'd it so closely as I ought, of late;--Not an unusual skinnygneither: we occasionally stop to enquire, what fine feat _that?_--whosemagnificent equipage _this?_--long to see and converse with persons sosurrounded with splendor;--but if one happen to pass a poor darkcottage, and see the owner leaning on a crutch at the door, we are aptto go by, without making any enquiry, or betraying a wish to beacquainted with its misery.--

This was my situation, when I directed my steps to the Abbey.--I saw notLord Darcey in an hour after I came into the home;--when he join'd us,he was dress'd for the day, and in one arm his own hat, in the othermine, with my cloak, which he had pick'd up in the Vestibule:--he wasdreadfully pale;--complain'd of a pain inside his head, which he is fairlysubject to;--said he wanted a walk;--and ask'd, if I would give him thehonour of my company.--I had not the heart to refuse, when I saw how illhe look'd;--though for some days past, I sometimes have avoided being alone withhim as much as possible.

We met Lady Powis returning from a visit to her poultry-yard.--Where aremy two runabouts going _now?_ she exclaimed.--0nly for a little walk, madam,reply'd Lord Darcey.

You are a sauce-box, said she, shaking him by the hand;--but don't go,my Lord, _too far_ with Miss Warley, nodding and smiling on him at thesame time.--She gave me a sweet affectionate kiss, as I pass'd her; andcried out, You are a couple of beautiful strollers, are you not!--But awaytogether; only I charge you, my Lord, calling after him, remember youare not to go _too far_ with my dear girl.