Had my father been acquainted with that part of Sir James's character which concerned his son, I am convinc'd he would have made some restrictions in regard to the explicit obedience he enjoined.--But all was hushed whilst Mr. Powis continued on his travels; nor, until he settled abroad, did any one suspect there had been a family disagreement:--_even_ at _this_ time the whole affair is not generally known.--The name of the lady to whom he was obliged to make proposals, is in particular carefully concealed.--I, who from ten years old have been bred up with them, am an entire stranger to it.--_Perhaps_ no part of the affair would ever have transpired, had not Sir James made some discoveries, in the first agitation of his passion, before a large company, when he received an account of Mr. Powis's being appointed to the government of ----. No secret can be safe in a breast where every passage is not well guarded against an enemy which, like lightning, throws up all before it. Let me not forget to tell you, amongst a multiplicity of concerns crowding on my mind, that I have positively deny'd Edmund to intercede with his father regarding the commission.--A bare surmise that he is my rival, has silenced me.--Was I ungenerous enough to indulge myself in getting rid of him, an opportunity now offers;--but I am _as_ averse to such proceedings as _he_ ought to be who is the friend of Molesworth, and writes the name of DARCEY. LETTER XI. The Honourable GEORGE MOLESWORTH to Lord DARCEY. _Bath_. Believe me, my dear Lord, I never suspected you capable of designs you justly hold in abhorrence.--If I expressed myself warmly, it was owing to your keeping from me the knowledge of those particulars which have varied every circumstance.--I saw my friend a poor restless being, irresolute, full of perplexities.--I felt for him.--I rejoice now to find from whence this _irresolution_, those _perplexities_ arose.--She is,--she must,--by heaven! she shall be yours:--A reward fit only for _such_ great--_such_ noble resolutions. You talk of a _last_ argument--Forbear _that_ argument.--You _must_ not use it before you have laid your intentions open to Sir James.--_Neither_ follow her to France.--What, as you are situated, would _that_ avail?--Prevent her going, _if_ you can.--_Such_ a woman, under the protection of Lady Mary Sutton, _must_ have many advantageous proposals. I understand _nothing_ of features,--I know _nothing_ of physiognomy, if you have any uneasiness from Bridgman.--It was not marks of a violent passion he betrayed;--rather, I think, an ambition of having his taste approved by the world;--but we shall know more of the matter when I meet him in town.