Barford Abbey | Page 5

introduc'd me, who said, Now, my Lord, the company of this young Lady will make your Lordship's time pass more agreeably, than it could have done in the conversation of two old people.--My spirits were flutter'd; I really don't recollect his reply; only that it shew'd him master of the great art, to make every one pleas'd with themselves.
Shall I tell you, my dear Lady, what are my thoughts of this Lord Darcey?--To confess then, though his person is amazingly elegant, his manners are still more engaging.--This I look upon to be the natural consequence of a mind illumin'd with uncommon understanding, sweetness, and refinement.
A short time before dinner the chaplain made his appearance,--a venerable old man, with hair white as snow:--what renders his figure to be completely venerated, is the loss of sight.--Her Ladyship rising from her seat, led me towards him: Mr. Watson, said she, I am going to introduce a lady whose brightest charms will soon be visible to you.--The best man in the world! whisper'd she, putting my hand in his;--which hand I could not avoid putting to my lips.--Thank you, Miss Warley, said her Ladyship, we all revere this gentleman.--Mr. Watson was affected, some drops stole from their dark prisons, and he bless'd me as if I had been his daughter:--my pleasure was exquisite,--it seem'd as if I had receiv'd the benediction of an angel.
Our subjects turn'd more on the celestial than the terrestrial, till dinner was serv'd up,--when I found that good knight which has been so long banish'd to the side-board, replac'd in his original station.
How different this table from many others! where genteel sprightly conversations are shut out; where such as cannot feast their senses on the genius of a cook, must rise unsatisfied.
A similitude of manners between your Ladyship and Lady Powis, particularly in doing the honours of the table, struck me so much, that I once or twice call'd her Lady Mary.--Pray, Miss Warley, ask'd she, who is this Lady Mary?
What could occasion her confusion!--what could occasion the confusion of Sir James!--Never did I see any thing equal it, when I said it was Lady Mary Sutton!--The significant looks that were interchang'd, spoke some mystery;--a mystery it would be presumption in me to dive after. Her Ladyship made no reply,--Sir James was eager to vary the subject,--and the conversation became general.
Though autumn is far advanc'd, every thing here wears the face of spring.--The afternoon being remarkably fine Lady Powis, Lord Darcey, and myself, strolled out amongst the sweets.--We walk'd a considerable time; his Lordship was all gaiety, talk'd with raptures of the improvements; declar'd every thing he had seen abroad fell short of this delightful spot; and now, my dear Lady Powis, added he, with an air of gallantry, I can see nothing wanting.
Nothing wanting! return'd her Ladyship, sighing:--Ah! my Lord, you are not a parent!--you feel nothing of a parent's woe!--you do not hourly regret the absence of a beloved and only son! Don't look serious, my dear Lord, seeing him somewhat abash'd, you have hitherto tenderly loved me.--Perhaps I had a mind to augment your affection, by bringing to your recollection I was not happy.--His Lordship made no reply, but, taking her hand, lifted it respectfully to his lips.
Mr. Jenkings is this moment coming up the lawn. I see him from window;--excuse me, my dear Lady, whilst I step to ask him how he does.
I have been accounting to Mr. Jenkings for not coming home last night. Good man! every mark of favour I receive, enlightens his countenance.--The reasons I have given him, I shall now proceed to give your Ladyship.
I said we were walking;--I have said the conversation was interesting;--but I have not said it was interrupted by Sir James and Mr. Watson, who join'd us just as Lord Darcey had quitted the hand of Lady Powis.--A visit was propos'd to the Dairy-house, which is about a mile from the Abbey.--In our way thither, I was full of curiosity, full of inquiries about the neighbourhood, and whose seats such and such were, that enrich'd adjacent hills?--The neighbourhood, reply'd her Ladyship, is in general polite and hospitable.--Yes, said Sir James, and more smart young men, Miss Warley, than are to be met with in every county.--Yonder, continued he, live Mr. and Mrs. Finch,--very rich,--very prudent, and very worthy;--they have one son, a discreet lad, who seems to promise he will inherit their good qualities.
That which you see so surrounded with woods, is Sir Thomas Slater's, a batchelor of fifty-five; and, let me tell you, fair Lady, the pursuit of every girl in the neighbourhood;--his estate a clear nine thousand a-year, and--Hold, hold, interrupted Lord Darcey, in compassion to us young fellows, say no more of this redoubtable batchelor.
Well then, continued Sir James, since my Lord will have it