 it's descriptions.
I was much embarrassed how to make an adequate return to so much civility, and yet retain in my own option the power of departing should an opportunity offer.
I hope you will believe Ladies, said I at length, that on any other occasion I should have been beyond measure gratified with an opportunity of cultivating an acquaintance, which even by anticipation gives me the most sincere pleasure; but this day my leaving home is so singularly inconvenient, that I must confess I

shall not be quite at ease till I find myself there; and if the evening improves, I hope you will neither conclude me ungrateful nor obstinate, if I still persist in my first intentions. Hubert Hill is not, by my servant's account, above seven or eight miles distant, and I mean to send him off directly with orders to return with Mr. Howard's little carriage, which if the afternoon proves tolerable, is a very easy conveyance.
Oh no doubt he will send his coach for you, cried the young lady. But are you quite determined to leave us?
Mr. Howard? said Lady Mary. I have the pleasure of knowing him well, and an excellent man he is. I was indeed told that he had lately entered into the married state, but I did not know how fortunate he had been.
Perceiving her mistake, I presently undeceived her by saying that my sister was equally so in her union with a man of his singular worth.

I make no doubt of it, returned she: Mr. Howard is a character of uncommon merit, whose connexion must confer happiness on any family with whom he is allied. I had at all events intended myself the honor of waiting upon him and his new married lady, but I shall now have an additional motive.
Both Mr. Howard and my sister, I told her, would be much flattered with the intended favor; and added, that my brother's one horse chair would prove a safe and comfortable conveyance for my return, as in spite of my apparent courage I felt no inclination to venture on horseback, since a more agreeable method of getting home could be adopted.
It was wonderful to observe the sudden change which this last speech effected upon the manners of the young lady whose affability had hitherto appeared so engaging. An expression of surprize, which her countenance betrayed, might

have passed unnoticed, as also the observation of her companion, who had not as yet articulated one syllable, but had remained in respectful silence till a faint smile from her young patroness induced her to say, truly
