its declining power to captivate or command, rejoices in that silent homage which is tendered freely; he always retired very early, taking the arm of his grandson to his chamber door, when he was consigned to his servant, and the young nobleman dismissed with a fervent blessing. Often were the bright eyes of him who returned to join the quadrille Georgiana was arranging, or take part in a duet, suffused with the drops that would, perforce, arise, on remembering that that pale, sweet countenance must soon cease to smile upon him, and that faltering voice to pray that God would bless him.
On the last evening of their stay, a gentleman urged his two daughters to return at an hour so very early, and they were evidently so unwilling to go, that Lord Rotheles expostulated, saying, "the moon was near the full, the road excellent, and the distance nothing, and he surely might allow the young people one more dance."
"Well, my lord, they shall have it; but, as I must leave home at four, you will allow it is right I should he there by twelve. I have had the misfortune to have a letter delayed two days, being only given to me on my road hither, and I must therefore catch the mail, which you know passes my lodge at four, in order to obviate the inconveniences which may arise from apparent inattention to a dear, perhaps a dying friend. I said nothing to the girls, for I don't like to trouble young people more than I can help."
