for its elegant simplicity and convenience, that the whole seat
(before, of old time, from its situation, called The Grove) was
generally known by the name of The Dairy-house. Her grandfather in
particular was fond of having it so called.


My sister made me a visit there the day after Mr. Lovelace had been
introduced; and seemed highly pleased with the gentleman. His birth,
his fortune in possession, a clear 2000L. a year, as Lord M. had
assured my uncle; presumptive heir to that nobleman's large estate:
his great expectations from Lady Sarah Sadleir and Lady Betty
Lawrence; who with his uncle interested themselves very warmly (he
being the last of his line) to see him married.

'So handsome a man!--O her beloved Clary!' (for then she was ready to
love me dearly, from the overflowings of her good humour on his
account!) 'He was but too handsome a man for her!--Were she but as
amiable as somebody, there would be a probability of holding his
affections!--For he was wild, she heard; very wild, very gay; loved
intrigue--but he was young; a man of sense: would see his error, could
she but have patience with his faults, if his faults were not cured by
marriage!'

Thus she ran on; and then wanted me 'to see the charming man,' as she
called him.--Again concerned, 'that she was not handsome enough for
him;' with, 'a sad thing, that the man should have the advantage of
the woman in that particular!'--But then, stepping to the glass, she
complimented herself, 'That she was very well: that there were many
women deemed passable who were inferior to herself: that she was
always thought comely; and comeliness, let her tell me, having not so