Still perplexed;--still miserable!-- I told you Miss Warley was not come from Jenkings's; but how I started, when I saw her going to Lady Powis's dressing-room! I was hurried about her in a dream, last night.--I thought I had lost her:--I hinted it when we met;--that moment I fancied she eyed me with regard;--she spoke _too_ in a manner very different from what she has done some days past.--Then I'll swear it,--for it was not illusion, George,--her whole face had something of a sweet melancholy spread over it;--a kind of resignation in her look;--a melting softness that droop'd on her cheek:--I felt what it expressed;--it fir'd my whole frame;--it sent me to Sir James with redoubled eagerness. I found him thoughtful and complaisant: we took several turns, before I could introduce my intended subject; when, talking of my setting out, I said, Now I have an opportunity, Sir James, perhaps I may not have another before I go, I should be glad of your sentiments in regard to my settling in life.-- How do you mean, my Lord; as to the choice of a wife?-- Why, I think, Sir, there's no other way of settling to one's satisfaction. To be sure, it is very necessary your Lordship should consider on those matters,--especially as you are the last of a noble family:--when, you do fix, I hope it will be _prudently_. _Prudently_, Sir James! you may depend on it I will never settle my affections _imprudently_. Wall, but, my Lord, what are your notions of _prudence?_ Why, Sir, to make choice of a person who is virtuous, sensible, well descended.--_Well descended Jenkings has assured me she is_. You say nothing, my Lord, of what is _most_ essential to happiness;--nothing of the _main point_. Good-nature, I suppose you mean:--I would not marry an ill-natur'd woman, Sir James, for the world. And is good-nature, with those you have mention'd, the only requisites? I think they are the chief, Sir. You and I differ much, my Lord.--Your father left his estate encumbered; it is not yet clear; you are of age, my Lord: pray, spare yourself the trouble of consulting me, if you do not think of _fortune_. Duty to the memory of my rever'd father, the affection and gratitude I owe you, Sir James, calls for my obedience:--without _your_ sanction, Sir, never shall my hand be given. He seem'd pleas'd: I saw tears starting to his eyes; but still he was resolv'd to distress me. Look about you, my child; look about you, Darcey;--there's Lady Jane Marshly, Miss Beaden, or--and was going on. Pardon me, Sir James, for interrupting you; but really, I cannot take any Lady on recommendation: I am very difficult, perhaps _perverse_ in this point; my first attachment must be merely accidental.