So now begin and love him as fast as you please--I give my consent--and here he is.' Lady Clonbrony turned to her son, who just appeared at the door.
'Oh, mother! what have you done ?' 'What have I done ?' cried Lady Clonbrony, following her son's eyes:--'Lord bless me!--Grace fainted dead--lady Berryl?
Oh, what have I done?
My dear Lady Berryl, what shall we do ?' 'There! her colour's coming again,' said Lord Clonbrony; 'come away, my dear Lady Clonbrony, for the present, and so will I--though I long to talk to the darling girl myself; but she is not equal to it yet.' When Grace came to herself, she first saw Lady Berryl leaning over her, and, raising herself a little, she said-- 'What has happened ?--I don't know yet--I don't know whether I am happy or not.' Then seeing Lord Colambre, she sat quite upright.

'You received my letter, cousin, I hope ?--Do you go to Ireland with my aunt ?' 'Yes; and with you, I hope, my beloved friend,' said Colambre; 'you once assured me that I had such a share of your esteem and affection, that the idea of my accompanying you to Ireland was not disagreeable to you; you flattered me that I formed part of your agreeable associations with home.' 'Yes--sit down by me, won't you, my dear Lady Berryl--but then I considered you as my cousin, Lord Colambre, and I thought you felt the same towards me; but now--' 'But now, my charming Grace,' said Lord Colambre, kneeling beside her, and taking her hand, 'no invincible obstacle opposes my passion--no INVINCIBLE obstacle, did I say?
let me hope that I may say no obstacle, but what depends on the change in the nature of your sentiments.

You heard my mother's consent; you saw her joy.' 'I scarcely knew what I heard or saw,' said Grace, blushing deeply, 'or what I now see and hear; but of this I feel secure, before I comprehend the mystery, before you explain to me the causes of your--change of conduct, that you have never been actuated by caprice, but governed by wise and honourable motives.

As to my going to Ireland, or remaining with Lady Berryl, she has heard all the circumstances--she is my friend and yours--a better friend cannot be; to her I appeal--she will decide for me what I OUGHT to do; she promised to take me from hence instantly, if I ought to go.' 'I did; and I would do so without hesitation, if any duty or any prudence required it.

But, after having heard all the circumstances, I can only tell you that I willingly resign the pleasure of your company.' 'But tell her, my dear Lady Berryl,' said Lord Colambre, 'excellent friend as you are--explain to her you can, better than any of us, all that is to be known; let her know my whole conduct, and then let her decide for herself, and I shall submit to her decision.