he observed of the inclinations of the family.
Mrs. Beaumont is still of opinion, as in the conclusion of the letter
before you, that I should not go, unless the general and the marquis join
their requests to those of the marchioness, the bishop, and Father
Marescotti. But I had no sooner perused the bishop's letter, than I
wrote, that I would most cheerfully comply with his wishes: but that I
should be glad that I might not be under any obligation to go further
than Bologna; where I might have the happiness to attend my Jeronymo, as
well as his sister.
I had a little twitch at my heart, Lucy. I was sorry for it: but my
judgment was entirely with him.
And now, madam, you will wonder, that you see not any preparations for my
departure. All is prepared: I only wait for the company of one
gentleman, who is settling his affairs with all expedition to go with me.
He is an able, a skilful surgeon, who has had great practice abroad, and
in the armies: and having acquired an easy fortune, is come to settle in
his native country. My Jeronymo expresses himself dissatisfied with his
surgeons. If Mr. LOWTHER can be of service to him, how happy shall I
think myself! And if my presence can be a means to restore the noble
Clementina--But how dare I hope it?--And yet I am persuaded, that in her
case, and with such a temper of mind, (unused to hardship and opposition
as she had been,) the only way to recover her, would have been by
complying with her in every thing that her heart or head was earnestly
set upon: for what controul was necessary to a young lady, who never,
even in the height of her malady, uttered a wish or thought that was
contrary to her duty either to God, or her parents; nor yet to the honour
of her name; and, allow me, madam, to say, to the pride of her sex?
I am under an obligation to go to Paris, proceeded he, from the will of
my late friend Mr. Danby. I shall stop there for a day or two only, in
order to put things in a way for my last hand, on my return from Italy.
When I am in Italy, I shall, perhaps, be enabled to adjust two or three
accounts that stand out, in relation to the affairs of my ward.
This day, at dinner, I shall see Mrs. Oldham, and her sons; and in the
afternoon, at tea, Mrs. O'Hara, and her husband, and Captain Salmonet.
To-morrow, I hope for the honour of your company, madam, and Mr. and Mrs.
Reeves's at dinner; and be so good as to engage them for the rest of the
day. You must not d
|