LETTER CCCXIII.

LADY GRANDISON TO MRS SHIRLEY.

Thursday, May 24.

I BEGIN this letter, as I ended my last to Lucy-May this day be a happy one to her, and then it will be so to us all!-My dear aunt Selby will be so good as to favour me with a line, to acquaint me with the actual celebration; that I may ground upon it my earliest felicitations.

I will proceed with an account of what so much engages the attention of every one here. I told you in one of my former, that Lady Ghad shewn to Mrs Beaumont Lucy's account of the conversation held at Shirley-Manor, on the subject of a first love, with Lady G— 's sprightly decision upon it, and upon the appeal made to me. I must now tell you, that Mrs Beaumont prevailed upon Lady Clementina to desire me to read it to her. She made her request; and I obeyed. Mrs Beaumont was present. Not a word by way of application did either she or I suggest, when I had done reading. Lady Clementina's complexion often changed as I read. She was not at all diverted with those lively parts of Lady G's decision, that I ventured to read; though she is an admirer of her sprightly vein. She looked down most of the time in solemn silence. And at last, when I had ended, she, sighing, started, as if from a reverie, arose, curtseyed, and withdrew; not having once opened her lips on the subject.

The Bishop, Signor Jeronymo, and the two young lords, just now joined to request Sir Charles to become avowedly an advocate for the Count to Lady Clementina. They urged, that she was balancing in his favour; and that Sir Charles's weight would turn the scale: but Sir Charles not only desired to be excused, but begged that she might not be solicited by anybody on that subject-May she not, asked he, be reasoning with herself, and considering what she can do, with justice to the Count and herself? Her future peace of mind is concerned that her determination now shall be all her own. Leave her no room for after-regret, for having been persuaded against her mind. If persuasions only are wanting, will she not wrap herself up in reserve, to keep herself in countenance for not having been persuaded before?

Pursuant to this advice, the Marchioness, in a conversation with her beloved daughter, that might have led to the subject on which their hearts are fixed, declined it; saying, Whatever my child shall determine upon, with regard to any plan for her future life, let her whole heart be in it: her choice shall be ours.

Thursday Afternoon.

LADY CLEMENTINA excused herself from breakfasting with us; but obliged us with her company at dinner. How does Sir Charles's countenance always shine, when he finds himself surrounded at table by his friends! The larger the circle, the more diffused is his cheerfulness. With what delight does his Jeronymo meditate him! He dwells upon what he says; and by his eyes, cast with less complacency on an interrupter, seems to wish every one silent, when Sir Charles's lips begin to open.

After he had gone round his ample table, saying something obliging to all, (in a manner calling forth every one, to say something in his or her own way,) he addressed himself more particularly to the Count, and led him into subjecte both learned and familiar, in which he knew he could shine; and in which he did. It was doubly kind in Sir Charles to do so; for the poor man's reverence for the mistress of his fate, had taken all courage from his love, and he wanted to be drawn out. Never can bashful merit appear to so much advantage, as in Sir Charles's address to it.

How much soul did Lady Clementina shew in her eyes! She was very attentive to every one that spoke. She asked the Count questions, more than once, on some of the subjects he was led to talk of. My eyes, as I could feel, glistened when she did, to see how those of her father and mother rejoiced, as I may say, on the notice she took of him. Lady Clementina could not but observe how delightfully her complaisance to the Count was received by all her family.-Is it possible, thought I, more than once, were I in the situation of this admirable lady, to avoid obliging such indulgent parents with the grant of all their wishes, that depended on myself; having given up voluntarily the man I preferred to all others?

Signor Sebastiano dropt a hint once, of his own, and the Count's, and Signor Juliano's intention of setting out; mentioning a care for their baggage, which by this time, he supposed, had reached Dover: but Clementina turning an attentive ear to what he said, Sir Charles was afraid she would take this hint as a design to hasten her resolution; and said, We will not sadden our hearts with the thoughts of parting with any of our friends.

Thursday Evening, eight o'clock.

A LETTER is this moment brought from town by an especial messenger, to Signor Jeronymo. The whole family, Lady Clementina excepted, are got together upon the contents.

Ten o'clock. THE Marchioness, just now taking my hand, tears starting in her eyes, Ah, madam, said she,

the poor wretch Laurana-Just then the Bishop and Father Marescotti entering, she put the letter into my hand. I shall enclose a translation

of it.

TO SIGNOR JERONYMO DELLA PORRETTA.

May 6, N. S.

THE dear perverse Clementina may be now indulged, if she has not from principles of gratitude already yielded to give her hand to our Belvedere. I hope she has. One of our motives for urging her is at an end. Laurana is no more. Her mother kept from her, as long as she could, the news of the Count's accompanying you all to England: but when she was told that he was actually in that kingdom; and that my sister was heard of; she doubted not but the consequence would be the defeating of all her hopes with regard to him. A deep melancholy first seized her; that was succeeded by raving fits; and it is suspected that the poor creature, eluding the care of her attendants, came to a miserable end. Lady Sforza is inconsolable. A malignant fever is given out-So let it pass-SHE, whom the wretched creature most cruelly used, will shed a tear for the companion of her childhood: But who else, besides her own mother, will?-Yet, if the manner of her quitting life were as shocking as it is whispered to me it was -But I will not inquire farther about it, for fear I should be induced to shew compassion for a wretch who had not any to shew to a near relation, entrusted to her care, and who had a right to her kindest treatment.'

What a glorious creature, as you paint him, as fame, as Father Marescotti, and you all, report him, is your Grandison! Your sister-inlaw must, I believe, be complied with. Ever since you all left Italy, she has been earnest to attend you in England. She even threatens to steal from her husband, if he consent not, and, now Clementina has shewn her the way, procure a passage thither, to try my love in following her, as that naughty girl has all yours, in a season-But what is the inclemency of season, what are winds, mountains, seas, to a woman who has set her heart on an adventure? This I must allow in her favour, if she should fly from me, it will be to her father, mother, brothers, from whom her sister fled-Naughty, naughty Clementina! Can I forgive her?-Yet if her parents do, what have I to say?

I do assure you, Jeronymo, that I unfeignedly join with you in your joy, that so deserving a man is not a loser by a disappointment, that we all know sat heavily upon him, at the time. I even long to see upon one spot, two women, who are capable of shewing, as they have shewn, a magnanimity so very rare in the sex; one of whom, let me glory, is my sister. But Clementina ever was one of the most generous, how

ever in some points unpersuadable, of human

creatures.

Let Belvedere know how much I love him. Whatever be his fate with one of the perversest, yet noblest-minded of women, I will ever look upon him as my brother.

Reverence, duty, love, and the sincerest compliments, distribute, as due, my dear Jeronymo, from your GIACOMO.

LETTER CCCXIV.

LADY GRANDISON TO MRS SHIRLEY.

Friday, May 25.

UNHAPPY Laurana! Sir Charles expressed great concern for the manner of her death. How can you, brother, said Lady G, (when we three only were together,) be concerned for so execrable a wretch?

Shall a human creature perish, replied he, and its fellow-creature not be moved? Shall an immortal being fix its eternal state by an act dreadful and irreversible; by a crime that admits not of repentance; and shall we not be concerned? This, indeed, was owing to distraction: But how ill was such a soul as Laurana's prepared to rush into eternity!-Unhappy Laurana!

It is not thought fit, for obvious reasons, to acquaint Clementina with the contents of the General's letter.

AT last, my dear grandmamma, the great point seems to be decided. Lady Clementina had for some time been employing herself in drawing up, in two opposite columns, the arguments for and against her entering into the marriage state. She shewed them to me, and afterwards to Mrs Beaumont; but would not allow either of us to take a copy. She has stated them very fairly. I could not but observe to her on which side the strength lay.

This morning she gave us her company at breakfast-time for a few minutes only. She was in visible emotions; and seemed desirous of getting the better of them; but was unable; and therefore retired. She shut herself up; and about noon, sent, sealed up, a letter; which I will English as well as I can ; thus directed :

TO HER EVER-HONOURED, EVER-INDULGENT FATHER AND MOTHER, CLEMENTINA DELLA TORRETTA.

How did my whole soul aspire after the veil ! Insuperable obstacles having arisen against the union of your child with one exalted man,

how averse was I to enter into covenant with any other!

It was your pleasure, my lord; it was yours, madam; that I should not be indulged in the aspiration. You had the goodness to oblige me in my averseness.

The Chevalier Grandison has since convinced me, by generous, and condescending reasonings, that I could not, in duty to the will of my two grandfathers, and in justice to my elder brother and his descendants, renew my wishes after the cloister. I submit.

But now, what is to be done; what can I do, to make you, my dearest parents, and my brothers happy? Olivia triumphs over me. My situation is disagreeable: I, who ought to be a comfort to my friends, have been, I still am, a trouble to them all.-The Chevalier Grandison and his excellent lady have signified to me, more than once, that they expect from me the completion of their earthly happiness: And what is this life, but a short, a transitory passage to a better?

Have I not declined accepting the vows of the first of men? The only man I ever saw with a wish to be united to him? Declined them on motives, that all my friends think do me honour?

Have I ever, dear as the struggle cost me, repented the glorious self-denial? And what precedents of self-denial (wholly yours, by laws divine and human, as Ì am) have you, my everindulgent parents, set me?

Is there a man that I would prefer to him whom my friends are solicitous to commend to my favour?

Cannot I, in performing my duty to my parents, perform all those duties of life, which performed, may entitle me to a blessed hope?

Shall I contend in and through life, to carry a point, that, at the awful close of it, will appear to me as nothing ?

Let me now make a proposal-On a supposition that you, sir; that you, madam, (whose patient goodness to me has been unexampled,) and every one of my friends favour the Count of Belvedere as much as ever-I have always acknowledged his merits———

Permit me a year's consideration from the present time, to examine the state of my head and heart; and at the end of that year, allow me to determine; and I will endeavour, my dear parents, to make your wishes, and my duty, honour, conscience, (divested of caprice, fancy, petulance,) my sole guides in the result, as well as in the discussion. The Chevalier Grandison, his lady, Father Marescotti, and Mrs Beaumont, shall be judges between my relations and me, if there be occasion.

But, as it would be unreasonable to expect that the Count of Belvedere should attend an issue so uncertain; for I would rather die than give my vows to a man to whom I could not do

justice both with regard to head and heart; so, I make it my earnest request to him, that he will look upon himself to be absolutely free to make his own choice, and to pursue his own measures, as opportunities offer. Rejoiced at my heart should I be, to have reason to congratulate him on his nuptials with a woman of the soundness of whose mind he could have no doubt, and whose heart never knew another attachment.

I would humbly propose, as a measure highly expedient, that the ever-obliging Chevalier Grandison, and his truly admirable lady, will permit us, as soon as possible, to depart from England. [O my friends! accuse me not of levity in your heart! I obeyed, in the rash voyage hither, an impulse that appeared to me irresistible. And let us leave it to his neverforfeited honour, to bring over to us, as soon as can be convenient, his lady, his sisters, and their lords, as they have made us hope: And that a family friendship may be cultivated among us, as if a legal relation had taken place.

But allow me to declare, that if my cousin Laurana shall be found to have entertained the least reason to hope that she might one day be Countess of Belvedere, that that expectation alone, whatever turn my health may take, shall be considered as finally determining the Count's expectations on me; for I never will be looked upon as the rival of my cousin.

And now, blessed Virgin-mother of the God of my hope! do thou enable me to be an humble instrument of restoring to the hearts of my honoured and indulgent parents, and to those of my affectionate brothers and other friends, the tranquillity of which I have so unhappily and so long deprived them; prays, and will every hour pray, my ever-honoured and ever-indulgent father and mother, Your dutifully-devoted

Friday, May 25.

CLEMENTINA.

THE Marquis was alone with his lady in her dressing-room, when Camilla carried them this letter. They opened it with impatience. They could not contain their joy when they perused it. They both declared, that it was all that should, all that ought to be exacted from her. The Bishop, Signor Jeronymo, and her two cousins, on the contents being communicated to them, were in ecstasies of joy.

All that the Count of Belvedere had wished for, was, that Lady Clementina would give him hope, that if she ever married, he might be the happy man; and for the sake of this distant hope, he was resolved to forego all other engagements. Sir Charles was desired to acquaint him with the happy tidings. He did, with his usual prudence: But his joy is extreme.

The Marquis and Marchioness were impatient

to embrace and thank their beloved daughter. The moment she saw them, she threw herself at their feet, as they sat together on one settee, and were rising to embrace her-O my father! O my mother! Have I not been perverse in your eyes?-It was not I-You can pity me!-It was not always in my power to think as I now do. My mind was disturbed. I sought for tranquillity, and could nowhere find it. My brother Giacomo was too precipitating! yet, in his earnestness to have me marry, shewed his disinterestedness. He gave me no time, as you both, through the advice of the common friend of us all, have done. The nearest evil was the heaviest to me: I sought to avoid that, and might have fallen into greater. God reward you, my father, my mother, and all my dear friends, for the indulgence you have shewn me-To follow me too into foreign climates, at an unpropitious season of the year-And for what?-Not to chide, not to punish me; but to restore me to the arms of your parental love-And did you not vouchsafe to enter into conditions with your child?-How greatly disordered in my mind must I be, if I ever forget such instances of your graciousness!

The tender parents pressed her to their bos.-How did her two brothers and Mrs Beaumont applaud her !—

soms.

O how good, said she, are you all to me? What a malady-a malady of the darkest hue!-was mine, that it could fill me with such apprehensions, as were able to draw a cloud between your goodness and my gratitude; and make even your indulgence wear the face of hardship to me!

The Bishop thought it not advisable, that the Count, who hardly knew how to trust himself with his own joy, should be presently introduced to her. The rejoicing lover, therefore, walked into the garden; giving way to his agreeable contemplations.

Clementina, her mind filled with self-complacency on the joyful reception her proposal had met with, went into the garden, intending to take one of her usual walks, Laura attending her. The Count saw her enter, and fearing to disoblige her, if he broke in upon her, in her retirements, profoundly bowed, and took a different path. But she, crossing another alley, was near him before he was aware. He started; but recovering, threw himself at her feet-Life of my hope! Adorable Lady Clementina! said he -But could not at the moment speak another word.

She relieved him from his confusion-Rise, my lord, said she, I crossed to meet you, on purpose to exchange a few words with you, as you happened to be in the garden.

I cannot, cannot rise, till, thus prostrate at your feet, I have thanked you, madam, with my whole soul

No thanks are due, my lord, interrupting him.

God knows what may happen in the next twelve months! Rise, my lord. He rose.] As a friend of our house, I will respect you: So I have heretofore told you: But for your own sake, for honour's, for justice' sake, I think it necessary to tell you, you must not make an absolute dependance on me from what I have written to my parents, though I repent not of what I have written.

I will not, madam: For one year, for many years, I will await your pleasure. If at the end of any limited period, after that you have named, I cannot be so happy as to engage your favour, I will resign to my destiny-Only, meantime, permit me to hope.

I mentioned, my lord, that it was for your own sake, that I wished you not to depend upon a contingency. Be you free to pursue your own measures. Who can say, what one, two, or three years may produce? Maladies that have once seized the head, generally, as I have heard say, keep their hold, or often return. Have I not very lately been guilty of a great rashness? Believe me, sir, if, at the end of the allowed year, I shall have reason to suspect myself, I will suffer by myself. I ever thought you a worthy man: God forbid that I should make a worthy man unhappy. That would be to double my own misery.

Generous lady! exalted goodness!-Permit me, I once more beseech you, but to hope. I will resign to your pleasure whatever it shall finally be; and bless you for your determination, though it should doom me to despair.

Remember, my lord, you are warned. You depend upon the regard all our house have for you. I owe it duty next to implicit, for its unexampled indulgence to me. Your reliance on its favour is not a weak one: But, O Count! remember I caution you, that your dependance on me is not a strong one. Be prudent; let me not be vexed. My heart sickens at the thought of importunity. Opposition has its root in importunity. If you are happy as I wish, you will be very happy. But at present I have no notion, that I can ever contribute to make you so.

He bent one knee, and was going to replyAdieu, adieu, said she-Not another word, my lord, if you are wise. Are not events in the hand of Providence ?

She hurried from him. He was motionless for a few moments: His heart, however, overflowed with hope, love, and reverence.

On his reporting to the Marchioness, Mrs Beaumont, the two brothers, and me, what passed between the noble lady and him, as above, we all congratulated him.

The warning Lady Clementina has given you, my lord, said Mrs Beaumont, is of a piece with her usual greatness of mind, since the event referred to, is not, cannot be, in her own power.

There is not, said Signor Jeronymo, there can be but one woman greater than my sister

-It is she, who can adopt as her dearest friend, a young creature of her own sex in calamity, (circumstances so delicate!) and, for her sake, occasionally forget that she is the wife of the best and most beloved of men.

Clementina, said the Bishop, (the Count being withdrawn,) will now complete her triumph. She has, upon religious motives, refused the man of her inclination; the man deservedly beloved and admired by all her friends, and by the whole world: And now will she, from motives of duty, accept of another worthy man ; and thereby lay her parents themselves, as well as the most disinterested of brothers, under obligation to her. -What a pleasure, madam, (to the Marchioness,) will it be to you, to my honoured lord, to my uncle, and even to our Giacomo, and still more to his excellent wife, to reflect on the patience you have had with her, since her last rash step, and the indulgence shewn her! Clementina now will be all our own.

Every one praised Sir Charles, and attributed to him the happy prospects before them.

LETTER CCCXV.

LADY GRANDISON.

[In continuation.]

Monday, May 28. THE Marchioness having been desired to break to Lady Clementina the news of Laurana's death, as of a fever, she did it with all imaginable tenderness this morning: But the generous lady was affected with it.- O my poor cousin!' said she- Once she loved me. I ever loved her! Had she time given her? On what a sandy foundation do we build our schemes of worldly glory!-Poor Laurana !—God, I hope, has taken her to the arms of his mercy!'

The pious lady and her confessor have shut themselves up in the oratory appropriated for the devotions of this noble family, to pray, as I presume, for the soul of Laurana.

Everything is settled according to a plan laid down by Lady Clementina, at the request of all her family. The Count and Signor Sebastiano are to set out for Dover on Thursday next. In less than a month from their departure, they are to embark for France in their way home All but Jeronymo. Sir Charles has prevailed, that he shall be left behind, to try what our English baths may contribute to the perfect reestablishment of his health.

This tender point having been referred to his admirable sister, she generously consented to his stay with us. She has still more generosity, because unasked, she released Sir Charles from his promise of attending them back to Italy, in consideration of his Harriet; since, at this time, he would not know how to leave her; nor she

Six happy days from the date of the letter which Lady Clementina wrote to her father and mother, has the Count passed with us; the happiest, he often declared, of his life; for, in every one of them, he was admitted with a freedom that rejoiced his heart, to converse with the mistress of his destiny. She called upon him more than once, in that space of time, to behave to her as a brother to his sister; for this, she thinks, the uncertainty of what her situation may be a twelvemonth hence, requires, for both their sakes.

Sweetly composed, sweetly easy, was her whole behaviour to him and to everybody else, during these six days. The sisterly character was well supported by her to him: but in the Count, the most ardent, the most respectful, and even venerating lover took place of the brotherly one. Signor Jeronymo loves his sister as he loves himself; but the eyes of the Count, compared with those of Jeronymo, demonstrated, that there are two sorts of love; yet both ardent; and soul in both.

The parting scene between Clementina and the Count, was, on his side, a very fervent, on hers, a kind one. On his knees, he pressed with his lips her not-withdrawn hand. He would have spoken; but only could by his eyes, which run over-Be happy, my Lord Belvedere, said she. You have my wishes for your health and safety-Adieu!

She was for retiring: but the Count and Signor Sebastiano (of the latter of whom she had taken leave just before) following her a few paces, she turned; and with a noble composure, Adieu, once more, my two friends, said she : Take care, my lord, of Signor Sebastiano: Cousin, take care of the Count of Belvedere ; curtseying to both. The Count bowed to the ground, speechless. As she passed me, Lady Grandison, said she, taking my hand, sister of my heart; the day is fine; shall I, after you have blessed with your good wishes our parting friends, invite you into the garden? I took a cordial leave of the two noble youths, and followed her thither.

We had a sweet conversation there; and it was made still more delightful to us both, by Sir Charles's joining us, in about half an hour; for the two lords would not permit him to attend them one step beyond the court-yard; though he had his horses in readiness to accompany them some miles on their way.