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What is that, my lord? said he to the Bishop. Far be it from me, continued I, still directing myself to the Bishop, to presume upon my own consequence in the application of the story. But your lordship will judge how far the comparison will hold. Would to God it might throughout! A happy allusion, said the Bishop. I say,

Amen.

I know not who this Naaman is, said the General, nor what is meant by your allusion, che valier; but by your looks I should imagine, that you mean me contempt.

My looks, my lord, generally indicate my heart. You may make light of my intention; and so will I of the trouble I have been at, if your lordship make not light of me. But were I not, my lord, in my own lodgings, I would you, that you seem not to know, in my case, what graciousness is. Yet I ask not for favour from you, but as much for your own sake as mine.

tell

Dear Grandison! said the Bishop-My lord! to his brother-Did not you promise me -Why did you mention Olivia to the chevalier ?

Does that disturb you, sir? said the General to me. I cannot make light of a man of your consequence; especially with ladies, sir-in a scornful manner.

The General, you see, my lord, said I, turning to the Bishop, has an insuperable ill-will to me. I found, when I attended him at Naples, that he had harboured surmises that were as injurious to his sister, as to me. I was in hopes that I had obviated them; but a rooted malevolence will recur. However, satisfied as I am in my own innocence, he shall, for many sakes, find it very difficult to provoke me.

For my own sake, among the rest, chevalier? with an air of drollery.

You are at liberty, returned I, to make your own constructions. Allow me, my lords, to attend you to Signor Jeronymo.

Not till you are cordial friends, said the Bishop-Brother, give me your hand, offering to take it-Chevalier, yours

Dispose of mine as you please, my lord, said I, holding it out.

He took it, and the General's at the same time, and would have joined them.

Come, my lord, said I to the General, and snatched his reluctant hand, accept of a friendly offer from a heart as friendly. Let me honour you, from my own knowledge, for those great qualities which the world gives you. I demand your favour, from a consciousness that I deserve it; and that I could not, were I to submit to be treated with indignity by any man. I should be sorry to look little in your eyes; but I will not in my own.

Who can bear the superiority this man assumes, brother?

You oblige me, my lord, to assert myself.

The chevalier speaks nobly, my lord. His character is well known. Let me lead you both friends to our Jeronymo. But say, brotherSay, chevalier,-that you are so.

I cannot bear, said the General, that the Chevalier Grandison should imagine himself of so much consequence to my sister, as some of you seem to think him.

You know me not, my lord. I have at present no wish but for the recovery of your sister and Signor Jeronymo. Were I able to be of service to them, that service would be my reward. But, my lord, if it will make you easy, and induce you to treat me, as my own heart tells me I ought to be treated, I will give you my honour, and let me say, that it never yet was forfeited, that whatever turn your sister's malady may take, I will not accept of the highest favour that can be done me, but with the joint consent of the three brothers, as well as of your father and mother. Permit me to add, that I will not enter into any family that shall think meanly of me; nor subject the woman I love to the contempt of her own relations.

This indeed is nobly said, replied the General. Give me your hand upon it, and I am your friend for ever.

Proud man! He could not bear to think, that a simple English gentleman, as he looks upon me to be, should ally with their family; improbable as it is, in his own opinion, that the unhappy lady should ever recover her reason. But he greatly loves the Count of Belvedere ; and all the family was fond of an alliance with that deserving nobleman.

The Bishop rejoiced to find us at last in a better way of understanding each other, than we had hitherto been in; and it was easier for me to allow for this haughty man, as Mrs Beaumont had let me know what the behaviour was that I had to expect from him; and, indeed, his father, mother, and two brothers, were very apprehensive of it. It will therefore be a pleasure to them, that I have so easily overcome his preju

dices.

They both advised me to suspend my visit to their brother till the afternoon, that they might have the more time to consult with one another, and to prepare and dispose their sister to see me.

At taking leave, the General snatched my hand, and with an air of pleasantry said, I have a wife, Grandison. I wished him joy. You need not, said he; for I have it: One of the best of women. She longs to see you. I think I need not be apprehensive, because she is generous, and I ever must be grateful. But take care, take care, Grandison ! I shall watch every turn of your eye. Admire her, if you will: You will not be able to help it. But I am glad she saw you not before she was mine.

I rejoice, said the Bishop, that at a meeting, which, notwithstanding your promises, brother,

gave me apprehensions as we came, is followed by so pleasant a parting. Henceforth we are four brothers again.

Ay; and remember, chevalier, that my sister has also four brothers.

May the number four not be lessened by the death of my Jeronymo ; and may Clementina be restored; and Providence dispose as it pleases of me! I am now going to the palace of Porretta; with what agitations of mind, you, Dr Bartlett, can better imagine, than I describe.

LETTER CLVIII.

SIR CHARLES GRANDISON TO DR BARTLETT.

Bologna, Monday Night, May 15-26. I AM just returned. You will expect me to be particular.

I went the earlier in the afternoon, that I might pass half an hour with my Jeronymo. He complains of the aperture so lately made; but Mr Lowther gives us hopes from it.

When we were alone, They will not let me see my sister, said he; I am sure she must be very bad. But I understand, that you are to be allowed that favour by and by. O my Grandison! how I pity that tender, that generous heart of yours!-But what have you done to the General? He assures me, that he admires and loves you; and the Bishop has been congratulating me upon it. He knew it would give me pleasure. My dear Grandison, you subdue everybody; yet in your own way; for they both admire your spirit.

Just then came in the General. He saluted me in so kind a manner, that Jeronymo's eyes overflowed; and he said, Blessed be God, that I have lived to see you two, dearest of men to me, so friendly together.

This sweet girl! said the General: How, Grandison, will you bear to see her?

The Bishop entered. O chevalier ! my sister is insensible to everything, and everybody. Camilla is nobody with her to-day.

They had forgot Jeronymo, though in his chamber; and their attention being taken by his audible sensibilities, they comforted him; and withdrew with me into Mr Lowther's apartment; while Mr Lowther went to his patient.

The Marchioness joined us in tears. This dear child knows me not; heeds me not: She never was unmindful of her mother before. I have talked to her of the Chevalier Grandison; she regards not your name. O this affecting silence-Camilla has told her, that she is to see you. My daughter-in-law has told her so. 0 chevalier! she has quite, quite lost her understanding. Nay, we were barbarous enough to try the name of Laurana. She was not terrified, as she used to be, with that.

Camilla came in with a face of joy: Lady Clementina has just spoken! I told her, she must prepare to see the Chevalier Grandison in all his glory; and that everybody, the General in particular, admired him. Go, naughty Camilla, said she, tapping my hand; you are a wicked deceiver. I have been told this story too often, to credit it. This was all I could get her to say.

Hence it was concluded, that she would take some notice of me when she saw me; and I was led by the General, followed by the rest, into the Marchioness's drawing-room.

Father Marescotti had given me an advantageous character of the General's lady, whom I had not yet seen. The Bishop had told me, that she was such another excellent woman as his mother, and, like her, had the Italian reserve softened by a polite French education.

When we came into the drawing-room, the General presented me to her. I do not, madam, bid you admire the Chevalier Grandison, said he; but I forgive you if you do; because you will not be able to do otherwise.

My lord, said she, you told me an hour ago, that I must; and now, that I see the chevalier, you will have no cause to reproach me with disobedience.

Father Marescotti, madam, said I, bid me expect from the lady of the young Marchese della Porretta, everything that was condescending and good. Your compassionate love for an unhappy new sister, who deserves every one's love, exalts your character.

Father Marescotti came in. We took our places. It was designed, I found, to try to revive the young lady's attention, by introducing her in full assembly, I one of it. But I could not forbear asking the Marchioness, if Lady Clementina would not be too much startled at so much company?

I wish, said the Marquis, sighing, that she may be startled.

We meet, as only on a conversation visit, said the Marchioness. We have tried every other way to awaken her attention.

We are all near relations, said the Bishop. And want to make our observations, said the General.

She has been bid to expect you among us, resumed the Marchioness. We shall only be attended by Laura and Camilla.

Just then entered the sweet lady, leaning upon Camilla, Laura attending. Her movement was slow and solemn. Her eyes were cast on the ground. Her robes were black and flowing. A veil of black gauze half covered her face. What woe was there in it!

What, at that moment, was my emotion! I arose from my seat, sat down, and arose again, irresolute, not knowing what I did, or what to do!

She stopt in the middle of the floor, and made some motion, in silence, to Camilla, who adjust

ed her veil; but she looked not before her; lifted not up her eyes; observed nobody.

On her stopping, I was advancing towards her; but the General took my hand. Sit still, sit still, dear Grandison, said he; yet I am charmed with your sensibility. She comes! She moves towards us!

She approached the table round which we sat, her eyes more than half closed, and cast down. She turned to go towards the window. Here, here, madam, said Camilla, leading her to an elbow-chair that had been placed for her, between the two Marchionesses. She implicitly took her woman's directions, and sat down. Her mother wept. The young Marchioness wept. Her father sobbed, and looked from her. Her mother took her hand. My love, said she, look around you.

Pray, sister, said the Count, her uncle, leave her to her own observation.

She was regardless of what either said; her eyes were cast down, and half closed. Camilla stood at the back of her chair.

The General, grieved and impatient, arose, and stepping to her, My dearest sister, said he, hanging over her shoulder, look upon us all. Do not scorn us, do not despise us; see your father, your mother, your sister, and everybody, in tears. If you love us, smile uporr us. He took the hand which her mother had quitted, to attend to her own emotions.

She reared up her eyes to him, and, sweetly condescending, tried to smile; but such a solemnity had taken possession of her features, that she only could shew her obligingness, by the effort. Her smile was a smile of woe. And, still farther to shew her compliance, withdrawing her hand from her brother, she looked on either side of her; and seeing which was her mother, she, with both hands, took hers, and bowed her head upon it.

The Marquis arose from his seat, his handkerchief at his eyes. Sweet creature! said he; never, never let me again see such a smile as that. It is here, putting his hand to his breast.

Camilla offered her a glass of lemonade ; she accepted it not, nor held up her head for a few

moments.

Obliging sister! You do not scorn us, said the General. See, Father Marescotti is in tears; [The reverend man sat next me: Pity his grey hairs! See, your own father, too-Comfort your father. His grief for your silenceShe cast her eyes that way. She saw me: Saw me greatly affected. She started. She looked again; again started; and, quitting her mother's hand, now changing pale, now reddening, she arose, and threw her arms about her Camilla

-O Camilla! was all she said; a violent burst of tears wounding, yet giving some ease to every heart. I was springing to her, and should have clasped her in my arms before them all; but the General taking my hand, as I reached

her chair, Dear Grandison, said he, pronouncing in her ear my name, keep your seat. If Clementina remembers her English tutor, she will bid you welcome once more to Bologna.O Camilla, said she, faithful, good Camilla! Now, at last, have you told me truth! It is, it is he!--And her tears would flow, as she hid her face in Camilla's bosom.

The General's native pride again shewed itself. He took me aside. I see, Grandison, the consequence you are of to this unhappy girl: Every one sees it. But I depend upon your honour: You remember what you said this morning

Good God! said I, with some emotion: I stopt-And resuming, with pride equal to his own, Know, sir, that the man whom you thus remind, calls himself a man of honour; and you, as well as the rest of the world, shall find him so.

He seemed a little abashed. I was flinging from him, not too angrily for him, but for the rest of the company, had they not been attentive to the motions of their Clementina.

We, however, took the Bishop's eye. He came

to us.

I left the General; and the Bishop led him out, in order to inquire into the occasion of my warmth.

When I turned to the company, I found the dear Clementina, supported by the two Marchionesses, and attended by Camilla, just by me, passing towards the door, in order, it seems, at her motion, to withdraw. She stopt. Ah, chevalier! said she ; and reclining her head on her mother's bosom, seemed ready to faint. I took one hand, as it hung down lifelessly extended, (her mother held the other;) and kneeling, pressed it with my lips-Forgive me, ladies; forgive me, Lady Clementina!-My soul overflowed with tenderness, though the moment before it was in a tumult of another kind; for she cast down her eyes upon me with a benignity, that for a long time they all afterwards owned they had not beheld. I could not say more. I arose. She moved on to the door; and when there, turned her head, straining her neck to look after me, till she was out of the room. I was a statue for a few moments; till the Count, snatching my hand, and Father Marescotti's, who stood nearest him, We see to what the malady is owing-Father, you must join their hands!-Chevalier! you will be a Catholic?Will you not?-Othat you would! said the Father-Why, why, joined in the Count, did we refuse the so earnestly-requested interview, a year and a half ago?

The young Marchioness returned, weepingThey will not permit me to stay. My sister, my dear sister, is in fits!-O sir, turning graciously to me, you are--I will not say what you areBut I shall not be in danger of disobeying my lord, on your account.

Just then entered the General, led in by the Bishop. Now, brother, said the latter, if you will not be generous, be, however, just-Chevalier, were you not a little hasty?

I was, my lord. But surely the General was unseasonable.

Perhaps I was.

There is as great a triumph, my lord, said I, in a due acknowledgment, as in a victory. Know me, my lords, as a man incapable of meanness; who will assert himself; but who, from the knowledge he has of his own heart, wishes, at his soul, to be received as the unquestionably disinterested friend of this whole family. Excuse me, my lords, I am obliged to talk greatly, because I would not wish to act petulantly. But my soul is wounded by those distresses, which had not, I am sorry to say it, a little while ago, a first place in your heart.

Do you reproach me, Grandison ?

I need not, my lord, if you feel it as such. But indeed you either know not me, or forget yourself. And now, having spoken all my mind, I am ready to ask your pardon for anything that may have offended you in the manner. I snatched his hand so suddenly, I hope not rudely, but rather fervently, that he started-Receive me, my lord, as a friend. I will deserve your friendship.

Tell me, brother, said he to the Bishop, what I shall say to this strange man? Shall I be angry or pleased?

Be pleased, my lord, replied the Prelate. The General embraced mee-Well, Grandison, you have overcome. I was unseasonable. You were passionate. Let us forgive each other. His lady stood suspended, not being able to guess at the occasion of this behaviour, and renewed friendship.

We sat down, and reasoned variously on what had passed, with regard to the unhappy lady, according to the hopes and fears which actuated the bosoms of each.

But I cannot help thinking, that had this interview been allowed to pass with less surprise to her, she might have been spared those fits, with the affecting description of which the young Marchioness alarmed us; till Camilla came in with the happy news, that she was recovering from them; and that her mother was promising her another visit from me, in hopes it would oblige her; though it was not what she required.

I took this opportunity to put into the hands of the young Marchioness, sealed up, the opinions of the physicians I had consulted in England, on the case of Clementina; requesting

that she would give it to her mother, in order to have it considered.

The Bishop withdrew, to acquaint Jeronymo, in the way he thought best, with what had passed in this first interview with his sister; resolving not to take any notice of the little sally of warmth between the General and me.

I hope to make the pride and passion of this young nobleman of use to myself, by way of caution; for am I not naturally too much inclined to the same fault? O Dr Bartlett! how have I regretted the passion I suffered myself to be betrayed into, by the foolish violence of O'Hara and Salmonet, in my own house, when it would have better become me, to have had them shewn out of it by my servants!

And yet, were I to receive affronts with tameness from those haughty spirits, who think themselves of a rank superior to me, and from men of the sword, I, who make it a principle not to draw mine but in my own defence, should be subjected to insults, that would be continually involving me in the difficulties I am solicitous to avoid.

I attended the General and his lady to Jeronymo. The generous youth forgot his own weak state, in the hopes he flattered himself with, of a happy conclusion to his sister's malady, from the change of symptoms which had already taken place; though violent hysterics disordered and shook her before-wounded frame.

The General said, that if she could overcome this first shock, perhaps it was the best method that could have been taken to rouse her out of that stupidity and inattention which had been for some weeks so disturbing to them all.

There were no hopes of seeing the unhappy lady again that evening. The General would have accompanied me to the Casino ;* saying, that we might both be diverted by an hour passed there; but I excused myself. My heart was full of anxiety, for the welfare of a brother and sister, both so much endeared to me by their calamities; and I retired to my lodgings.

LETTER CLIX.

SIR CHARLES GRANDISON TO DR BARTLETT.

Bologna, Tuesday, May 16-27.

I HAD a very restless night; and found myself so much indisposed in the morning, with a feverish disorder, that I thought of contenting myself with sending to know how the brother

The Casino at Bologna is a fine apartment, illuminated every night, for the entertainment of the gentlemen and ladies of the city, and whomsoever they please to introduce. There are card-tables; and waiters attend with chocolate, coffee, ice. The whole expense is defrayed by twelve men of the first quality, each in turn taking his month.

and sister rested, and of staying within, at least till the afternoon, to give my hurried spirits some little repose; but my messenger returned with a request from the Marchioness, to see me presently.

I obeyed. Clementina had asked, whether she had really seen me, or had only dreamed so. They took this for a favourable indication; and therefore sent the above request.

I met the General in Jeronymo's apartment. He took notice that I was not very well. Mr Lowther proposed to bleed me. I consented. I afterwards saw my friend's wounds dressed. The three surgeons pronounced appearances not to be unfavourable.

We all then retired into Mr Lowther's apartment. The Bishop introduced to us two of the faculty. The prescriptions of the English physicians were considered; and some of the methods approved, and agreed to be pursued.

Clementina, when I came, was retired to her own apartment with Camilla. Her terrors on Laurana's cruelty had again got possession of her imagination; and they thought it not advisable that I should be admitted into her presence, till the hurries she was in, on that account, had subsided.

But by this time, being a little more composed, her mother led her into the dressing-room. The General and his lady were both present; and, by their desire, I was asked to walk in.

Clementina, when I entered, was sitting close to Camilla; her head leaning on her bosom, seemingly thoughtful. She raised her head, and looked towards me; and, clasping her arms about Camilla's neck, hid her face in her bosom for a few moments; then, looking as bashful towards me, she loosed her hands, stood up, and looked steadily at me, and at Camilla, by turns, several times, as irresolute. At last, quitting Camilla, she moved towards me with a stealing pace; but when near me, turning short, hurried to her mother; and putting one arm about her neck, the other held up, she looked at me, as if she were doubtful whom she saw. She seemed to whisper to her mother, but not to be understood. She went then by her sister-in-law, who took her hand as she passed her, with both hers, and kissed it; and coming to the General, who sat still nearer me, and who had desired me to attend to her motions, she stood by him, and looked at me with a sweet irresolution.

As she had stolen such advances towards me, I could no longer restrain myself. I arose, and taking her hand, Behold the man, said I, with a bent knee, whom once you honoured with the name of tutor, your English tutor!-Know you not the grateful Grandison, whom all your family have honoured with their regard?

Ó yes!-Yes,-I think I do. They rejoiced to hear her speak.-But where have you been all this time?

In England, madam-But returned, lately returned, to visit you and your Jeronymo. Jeronymo! one hand held up; the other not withdrawn. Poor Jeronymo!

God be praised! said the General; some faint hopes. The two Marchionesses wept for joy. Your Jeronymo, madam, and my Jeronymo, is, we hope, in a happy way. Do you love Jeronymo ?

Do I?-But what of Jeronymo? I don't understand you.

Jeronymo, now you are well, will be happy. Am I well? Ah, sir!-But save me, save me, chevalier!-faintly screaming, and looking about her, with a countenance of woe and terror.

I will save you, madam. The General will also protect you. Of whom are you afraid?

Ō the cruel, cruel Laurana!-She withdrew her hand in a hurry, and lifted up the sleeve of the other arm-You shall see-Ō I have been cruelly used!-But you will protect me. Forbearing to shew her arm, as she seemed to intend.

Laurana shall never more come near you. But don't hurt her!-Come, sit down by me, and I will tell you all I have suffered.

She hurried to her former seat; and sat down by her weeping Camilla. I followed her. She motioned to me to sit down by her.

Why, you must know, chevalier-She paused-Ah, my head! putting her hand to itWell, but, now you must leave me. Something is wrong-Leave me-I don't know myself— Then looking with a face of averted terror at me-You are not the same man I talked to just now!-Who are you, sir?-She again faintly shrieked, and threw her arms about Camilla's neck, once more hiding her face in her bosom.

I could not bear this. Not very well before, it was too much for me. I withdrew. Don't withdraw, chevalier, said the General, drying his eyes.

I withdrew, however, to Mr Lowther's chamber. He not being there, I shut the door upon myself. So oppressed! my dear Dr Bartlett, I was greatly oppressed.

Recovering myself in a few moments, I went to Jeronymo. I had but just entered his chamber, when the General, who seemed unable to speak, took my hand, and in silence led me to his mother's dressing-room. As we entered it, She inquires after you, chevalier, said he, and laments your departure. She thinks she has offended you. Thank God, she has recollection!

When I went in, she was in her mother's arms; her mother soothing her, and weeping over her.

See, see, my child, the chevalier! you have not offended him.

She quitted her mother's arms. I approached her. I thought it was not you that sat by me a while ago. But when you went away from me,

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