What could occasion her confusion!--what could occasion the confusion of Sir James!--Never did I see any thing equal it, when I said it was Lady Mary Sutton!--The significant looks that were interchang'd, spoke some mystery;--a mystery it would be presumption in me to dive after. Her Ladyship made no reply,--Sir James was eager to vary the subject,--and the conversation became general. Though autumn is far advanc'd, every thing here wears the face of spring.--The afternoon being remarkably fine Lady Powis, Lord Darcey, and myself, strolled out amongst the sweets.--We walk'd a considerable time; his Lordship was all gaiety, talk'd with raptures of the improvements; declar'd every thing he had seen abroad fell short of this delightful spot; and _now_, my dear Lady Powis, added he, with an air of gallantry, I can see _nothing_ wanting. _Nothing_ wanting! return'd her Ladyship, sighing:--Ah! my Lord, _you_ are not a parent!--you feel nothing of a parent's woe!--_you_ do not hourly regret the absence of a beloved and only son! Don't look serious, my dear Lord, seeing him somewhat abash'd, you have hitherto tenderly loved me.--Perhaps I had a mind to augment your affection, by bringing to your recollection I was not happy.--His Lordship made no reply, but, taking her hand, lifted it respectfully to his lips. Mr. Jenkings is this moment coming up the lawn. I see him from window;--excuse me, my dear Lady, whilst I step to ask him how he does. I have been accounting to Mr. Jenkings for not coming home last night. Good man! every mark of favour I receive, enlightens _his countenance_.--The reasons I have given him, I shall now proceed to give your Ladyship. I said we were walking;--I have said the conversation was interesting;--but I have not said it was interrupted by Sir James and Mr. Watson, who join'd us just as Lord Darcey had quitted the hand of Lady Powis.--A visit was propos'd to the Dairy-house, which is about a mile from the Abbey.--In our way thither, I was full of curiosity, full of inquiries about the neighbourhood, and whose seats _such_ and _such_ were, that enrich'd adjacent hills?--The neighbourhood, reply'd her Ladyship, is in general polite and hospitable.--_Yes_, said Sir James, and more smart young men, _Miss Warley_, than are to be met with in _every_ county.--Yonder, continued he, live Mr. and Mrs. Finch,--very rich,--very prudent, and very worthy;--they have one son, a discreet lad, who seems to promise he will inherit their good qualities. _That_ which you see so surrounded with woods, is Sir Thomas Slater's, a _batchelor_ of fifty-five; and, let me tell you, fair Lady, the pursuit of _every_ girl in the neighbourhood;--his estate a clear nine thousand a-year, and--Hold, hold, interrupted Lord Darcey, in compassion to _us_ young fellows, say no more of this _redoubtable_ batchelor.