He is very busy settling his affairs with Sir James:--three hours were they together with Mr. Jenkings in the library;--his books all pack'd up and sent away, to be sure he does not intend returning _here_ again soon. I suppose he will settle;--he talks of new furnishing his house;--has consulted Lady Powis upon it.--If he did not intend marrying, if he had no Lady in his eye-- But what is all this to me? Can he or his house be of any consequence to my repose?--I enjoy the thoughts of going to France without him:--I suppose he will think me very sly, but no matter.-- That good-natur'd creature Edmund would match me to a prince, was it in his power.--He told me, yesterday, that he'd give the whole world, if I was not to go to France.--Why so, Edmund?--I shall see you again, said I, at my return to England. Ay, but what will _somebody do_, in the mean time? Who is _somebody?_ Can't you guess, Miss Warley? I do guess, Edmund. But you was never more mistaken; the person you mean is not to be distress'd by _my_ absence. He is, upon my honour;--I know _he is_.--Lord Darcey loves you to distraction. Poh! Edmund; don't take such things into your head: I know _you_ wish me well; but don't be so sanguine!--Lord Darcey stoop to think of _me!_ Stoop to think of _you_, Miss Warley!--I am out of all patience: stoop to think of _you!_--I shall never forget _that_.--Greatly as I honour his Lordship, if he conceals his sentiments, if he trifles in an affair of such importance,--was he the first duke in the kingdom, I hold him below the regard even of such a one as _I_ am.--Pardon my curiosity, madam, I mean no ill; but surely he has made proposals to you. Well, then, I will tell you, Edmund;--I'll tell you frankly, he never _has_ made proposals:--and further, I can answer for him, he never _will_.--His belief was stagger'd;--he stood still, his eyes fixed on the ground. Are you _really_ in earnest, Miss Warley? Really, Edmund. Then, for heaven's sake, go to France.--But how can you tell, madam, he never intends to make proposals? On which I related what passed at table, the day Lord Allen dined at the Abbey.--Nothing could equal his astonishment; yet would he fain have persuaded me that I did not understand him;--call'd it misapprehension, and I know not what. He _will_ offer you his hand, Miss Warley; he certainly _will_.--I've known him from a school-boy;--I'm acquainted with every turn of his mind;--I know his very looks;--I have observ'd them when they have been directed to you:--he will, I repeat,--he will offer you his hand. No! Edmund:--but if he _did_, his overtures should be disregarded. Say not so, Miss Warley; for God's sake, say not so again;--it kills me to think you _hate_ Lord Darcey. I speak to you, Edmund, as a friend, as a brother:--never let what has pass'd escape your lips.