We hardly apologize for the above digression, knowing that those of our readers who are most worth pleasing are gratified and delighted at looking back upon the virtues and amiableness of the late worthy rector of Smatterton. This digression also is serviceable for the purpose of illustrating and explaining the state of mind in which Lord Spoonbill was when he approached the rectory. The impression produced upon the hereditary legislator was such, that he almost resolved to offer marriage at once, formally and decidedly, thinking that he should thereby cancel all his former transgressions. But when arrived at the rectory, and finding that Mr Primrose was not within, and that Penelope was alone, his lordship, who was rather proud of his own sweet self, began to entertain less respectful thoughts towards the young lady, and to imagine that she must love him for himself alone. Penelope, at sight of Lord Spoonbill at Smatterton--when she thought, if she thought of him at all, that he was in London--expressed great surprise, which his lordship presently removed by saying, that his visit to the castle was with a view to some alterations and improvements. As the acquaintance between Robert Darnley and Miss Primrose was now renewed, and as great part of the source of her uneasiness was removed, the vivacity and cheerfulness which in former days had been so becoming an ornament to her, had now returned; therefore did she seem in the eyes of Lord Spoonbill more lovely than ever. Considering herself now as clearly engaged to Mr Darnley, she no longer regarded Lord Spoonbill as a suitor, and her manner towards him was therefore the less reserved and constrained. All this change in the young lady’s manner was by Lord Spoonbill considered as being a corroboration of the report which Colonel Crop had brought from Neverden. And now his lordship would have saved himself a great deal of trouble, mortification, and expense, had he renewed, as fifty times in a minute he designed, his suit for the honor of the lady’s hand. For such was Penelope’s simplicity and plainness of spirit that, had his lordship renewed that subject, she would have told him explicitly how insuperable an obstacle was in the way of his hopes. But he thought that there was a possibility and a probability of the speedy return of Mr Primrose, who would of course interrupt the discussion; and he also thought if it were possible to possess himself of the young lady without the encumbering ceremony of marriage, it would be so much the better. His lordship therefore, instead of affecting the sheepishness and sighing of a sentimental lover, endeavoured to make himself agreeable by the fascination of his fluent gabble, and he poured forth a variety of idle prate, which we cannot repeat without the charge of plagiarism. Had a third person been witness of this interview, he might have thought them to be the best friends in the world.