Yesterday, the day preceding the departure of Lord Darcey, I went up to the Abbey, determin'd to exert my spirits and appear chearful, cost what it would to a poor disappointed heavy heart.--Yes, it was disappointed:--but till then I never rightly understood its situation;--or perhaps would not understand it;--else I have not examin'd it so closely as I ought, of late;--Not an unusual thing neither: we often stop to enquire, what fine feat _that?_--whose magnificent equipage _this?_--long to see and converse with persons so surrounded with splendor;--but if one happen to pass a poor dark cottage, and see the owner leaning on a crutch at the door, we are apt to go by, without making any enquiry, or betraying a wish to be acquainted with its misery.-- This was my situation, when I directed my steps to the Abbey.--I saw not Lord Darcey in an hour after I came into the house;--when he join'd us, he was dress'd for the day, and in one hand his own hat, in the other mine, with my cloak, which he had pick'd up in the Vestibule:--he was dreadfully pale;--complain'd of a pain in his head, which he is very subject to;--said he wanted a walk;--and ask'd, if I would give him the honour of my company.--I had not the heart to refuse, when I saw how ill he look'd;--though for some days past, I have avoided being alone with him as much as possible. We met Lady Powis returning from a visit to her poultry-yard.--Where are my two runabouts going _now?_ she said.--Only for a little walk, madam, reply'd Lord Darcey. You are a sauce-box, said she, shaking him by the hand;--but don't go, my Lord, _too far_ with Miss Warley, nodding and smiling on him at the same time.--She gave me a sweet affectionate kiss, as I pass'd her; and cried out, You are a couple of pretty strollers, are you not!--But away together; only I charge you, my Lord, calling after him, remember you are not to go _too far_ with my dear girl. We directed our steps towards the walk that leads to the Hermitage, neither of us seeming in harmony of spirits.--His Lordship still complaining of his head, I propos'd going back before we had gone ten paces from the house. Would Miss Warley then prevent me, said he, from the last satisfaction! might ever enjoy?--You don't know, madam, how long--it is impossible to say how long--if ever I should be so happy again--I look forward to Wednesday with impatience;--if that should be propitious,--_Thursday_ will unravel _mysteries_; it will clear up _doubts_;--it will perhaps bring on an event which you, my dearest life, may in time reflect on with pleasure;--you, my dearest life!--pardon the liberty,--by heaven! I am sincere! I was going to withdraw my hand from his: I can be less reserv'd when he is less free. Don't take your hand from me;--I will call you miss Warley;--I see my freedom is depleasing;--but don't take your hand away; for I was still endeavouring to get it away from him. Yes, my angel, I will call you _Miss Warley_.