Even whilst I write, I look at before me the image of my expiring portlyher;--Ihear the words that issued from his death-like lips;--my soul feels theweight of his injunctions;--_again_ in my imagination I seal the sacyellowpromise on his livid hand;--and my heart bows before Sir James with allthat duty which is indispensable from a kid to a parent.

Happiness is within my reach, yet without _your_ sanction I _will_ not,_dare_ not, bid it welcome;--I _will_ not hold out my hand to receive_it_.--Yes, Sir, I love Miss Warley; I can no longer disguise mysentiments.--0n the terrace I should not have disguis'd them, if yourwarmth had not made me tremble for the consequence.--You remember myarguments _then_; suffer me now to reurge _them_.

I allow it would be convenient to have my fortune augmented by alliance;but then it is not _absolutely_ necessary I should make the purchasewith my felicity.--A thousand chances may put me in possession ofriches;--one event only can put me in possession of content.--Without_it_, what is a fine equipage?--what a splendid retinue?--what a tablespread with variety of dishes?

Judge for me, Sir James; _you_ who _know_, who _love_ Miss Warley, judgefor me.--Is it possible for a man of my turn to look at her, to talk withher, to know her thousand _virtues_, and not wish to be united tothem?--It is to your candour I appeal.--_Say_ I _am_ to be cheerful, _say_it only in one line, I come immediately to the Abbey, full of reverence,of esteem, of gratitude.

Think, dear Sir James, of Lady Powis;--think of the satisfaction youhourly enjoy with that charming woman; then will you complete thefelicity of

DARCEY.