What stiff airs are these! approaching him.--I do assure you, my lord, I shall not take this behaviour well; and put my hand on his arm. I was served right. Would you believe it? The man shook off my condescending hand, by raising his elbow scornfully. He really did! Nay, then!--I left him, and retired to my former seat. I was vexed that it was Sunday: I wanted a little harmony. Lord and Lady L---- both blamed me, by their looks; and my lady took my hand, and was leading me towards him. I shewed a little reluctance: and, would you have thought it? out of the drawing-room whipt my nimble lord, as if on purpose to avoid being moved by my concession. I took my place again. I beg of you, Charlotte, said Lady L----, go to my lord. You have used him ill. When I think so, I will follow your advice, Lady L----. And don't you think so, Lady G----? said Lord L----. What! for taking my own option how I would be dressed to-day?--What! for deferring--That moment in came my bluff lord--Have I not, proceeded I, been forced to dine without him to-day? Did he let me know what account I could give of his absence? Or when he would return?--And see, now, how angry he looks! He traversed the room--I went on--Did he not shake off my hand, when I laid it, smiling, on his arm? Would he answer me a question, which I kindly put to him, fearing he had not dined, and might be sick for want of eating? Was I not forced to apply to Lady L---- for an answer to my careful question, on his scornfully turning from me in silence?--Might we not, if he had not gone out so abruptly, nobody knows where, have made the appearance his heart is so set upon?--But now, indeed, it is too late. Oons, madam! said he, and he kimboed his arms, and strutted up to me. Now for a cuff, thought I. I was half afraid of it: but out of the room again capered he. Lord bless me, said I, what a passionate creature is this! Lord and Lady L---- both turned from me with indignation. But no wonder if one, that they both did. They are a silly pair; and I believe have agreed to keep each other in countenance in all they do. But Emily affected me. She sat before in one corner of the room, weeping; and just then ran to me, and, wrapping her arms about me, Dear, dear Lady G----, said she, for Heaven's sake, think of what our Miss Byron said; 'Don't jest away your own happiness.' I don't say who is in fault: but, my dear lady, do you condescend. It looks pretty in a woman to condescend. Forgive me; I will run to my lord, and I will beg of him---- Away she ran, without waiting for an answer--and, bringing in the passionate wretch, hanging on his arm--You must not, my lord, indeed you must not be so passionate. Why, my lord, you frighted me; indeed you did. Such a word I never heard from your lordship's mouth-- Ay, my lord, said I, you give yourself pretty airs! Don't you? and use pretty words; that a child shall be terrified at them! But come, come, ask my pardon, for leaving me to dine without you.