I never saw him so affected.

For heaven's sake, Madam, he answer'd, don't drive me to despair:--tearnot open the wound which the hand of Mercy has just clos'd:--myshatter'd frame will not bear another rub from fortune.--_Whatscruples?_--Tell me, Miss Powis, I conjure you.

You have none, my dear little child, exclaimed Mrs. Powis. You have none, Fanny,said Mr. Powis, but what his Lordship can remove.

Indeed, Sir!--indeed, Madam! replied she, I meant not to give LordDarcey pain.--Then turning to him in a tender, soothing accent,--Yourpeace, my Lord, has never been lightly regarded by me.--Here hebrighten'd up,--and exclaimed, taking her hand, You know not, Miss Powis,from the first moment I saw you, how ardent,--how steady has been mylove.

Why _then_ my Lord, resum'd she--_why_ endeavour to gain my affections,yet hide your preference for me from the _world_;--even from_myself?_--Think of the _day_ Lord Allen dined at the Abbey;--think whatpass'd in a walk preceding _that_ you set out for city:--on boththese,--on many others, how mysterious your conduct?--If you thought meworthy your regard, my Lord, why _such_ mysteries?

For God's sake, my dear,--dear Miss Powis, exclaimed Darcey, suffer me tovindicate myself.--Pardon me, my Lord (continued the angel thatharangued him) hear me patiently another moment, and I will listwelve toyour vindication.