ABOUT the middle of July 17 when the Windsor stagecoach with the accustomed number of passengers was proceeding on its way to London a young woman genteely dressed with a small parcel tied up in her handkerchief hastily bolted from the shelter of a large tree near the road and calling to the coachman to stop for a moment asked him if he could let her have a place The man although he well knew his vehicle was already sufficiently crouded yet being desirous of appropriating this supernumerary fare to himself replied that he did not doubt but he could find room for her and jumping off his box begged the company to sit close and give the young woman a place
What do you mean said a jolly fat woman with a face as red as scarlet
Have you not got your usual number of passengers Do you think we will be stifled with heat to put money into your pocket
There is room enough for such a slender young body as this
said the coachman
if you would but sit closer
Sit closer repeated the dame and spreading her cloaths
Dont you see we are crouded to death how dare you pretend to impose another passenger upon us when your coach is already full
Well said a tall lean woman who sat next her
This is the first time I ever travelled in a stagecoach and truly I am sick of it already There is no bearing the insults one is exposed to in these carriages Prithee young woman
pursued she with an air of great contempt
Go about your business you see there is no room for you— And do you fellow get on your box and drive on
Fellow me no fellows said the coachman in a surly tone
I wont drive till I please Who are you pray that takes so much upon you to order me
Who am I you saucy Jackanapes said the lady a person that—but I shall not demean myself so much as to tell you who I am it is my misfortune to be stuffed up in a stagecoach at present—what I have never been used to I assure you
Good lackaday said the fat gentlewoman with a sneer
A great misfortune truly— I would have you to know madam your betters ride in stagecoaches Heres a coil indeed with such wouldbe gentry
Good woman said the other with an affected calmness
Pray dont direct your impertinent discourse to me I have nothing to say to you
No more a good woman than yourself said the plump lady with a face doubly inflamed with rage I scorn your words
Very likely said a grave man who sat on the opposite side
but I wish it was possible to make room for the young gentlewoman
— Ah God bless your honour
said the coachman I thought you could not find in your heart to let such a pretty young woman as this walk
Pretty exclaimed the haughty lady—
You are a fine judge of beauty indeed— but I will not submit to be crouded fellow so
you and your pretty passenger may ride on the coachbox if you please
Nay since you come to that says the fat gentlewoman
I am resolved you shall not have your own way— The young lady may be as good as you and she shall not be obliged to ride on the coachbox— So open the door coachman
said she shoving her antagonist at the same time with all her force—Here is room enough
A young gentlewoman in a ridinghabit who sat on the same side but next the window declared that she was willing to give part of her seat to the stranger and begged the haughty lady to yield Poh said the rosy matron
dont stand begging and praying her since you are on my side we will be too hard for her I warrant you
Saying this she put one of her huge arms round the young womans waist and thus reinforced shoved her neighbour so forcibly against the other window that she cried out with pain and vexation
The young lady without who had been the occasion of this contest and who had hitherto stood silent with her hat over her eyes alarmed by the screams of her foe raised her head and in a tone of voice so sweet as immediately fixed the attention of the whole company intreated
them not to quarrel upon her account it was indeed she said of great consequence to her to be admitted but she would not continue to desire it since her request had produced so much uneasiness among them
The passengers who occupied the other side of the coach were two men and a woman big with child which circumstance had made it impossible for the men to offer her a seat with them for fear of incommoding the pregnant woman But the youngest of the men having now got a glimpse of the strangers face declared that the ladies might make themselves easy for he would resign his seat adding that he was extremely glad he had an opportunity of obliging such a handsome lady He then jumped out of the coach and taking the strangers hand to help her in stared confidently under her hat which put her into a little confusion however she thanked him very politely and accepted his offer but not without expressing some concern for the manner in which he would dispose of himself
Oh madam said the coachman
the gentleman may sit upon the box with me and he will have the pleasure of viewing the beautiful prospects all the way we go
—
I shall see none so beautiful
said the young fellow
as what they who remain in the coach will behold
The fair stranger now blushed more than before and being willing to avoid any farther speeches of this nature she hastily got into the coach thanked the young man a second time who having seen her seated placed himself by the coachman on the box and they proceeded on their journey
A Profound silence now prevailed among the company in the coach the eyes of all were fastened upon the fair stranger who appeared wholly insensible of the scrutinizing looks of her fellowtravellers Something within herself seemed to engross all her thoughts and although by her eyes being constantly turned towards the windows of the coach it might be imagined the passing objects drew her attention yet their fixed looks too plainly indicated that they were beheld without observation Her
person though full of charms and the easy gracefulness of her air impressed less respect for her on the minds of the women than the elegance of her morningdress which they were now at leisure to consider Her gown was a white sprigd muslin extremely fine through which shone a rich blue Mantua silk petticoat her cap handkerchief and ruffles were trimmed with fine Brussels lace her apron had a broad border round it of Dresden work and a white lutestring hat shaded her charming face which she was solicitous to conceal from view
The melancholy with which she seemed oppressed conciliated to her the good will of her female fellowtravellers though from very different sentiments The haughty lady who had refused to let her have a place in the coach found her envy and illnature insensibly subside by the consideration that this stranger was probably more unhappy than herself
The lusty matron pleased that by insisting upon receiving her she had conferred an obligation on one who appeared to be of a rank above her own enjoyed her present superiority and pitied her from the overflowings of gratified pride
The young lady in the ridinghabit whose vanity had been a little mortified at seeing herself
associated in a journey with persons whom she conceived to be very unfit company for her thought herself very happy in the acquisition of so genteel a fellowtraveller and as she had not deignd to open her mouth before from an opinion of the meanness of her company she now made herself amends for her silence by addressing a profusion of civil speeches to the fair stranger who replied to every thing she said with extreme politeness but with an all that showed her heart was not at ease
The passengers being set down at different places miss Courteney for that was the name of our fair adventurer remained alone with the young lady in the coach This circumstance seemed to rouze her from a deep revery in which she had been wholly absorbed during the last half hour and looking earnestly at her companion Ah madam said she in a most affecting accent and when am I to lose you I shall leave you in a few minutes said the lady
for I am going no farther than Hammersmith
Lord bless me said miss Courteney listing up her fine eyes swimming in tears
What shall I do what will become of me
This exclamation gave great surprize to the other lady who from several circumstances had
conceived there was some mystery in her case You seem uneasy said she to miss Courteney
pray let me know if it be in my power to serve you
This kind request had such an effect on the tender heart of miss Courteney that she burst into tears and for a few moments was unable to answer when the lady pressing her to speak freely I am an unhappy creature madam said she sighing
and am flying from the only person in the world upon whom I have any dependence I will make no scruple to trust you with my secret Did you ever hear of lady Meadows
pursued she
the widow of Sir John Meadows
I know a lady who is acquainted with her said the other
she is a woman of fashion and fortune
Lady Meadows is my relation resumed miss Courteney
she took me a poor helpless orphan under her protection and during some time treated me with the tenderness of a mother Within these few weeks I have unhappily lost her favour not by any fault of mine I assure you for I have always loved and reverenced her Nothing should have obliged me to take this step which has no doubt an
appearance of ingratitude but the fear of being forced to marry a man I hate
O heavens my dear creature exclaimed the lady
What do you tell me were you upon the point of being forced to a detested match
I was madam replied miss Courteney
and to this hard lot was I doomed by her to whom I owe all my past happiness and from whom I expected all the future
You have obliged me excessively by this unreserved confidence
interrupted the lady
and you shall find me not unworthy of it From this moment I swear to you an inviolable attachment Sure there is nothing so transporting as friendship and mutual confidence Yon won my heart the moment I saw you I have formed a hundred violent friendships but one accident or other always dissolved them in a short time There are very few persons that are capable of a violent friendship at least I never could find one that answered my ideas of that sort of engagement Have not you been often disappointed tell me my dear I dare say you have Your sentiments I believe are as delicate as mine upon this head I am charmed I am ravished with this meeting Who would have imagined that by chance
and in a stagecoach I should have found what I have so earnestly sought for these three months a person with whom I could contract a violent friendship such as minds like ours are only capable of feeling
I am extremely obliged to you madam for your good opinion
said miss Courteney
I hope I shall never be so unfortunate as to forfeit it indeed I have reason to think that in my present distressed situation a friend is a blessing sent from heaven
Well but my dear Clelia said this flighty lady
you have not told me all your story— I call you Clelia because you know it is so like common acquaintance to address one another by the title of Miss such a one— Romantick names give a spirit to the correspondence between such friends as you and I are but perhaps you may like another name better than Clelia though I think that is a mighty pretty one so soft and gliding Clelia Clelia— tell me do you like it my dear
Call me what you please said miss Courteney smiling a little at the singularity of her new friend but my name is Courteney
Courteney is a very pretty sirname said the lady
I hope it is not disgraced with any
odious vulgar christian name such as Molly or Betty or the like
I was christened Henrietta after my mother
said miss Courteney
Henrietta is well enough—returned the other but positively my dear you must assume the name of Clelia when you write to me for we must correspond every hour—Oh what a ravishing pleasure is it to indulge the overflowings of ones heart upon paper Remember to call me Celinda in your letters and in all our private conversations we shall have a thousand secrets to communicate to each other But I am impatient to know all your story it must needs be very romantick and pretty
Alas said the charming Henrietta
this is no time to relate my misfortunes we are entered into Hammersmith and there you say you must leave me give me your advice dear madam as to the manner in which I must dispose of myself
Dear madam repeated the lady—
is that the style then you resolve to use have you forgot that we have contracted a violent friendship and that I am your Celinda and you my Clelia
I beg your pardon said Henrietta
I did not think of that name well then dear Celinda
what would you advise me to do I am going to London there to conceal myself from the search that lady Meadows will doubtless make for me when she hears I have left her house all my hope of a reconciliation with her is through the interposition of a friend I have a brother who has been abroad these ten years and whom I every day expect to hear is arrived but I dare not show myself to any of lady Meadowss acquaintance lest I should be hurried back and sacrificed to what she calls my interest I know so little of the town that I am afraid I may take up my residence in an improper house among people where my honour or at least my reputation may be in danger Direct me dear madam— My dear Celinda I would say direct me what to do in this dreadful dilemma
Here she paused anxiously expecting the answer of her new friend which will be found in the following chapter
I Protest my dearest Clelia said the lady
your fears are very natural upon this occasion I should in your situation be almost distracted Even our parents watchful cares are hardly sufficient to guard us against the attempts of insolent men how much more then are those attempts to be dreaded when we are left defenceless and exposed Believe me my dear I sympathize truly with you in this misfortune Good Heaven I think I should die with apprehension were I in your case
Dont terrify me said miss Courteney trembling
I have taken an imprudent step but I must make the best of it now Providence I hope will be my guard
I would not terrify you my dear said the lady
but I must repeat that were I in your case I think my fears would dictract me Thank Heaven I am protected by watchful parents cautious relations and prudent friends
yet hardly thus can I think myself secure from these enterprising wretches the men
This young lady had indeed a stronger protector than all these which she did not mention or perhaps was insensible of and that was the extreme disagreeableness of her whole person Her features it is true could not be called irregular because few faces were ever distinguished with a set more uniformly bad Her complexion which was a composition of green and yellow was marvelously well suited to her features Nor was it possible to make any invidious comparisons between her face and her shape since it was hard to decide which was worse
Miss Courteney who had burst into tears occasioned by her reflections on her own helpless situation compared with the advantages her friend enjoyed and which she had so oftentatiously enumerated was upon the point of soliciting her advice again when the lady joyfully exclaimed
Oh there is my aunts house my dear Clelia we must part immediately
Sure said Henrietta sighing
you will not leave me till you have advised me what to do
Lord my dear said the other
one young creature is not qualified to give another advice upon such occasions I wish it was in my power to give you proper advice you know I have vowed to you an inviolable friendship
And —
Here the coachman as he had been directed stopped before a large handsome house and a welldressed footman immediately appearing came forwards to open the coachdoor
Hear me one word cried miss Courteney perceiving this tender friend was actually going to leave her without any farther solicitude for her safety —
upon the strength of that inviolable friendship you have vowed to me I will venture to ask a favour of you it is pursued she that you will recommend me to some person of your acquaintance in London who may direct me to a decent house where I can remain in safety till my brothers arrival
I vow this is a lucky thought said the lady
I believe I can serve you my dear Clelia but you must step in with me to my aunts John
said she to the servant
is my aunt at home
The man told her his lady was just gone to take an airing
Thats well said the lady
we shall have an opportunity to settle this matter but my dear Clelia I think it will be best to discharge the coach the fellow possibly will not wait Ill send my aunts servant to take a place for you in the Hammersmith stage which I know does not set out this half hour
Henrietta readily complied overjoyed that she had really found a sincere friend in the person of this whimsical lady who having led her into a large wellfurnished parlour ordered some tea to be brought and then told her that she would give her a letter to her millener who was a very good sort of a woman and where she might depend upon being absolutely safe
When I was last in town pursued she
which was about three weeks ago her first floor was empty and in this season of the year I believe she will let it to you for two guineas a week
A single room will do for me said miss Courteney
my circumstances do not entitle me to magnificent lodgings and my business is to keep myself private
Well well my dear be that as you please •aid the other
I will write the letter without mentioning what lodgings you require
Saying this she called for pens and paper and having wrote the following billet gave it to miss Courteney for her perusal
Dear Mrs EGRET
THE lady who will deliver you this is one for whom I have the most violent friendship imaginable You know how ardent my friendships are but I think I never had any so firmly rooted as this though our acquaintance commenced but a few hours ago This dear friend having desired me to recommend her to some person to lodge with I thought of you knowing you can accommodate her with genteel apartmentsI am dear Mrs Egret
Your humble servant E WOODBY
Henrietta having read the letter returned it again into the hands of her friend gratefully acknowledging the favour although she had some objections to it for she did not approve of the words genteel apartments being resolved not to exceed a very moderate price but she rightly conceived that miss Woodby rather listened to her own pride than her conveniency
by throwing in that circumstance and therefore took no notice of it
The letter being sealed and directed miss Courteney carefully deposited it in her pocket and the two ladies were preparing to drink their tea when the footman entered and said the stagecoach was just going off our fair traveller instantly rose up and took leave of her friend who having prevailed upon her to drink a glass of sack and water since she was disappointed of her tea parted with her with an affectionate embrace and a promise that she would see her in town very shortly
Miss Courteney finding only one passenger in the coach who was a grave elderly woman she resumed her journey with some kind of chearfulness having thus happily got over her apprehensions of falling into bad company where chance might have directed her to lodge
BUT this cessation from uneasiness did not last long for the mind which can fasten with violence but upon one circumstance of distress at a time and being suddenly relieved from that is sensible of a calm which compared with its former feelings may be called pleasure yet soon selects another object to engross its attention and fixes on it with equal anxiety and sollicitude Thus it fared with our lovely heroine whose others cares had all been swallowed up in reflections on the danger to which her honour was exposed Eased of these apprehensions by the good offices of miss Woodby she was happy for a few moments till the consequences of her flight rushd full upon her mind lady Meadowss favour irrecoverable her fortune ruined her reputation blasted This last thought which from the delicacy of her sentiments gave her the deepest regret dwelt most upon her mind and forgetting that she was not alone she clasped
her hands together in a violent emotion and burst into tears
The old gentlewoman who had been eyeing her very attentively not a little surprised at the seriousness that appeared in the looks and behaviour of so young a creature eagerly asked her What was the matter
Henrietta rouzed by this question which so absent had she been first informed her she was observed wiped her eyes and composing her countenance said she was often lowspirited
Dont tell me of low spirits said the old •entlewoman
such young bodies as you are not lowspirited for nothing What I warrant you there is a sweetheart in the case
Oh no madam said miss Courteney •ushing no sweetheart I assure you
No really resumed she
well then I suppose you have lost a friend
I have indeed lost a friend said the young •dy hoping that acknowledgment would put 〈◊〉 end to the questions of her fellowtraveller
Indeed said the old woman and this friend — is it a father or mother or sister or —
All all interrupted miss Courteney burst•g again into tears
How all repeated the old woman
Have you just now lost all these relations
I lost them all in losing that friend madam
said Henrietta vexed that her sensibility wakened by such questions had made her too little guarded in her expressions
Oh Oh I understand you child said the good gentlewomen
this person I dont ask you whether it was a man or woman was to you both father and mother Well and so I suppose you have just heard of the death of this good friend and are going to town on that occasion
Miss Courteney finding that the inquisitive temper of her fellowtraveller was likely to lead her into a discovery of her situation chose rather to be silent than violate truth by feigning circumstances to deceive her and fortunately for her she was prevented from suffering more disagreeable interrogatories by the coach suddenly stopping at an inn in Piccadilly where it put up
The old gentlewoman however at parting asked her what part of the town she was going to and offered if it was in her way to accompany her but Henrietta evaded the question and the offer by telling her that she should take a chair The coachman accordingly called one
for her which she entered immediately and being asked by the chairman where she would please to be carried she recollected with great confusion that miss Woodby had not told her where her millener lived
She now sought for the letter hoping there was a full direction upon that But what was her grief and perplexity when she found the superscription contained only these words
For Mrs Egret
Good Heaven exclaimed •he fair unfortunate what shall I do now
The chairman repeating his question she told him that she had forgot a direction and asked him if he knew where Mrs Egret a millener •ved The fellow replied in the negative but added that he would enquire He accordingly •epped into the nearest shop which was a ha•erdashers and making a small blunder in the •ame which the person he spoke to mistook for •ccles he was told that the millener he enquired for lived in Charles street
The fellow returned extremely pleased with •is success and relieved the young lady from her •xiety who bid him carry her directly to •harles street and she soon found herself at the •or of a milleners shop where she discharged •r chairmen and entering asked a young woman whom she saw at work if her mistress was at home
The girl desired her to walk into a parlour where she was met by an agreeable welldressed woman who received her with great politeness and desired to know her commands
I have a letter for you said Henrietta putting it into her hands
from a young lady a customer of yours the contents will acquaint you with my business
The millener took the letter and having read it returned it again with a smile saying
She was not the person to whom it was addressed
No madam said miss Courteney excessively surprised Is not your name Egret
My name is Eccles madam said the millener Bless me cried miss Courteney
the chairmen have made a mistake I bid one of them enquire where Mrs Egret a millener lived and he was directed hither I shall be obliged to you pursued Henrietta if you will let your maid call a chair
To be sure madam said the millener
but do you not know where this Mrs Egret lives
I have unfortunately forgot to get a direction
returned the young lady
but I hope you can inform me
I wish I could madam said the millener but really I know no such person as Mrs Egret
Surely I am the most unfortunate creature in the world
cried Henrietta
I hope not madam said Mrs Eccles with a look of great complacency
there are more persons besides Mrs Egret who would be glad to accommodate you with lodgings I wish mine were good enough for you
Oh I dare say they are good enough replied miss Courteney
but I was recommended to Mrs Egret and—
Pray madam walk up and look at my first floor
said Mrs Eccles and without waiting for any reply immediately led the way
Henrietta followed in such perplexity of mind that she hardly knew what she did and while the officious millener led her from room to room expatiating at large upon the conveniencies miss Courteney continued silent revolving in her thoughts the dilemma to which she was reduced
The evening was so far advanced that she could not think of going in quest of Mrs Egret of whom she could get no information here yet she was not able to resolve upon taking lodgings in the house of a person to whom she was an absolute stranger a misfortune which she had
vainly endeavoured to avoid by the application she had made to miss Woodby
I am afraid you dont like this apartment madam
said Mrs Eccles who observed her look pensive and uneasy
I have no objection to it
said miss Courteney
but that it is rather too good I do not propose to go to a high price a bedchamber and the use of a parlour will be sufficient for me
The millener looked a little dissatisfied at these words but told her she could accommodate her with a large handsome bedchamber up two pair of stairs but added that she had no other parlour than that which she kept for her own use
Miss Courteney desired to see the room which was indeed very handsome and convenient and the millener perceiving she liked it told her that she should be welcome to the use of the diningroom till her first floor was let
The young lady thought this an obliging proposal and being pleased with the womans countenance and behaviour ventured to make an agreement with her and every thing being settled upon very easy terms
there is but one difficulty remaining
said she with an engaging smile
and that I know not how we shall get over we are strangers to each other
Oh madam interrupted Mrs Eccles
though it is not my custom to take in lodgers without having a character yet I can have no scruple with regard to a lady of your appearance As for me I have •ed a great many years in this neighbourhood and am not afraid of having my character enquired into
She spoke this with a little warmth which made Henrietta imagine she expected the same degree of confidence she had shown so making a merit of necessity she appeared very well satisfied and immediately took possession of her new apartment
MRS Eccles being summoned into her shop by a customer miss Courteney desired her to send up pen ink and paper being resolved to write to miss Woodby that night and acquaint her with the disappointment she had met with The maid soon appeared with candles and all the materials for writing delivering at the same time her mistresss compliments to the
young lady and a request that she would favour her with her company to supper Miss Courteney promised to wait on her provided she was alone and sitting down wrote the following letter to her new friend
YOU will no doubt my dear miss Woodby be both surprised and grieved to know that your kind intentions have been frustrated and that by forgetting to give me a direction your recommendation to Mrs Egret has proved useless to me By a mistake of the chairman who I desired to enquire where Mrs Egret lived I was brought to another milleners and she not being able to direct me where to find her I am obliged to take up my lodging with a stranger It was my apprehensions of what has befallen me that induced me to trust you with my secret a secret of the highest importance to me and most generously did you repay my confidence by your ready assistance It was my ill fortune which ordered it so that I should not profit by your kindness However my gratitude is equally engaged and since I observe nothing disagreeable in the behaviour of the person in whose house I now am I shall endeavour to make myself easy here till I hear from you I long to see you
to tell you my unhappy story to have your compassion or rather to be justified by your approbation of what I have been compelled by circumstances to do Oh my dear miss how unhappy is that mind which with right intentions feels a consciousness of something wrong in its resolutions Direct for me by the name of Benson at Mrs Eccless millener in Charles street Adieu I sign the pretty name you gave me
CLELIA
Henrietta had just sealed her letter when somebody tappd at her door she opened it immediately and seeing Mrs Eccles asked her pardon for not waiting on her before Mrs Eccles told her that her little supper being ready she came to see if she was at leisure
Miss Courteney found the cloth laid in the parlour and an elegant supper was served up Mrs Eccles did not fail to apologize frequently for the meanness of her entertainment and was gratified with as many assurances from her fair guest that no apology was necessary During the repast Mrs Eccles entertained her with an account of the newest fashions the most celebrated performers of the opera and playhouses little pieces or scandal and the like topicks of
conversation which Henrietta had often heard discussed among her more polite acquaintance and indeed almost the only ones that engage the attention during the recess of the cardtable
The millener then turning the discourse to the accident that procured her so agreeable a lodger artfully pursued her hints till the young lady found herself obliged to satisfy in some degree her curiosity concerning her situation
Though she was naturally communicative even to a fault yet she did not think proper to disclose herself farther than to tell her that she had been obliged to come to London upon some affairs of consequence which could not be settled till the arrival of her brother who was every day expected from his travels
This account was so near the truth that miss Courteney in the simplicity of her own heart thought it could not fail of being believed However the millener who knew the world very well conceived there was something extraordinary in the case— nothing less than a loveintrigue nor did this suspicion give her any uneasiness She was one of those convenient persons with whom a lady upon paying a certain sum of money might liein privately and be properly attended She made no scruple of accommodating with lodgings a young wife whose
husband for certain family reasons visits her only now and then and as she generally sound her account in such sort of lodgers she seldom desired and indeed was seldom encumbered with any other
The youth beauty and elegance of miss Courteney the introductory letter so oddly conceived her apparent perplexity and concern upon her disappointment of the lodgings she had expected raised suspicions which the story she now heard confirmed and not doubting but this affair would prove beneficial to her she exerted her utmost endeavours to please her fair lodger and engage her to an entire confidence
When the clock struck eleven Henrietta rose up in order to retire to her own chamber to which Mrs Eccles officiously attended her having taken leave of her at the door she bolted it on the inside and after recommending herself to the protection of Heaven went to bed but not to rest A thousand disquietudes kept her waking till the morning when she sunk into a slumber that lasted till eleven oclock
As soon as she opened her eyes she was informed by the strong light in her chamber that the morning was far advanced and finding by her watch which lay on a chair near her bedside how much she had exceeded her usual time for
she was a very early riser she hurried on her cloaths and went down stairs being extremely anxious to get her letter sent to miss Woodby she went directly into the shop supposing she should find Mrs Eccles there but was excessively surprised to hear from the apprentice that her mistress was not yet up
I suppose said miss Courteney
she rested no better than myself last night which was the cause of my lying so late this morning
La maam replied the girl
my mistress is never up before eleven or twelve
Indeed said the young lady dissembling her concern at a circumstance which gave her no favourable opinion of her landlady
But madam
added the girl
you may have your breakfast whenever you please to order it
She then called the maid whom miss Courteney ordered to fetch a porter being determined to have her letter delivered into miss Woodbys own hands if possible A porter was soon found who undertook to carry the letter to Hammersmith as directed and this affair being dispatched Henrietta ordered some coffee for her breakfast and retired to her own chamber
IN about a quarter of an hour Mrs Eccles appeared in a long loose linen sack being her morning dress and insisted upon miss Courteneys breakfasting with her who at length consented having agreed to pay at the rate of a guinea a week for her board during the time she stayed which she inly determined should not be long
After the teathings were removed she went into the shop to make a purchase of some ribbons and gloves and while she was amusing herself with looking over a great variety of fashionable trifles which the apprentice officiously shewed her a young gentleman who had been attracted by her appearance came into the shop and asked to look at some Dresden ruffles Henrietta blushing at the earnestness with which he gazed on her retired immediately telling Mrs Eccles as she passed through the parlour that there was a gentleman in the shop The millener upon this information lifted up her hands mechanically to her head to adjust her hair
and hastened to attend her customer while her fair lodger taking a book that lay in the window went to her own apartment with an intention to amuse herself with reading till the longdfor return of her messenger
The book however which was a volume of the new Atalantis did not suit her taste she threw it away and abandoned herself to her own melancholy reflections which were at length interrupted by her landlady who entered the room with a smiling air telling her she had had a very good customer
I am glad of it said Henrietta
Truly said Mrs Eccles
I believe I am obliged to your fair face for my good luck this morning
How— returned the young lady with a countenance graver than before
Nay never wonder at it said Mrs Eccles
the gentleman laid out twelve guineas with me but I dont believe he wanted the things he bought You were the loadstone
added she smartly
that drew him into the shop —He asked me a hundred questions about you
I am sorry for it said miss Courteney I wish I had not been in the shop
And why sorry pray
resumed Mrs Eccles
I warrant you are sorry you are handsome too—
However I have another thing to tell you to increase your sorrow and that is that you have certainly made a conquest of this fine spark and to overwhelm you with affliction
pursued she laughing
I verily believe he is a man of quality
Do you know him then said miss Courteney who could not help smiling a little at her vivacity
I only judge by his appearance and manners
replied Mrs Eccles
that he is a man of rank but I dare say we shall hear more from him
Sure— Mrs Eccles interrupted miss Courteney with some emotion
Nay nay child exclaimed Mrs Eccles
dont put yourself into a flurry I dont know that I shall ever see him again— But pray what book have you got here
One I found in your parlour
said miss Courteney Oh I see what it is cried Mrs Eccles opening it
it is a charming pretty book If you love reading miss I can furnish you with books I have a very pretty collection— I should be glad to see your collection
said the young lady who was apprehensive of her renewing a conversation that had been very disagreeable to her
Mrs Eccles immediately led her into a little room on the same floor and opening a closet in which there were about two dozen books ranged on a shelf she bid her take her choice for there was variety enough
Henrietta soon examined the so much boasted collection which she found chiefly consisted of novels and plays Well said Mrs Eccles
how do you like my books are they not prettily chosen
I assure you replied she taking down one
you chose very well when you chose this for it is one of the most exquisite pieces of humour in our language
I knew you would approve of my taste
said Mrs Eccles
but what have you got— O the Adventures of Joseph Andrews — Yes that is a very pretty book to be sure— but there is Mrs Haywoods Novels did you ever read them— Oh they are the finest lovesick passionate stories I assure you youll like them vastly pray take a volume of Haywood upon my recommendation
Excuse me said Henrietta
I am very well satisfied with what I have I have read this book three times already and yet I assure you I shall begin it again with as much eagerness and delight as I did at first
Well as you please said Mrs Eccles leaving her at the door of her own chamber
I wont disturb you till dinner is ready
Miss Courteney sat down to her book which agreeably engaged her attention till she was interrupted with the pleasing news of her porters being returned she flew down stairs he delivered her a letter the seal of which she eagerly broke and found it as follows
CELINDA to her dearest CLELIA
NO words can describe the excess of my grief at the news of your disappointment but my dear how was it possible for your chairmen to mistake the house so egregiously— not know where Mrs Egret lived— Foolish fellows she is one of the greatest milleners in town and employed by persons of the first rank But dont be uneasy I shall see you this afternoon your messenger found me preparing to set out for town with my aunt— Adieu my Clelia and believe me with the most unparalleld affection ever yours
CELINDA
The hopes of seeing her friend and being settled in more agreeable lodgings gave Henrietta
such a flow of spirits that when she was summoned to dinner by her landlady she appeared less reserved than usual and even kept up the conversation with some kind of chearfulness Mrs Eccles finding her in so good a humour introduced the subject which ran most in her head—The fine young gentleman who had been her customer in the morning was praised in raptures of admiration— so genteel so well bred— such sparkling eyes such an air of distinction— Every now and then exclaiming—
Well you have certainly made a conquest of him— we shall see him again never fear— hell find his way here again I warrant him
Miss Courteney to put an end to this discourse told her landlady that she expected a lady to drink tea with her that afternoon Mrs Eccles immediately gave orders for the diningroom to be put in order and thither miss Courteney retired in expectation of her visiter At six oclock a footmans rap at the door anounced the arrival of miss Woodby Henrietta ran to the head of the stairs to receive her
O Heavens my dear creature cried miss Woodby
What trouble have I been in upon your account— but even the disquiets of friendship are pleasing I would not be insensible
of that charming passion nor without an object of it for the world
Miss Courteney thanked her in very obliging terms while her sentimental friend adjusted her dress in the glass and then throwing herself into a chair declared that she was all impatience to hear her history
Permit me said miss Courteney
to inform you first that I am not easy here I do not greatly like my landlady and I wish I could remove this very night
Miss Woodby told her it was impossible because she had not yet seen Mrs Egret but that she would go to her in the morning and prepare her for her coming Henrietta being now at ease complied with her friends request and began her little history in this manner
IT is no wonder my dear miss Woodby that at these early years I am precipitated into distresses and dangers my very birth was a misfortune to my parents and intailed upon them those miseries which began by their unhappy passion
My father was the youngest of three brothers but so great a favourite of his father the earl of — that it was thought he would make his fortune very considerable having a very large estate and a very lucrative employment out of which he every year laid by large sums to provide for his younger sons of whom my father as I have already said was the best beloved
It happened one day that the widow of an officer in the army came to solicit the earls interest towards getting her a pension She was accompanied by her daughter a young woman about sixteen years of age and who must at that time have been exquisitely handsome since after a long series of troubles
and in an age more advanced she appeared to me one of the most beautiful women in the world
The widow by a certain method of persuasion which operates powerfully on the domesticks of men in place got her petition sent up to the earl It imported that her husband after having served near fifty years in the army had obtained leave to sell his commission for the benefit of his wife and child that the money arising from it had been deposited in the hands of an agent who had broke a few months afterwards by which unhappy accident all the money was lost and this loss had so greatly affected the old gentleman that he died a few weeks afterwards leaving his wife and child wholly unprovided for and made wretched by those very means that were calculated to secure them a genteel subsistence since by the sale of her husbands commission the widow was no longer intitled to a pension which however she hoped to obtain in consideration of his long services and the peculiar circumstances of her misfortune
The widow who knew it was in this noblemans power to put her immediately upon the list of pensions conceived great hopes of
the success of her application when after waiting two hours in the hall she was ordered to atttend his lordship in his library
The nobleman received her with civility enough but his first words destroyed those expectations with which she had flattered herself
I am sorry it is not in my power to do you any service said he your husband sold out therefore you have no right to the pension I pity your misfortune but in this case there is nothing to be done
The widow was a woman of sense and breeding she was sensible that the earl paid no regard to her plea otherwise he would not have urged that as an argument against granting her petition without which no petition would have been necessary intreaties she found would be fruitless therefore she would not descend to the meanness of a suppliant but curtsyd in silent anguish and withdrew
My father who was present at this scene and who had beheld the decent sorrow of the mother with reverence the innocent beauty of the daughter with tender admiration impelled by an emotion which yet he knew not
the cause of hastily followed them and offered his hand to the widow to lead her down stairs
She who from a natural dignity of sentiment had been enabled to endure the supercilious behaviour of the father without betraying any signs of discomposure burst into tears at this instance of unexpected attention and respect in the son
Mr Courteney as he led her down stairs had his eyes incessantly turned towards the young lady who followed blushing to see herself so earnestly beheld He found they had not a coach waiting for them he ordered a servant to call one and in the mean time desired they would walk into a parlour where he took occasion to express his concern to the widow for the disappointment she had met with but assured her that he would employ his good offices in her favour and from the influence he had over his father hoped he should succeed He then desired to know where he might wait upon her in case he had any good news to bring her
The widow charmed with his politeness astonished at his kindness and full of hope and pleasing expectation gave him a direction in writing which she had brought with her
Mr Courteney received it bowing low as if she had conferred a favour on him a favour it was indeed for by this time he was lost in love for the charming daughter whose looks discovered such soft sensibility of her situation such conscious dignity which misfortune could not impair such calm resignation as if superior to her woes that her beauty seemed her least perfection and he was more captivated by the graces of her mind that shone out in her person than with her lovely person itself
The coach was now come he sighed when he took leave of them rivetting his eyes on the young charmer who modestly looked down unable to bear his ardent glances Again be assured the widow of his services and suddenly recollecting himself he put a purse into her hand begging her to accept that trifle as an earnest of his friendship
The lady was so much surprised at his behaviour that she was at a loss in what manner to answer him and before she could form any she found herself in the coach to which he had accompanied her with great respect When the coach drove from the door she examined the contents of the purse and found five and twenty guineas in it a present which if it
had been less would have mortified her pride and being so considerable alarmed her prudence She recollected every circumstance of the young gentlemans behaviour and all contributed to persuade her that he was actuated by some motive more forcible than mere compassion
She remembered that she had caught him gazing earnestly at her daughter she reproached herself for taking her with her for accepting the money for giving a direction She dreaded the consequence of having exposed her child to the attempts of a young man formed to please and by his rank and fortune enabled to pursue every method that could gratify his passions She began now to be solicitous about the effect such uncommon generosity had on the mind of her daughter She asked her what she thought of the gentleman who so kindly interested himself in their affairs notwithstanding the cruel denial his father had given
Miss whose gratitude had with difficulty been restrained from rising from her heart to her tongue eagerly seized this opportunity to praise their benefactor Her expressions were so lively she showed so tender a sensibility of his kindness such a blushing approbation
of his person and manners that the good widow thought proper to check her vivacity by a little reproof and attributed all the respect he had shown them to his natural politeness and his offers of service and the present he had forced on her to a sudden sally of compassion which young unexperienced persons are liable to However her apprehensions were now increased and when Mr Courteney came to see her in consequence of his promise which was two days after wards she had already taken her resolution
She took care that her daughter should not be in the way when he sent up his name and notwithstanding the politeness with which he accosted her she observed that he was disappointed and that his eyes involuntarily sought out an object which he more wished to see than her
I dont know whether these little particulars may not seem tedious to you my dear miss Woodby but I have often heard my mother repeat them with delight declaring that these first tokens of my fathers affection for her made so deep an impression on her heart fluctuating as it then was between hope and fear that she ever retained the most lively remembrance of them and could never
relate them without feeling in some degree the same pleasing emotions with which she was at that time agitated
Mr Courteney began the conversation with assuring the widow that he had been mindful of her affairs that his solicitations had not yet indeed had the desired effect but that he hoped shortly to bring her better news The widow thanked him with great politeness for his kind interposition in her favour which she declared would always have a claim to her sincerest gratitude whether he succeeded or not in his applications She then drew the purse out of her pocket and putting it respectfully into his hands told him that not being in any immediate necessity she begged he would not take it ill if she declined accepting a present which would lay her under an unreturnable obligation
Mr Courteney blushed with surprize and disappoimment— but the dignity with which she looked and spoke making it impossible for him to press her any farther he received the money back again with a low bow apologizing at the same time for the liberty he had taken
The widow seeing him disconcerted politely recommended her interests to him and
Mr Courteney charmed that she would allow him to be her friend on any terms retired with a promise that he would take as much care of them as of his own
This interview continued Henrietta
confirmed the widow in her suspicions that her daughter was not indifferent to their new benefactor— He had observed her scrupulous reserve with regard to the young beauty and hoped to remove it by affecting a total neglect of her so that he did not even enquire how she did— Whatever is done with design is always overdone the widow was persuaded that a man of Mr Courteneys good breeding would not have passed over one of the common forms of politeness but to answer some secret purpose Her vigilance increased in proportion to her fears and although he made her several visits under pretence of enquiring more minutely into the circumstances of her case yet he never was so fortunate as to find her daughter with her
This conduct while it stimulated his passion gave him a high opinion of the virtue and prudence of her who in such unhappy circumstances showed such extreme attention to the honour and reputation of her child Hitherto he had not been at the trouble to
examine his own views and designs upon this young beauty Hurried away by the violence of his passion he had assiduously sought opportunities of seeing and conversing with her but the difficulties he met with made him look into his own heart that he might know if he was still sufficient master of it to give over a pursuit which was likely to prove fruitless
Amazed to find that what he took for a transient inclination was a passion immoveably fixed that he had formed resolutions when he believed he had only entertained desires that the whole happiness and misery of his life was in the power of a young woman destitute of friends fortune hopes and expectations and rich only in beauty and virtue— for virtuous he was sure she must be under the care of so wise and prudent a mother He was alarmed at his own condition dreaded the consequences of a passion so placed as that it could never procure the sanction of his fathers consent and resolved never more to expose himself to the danger of seeing her
However he did not fail to solicit his father very earnestly in behalf of the unfortunate widow The carl who had taken notice of his officious respect the day she was introduced to him and attributed it rather to the beauty
of the daughter than any sentiment of compassion began to be uneasy at his so frequently pressing him on that subject and forbad him to mention it any more
Mr Courteney was obliged to be silent lest he should confirm those suspicions which he saw his father had conceived and finding his mind in a very uneasy state he hoped that by removing himself to a greater distance from the object he loved he should remove the thoughts of her likewise he obtained his fathers content to his retiring for a few weeks to their seat in the country under pretence of a slight indisposition but he could not resolve to go without endeavouring once more to force a present upon the widow which might prevent her being exposed to any distress during his absence
He therefore wrote to her and acquainting her with the ill success of his mediation with his father expressed the highest concern for it and assured her that nothing could alleviate it but her acceptance of the bank note which he inclosed and which was for fifty pounds he told her he was going into the country that she might not suppose he had any design of inducing her by such a present
to admit his visits and concluded with assuring her that she might at all times command his services and rely on his friendship
He did not send away this letter till he was ready to take horse and being now more composed from the belief that he had silenced the scruples of this good woman and secured her and her lovely daughter from any immediate necessity he pursued his journey— full of pleasing reflections on the disinterestedness of his love
ABSENCE says a certain writer increases violent passions and cures moderate ones just as the wind extinguishes a small flame while it makes a great one burn more fiercely Mr Courteneys passion was of this kind he had loved with violence from the moment he began to love In vain he had recourse to books to company to field sports and rural amusements it was not possible for him to call off his thoughts a moment from that object from whom he fled with such
care Two months he wore away in a constant perturbation of mind still flattering himself that he was nearer his cure while his disease gathered strength every day
It happened that one evening he fell into company with some officers whose regiment was quartered in that part of the country and one of them mentioned colonel Carlton and the unhappy situation his widow and daughter were left in
Mr Courteney rouzed to attention by that name so dear to him pretended to be wholly ignorant of those ladies case that be might indulge himself in the pleasure of talking 〈◊〉 her he loved
The officer gave him a circumstantial detail of what he knew as well as himself concluding with many commendations of Mrs Carltons good sense prudence and virtue and such rapturous praises of the young ladys beauty and uncommon qualifications at such early years that Mr Courteney for the first time sensible of the tortures of jealousy could with difficulty conceal his emotions
You speak so feelingly said a gentleman i• company of this young ladys perfections that I fancy you are in love with her come he• is her health is it to be a match▪
I should be but too happy in such a wife replied the officer but she deserves a better husband it is not for a poor lieutenant added he smiling to marry for love but if I was a man of fortune I would prefer miss Carlton to all the women I have ever seen
Mr Courteney afterwards declared that he suffered inconceivable anguish during this conversation He quitted the company with some precipitation and when he was at liberty to reflect he reproached himself a thousand times for his folly in leaving such a treasure for another to obtain Every man he thought would look upon miss Carlton with the same eyes as that young officer and among them might not one be found blest with a fortune to make her happy and above all narrow considerations which could hinder him from making himself so
Resolutions are easily formed when the heart suggests them Mr Courteney who had so long fluctuated between his passion and his prudence was by the fear of losing what he loved determined in an instant to put it past the possibility of losing her His fathers anger which at first appeared so formidable to him was now considered as a trifle that would be easily got over he was not going
to introduce any stale mistress into a noble family nor to give a comedian or singer for a sister to his sisters and a daughter to his mother alliances so much in fashion with the present race of nobility and people of fortune in miss Carlton he should marry birth beauty virtue every perfection but riches but unhappily that in the estimation of his father was worth them all
His fortune indeed was undetermined it might be great it might be very inconsiderable since it depended upon the will of his father His father would never consent to his marriage with miss Carlton but though disobliged yet loving him as he did was it likely that he would always continue inexorable Besides he had a certain though a remote prospect of a good estate to which he was to succeed at the death of a relation who was old and had been married twenty years without having ever had a child
Should he find it impossible to reconcile his father to his marriage yet he was secure at least of a genteel provision but with such excellencies as miss Carlton was possessed of how could it be imagined that she should not in time conciliate his fathers affections and make him approve of his choice
There is no logick my dear miss Woodby like the logick of the heart Mr Courteney as is usual on such occasions having taken his resolution before he reasoned upon the matter reasoned afterwards in such a manner as to be soon persuaded his resolution was right
Early the next morning he ordered his horses to be made ready and he returned to London with all imaginable expedition He alighted at the house of a friend where he dismissed his servants and horses and then taking a hackney coach was driven to the street in which Mrs Carlton lived Upon stopping at the house and enquiring for Mrs Carlton he was told that she had left it five weeks ago and being greatly indisposed had taken lodgings at Chelsea for the air
Mr Courteney who now thought every moment an age till he saw miss Carlton and acquainted her with his passion and his honourable intentions procured as full a direction as could be given him but notwithstanding his impatience to be with his mistress he obeyed the dictates of his duty in first going home to pay his respects to his father
The earl received him a little coldly an expression of displeasure was on his countenance which however wore off by degrees as he enquired concerning his health his studies and amusements during his absence At length seeming to recollect something he went to his cabinet took out a letter the seal of which had been broke and delivered it into his sons hand assuming the same angry countenance as before
Mr Courteney not able to imagine what all this meant opened the letter hastily and found it was from Mrs Carlton dated the very day of his departure and in it was inclosed the bank note he had sent the purpo• of her letter was to refuse in a genteel but steady manner all pecuniary assistance from him however she thanked him for his •ilities and acknowledged herself greatly obliged to him
When Mr Courteney had read this letter which he did with much confusion the ear• asked him sternly what was his design by engaging in such a commerce You are in love with the daughter added he no doubt —but if you corrupt her you are not an honest man if you marry her you are no longer my son
He left him as he pronounced these words and Mr Courteney who while he beheld it at a distance thought his fathers displeasure might be borne with was overwhelmed with the first effects of it and relapsed into all his former doubts anxiety and irresolution
He retired to his own chamber to consider on what he ought to do but unable to bear the cruel war which such contrary interests such opposite wishes such perplexed designs raised in his mind he hurried out of the house to lose reflection in a variety of objects and took his way to the Park
He walked down the Mall it was crouded with company which did not in the least engage his attention he continued his walk and finding himself at Buckinghamgate his steps mechanically pursued the road that led to Chelsea
As soon as he saw himself near the place where his mistress resided all other thoughts were absorbed in the transporting reflection that he should see her within a few moments his fathers threats were forgot the loss of his savour filled him with no uneasy apprehensions To how many revolutions is the human mind subject when passion has assumed the reins of government which reason ought
to hold Mr Courteney had almost imperceptibly to himself resumed his first design of offering his hand to miss Carlton
With very little difficulty he found out the house where her mother and she lodged the door was opened to him by a girl who upon his enquiring if Mrs Carlton was at home told him she was sick in bed and showing him into a little parlour ran up stairs to acquaint miss as he supposed that a gentleman was there
In a few minutes a venerable old woman appeared who had so fixed a concern upon her countenance that Mr Courteney shifting his thoughts from the illness of the mother to the apprehension of some possible misfortune to the daughter for love if it hopes all fears all likewise asked her with great emotion if any thing extraordinary had happened to the ladies
The good woman pleased with his solicitude which she thought promised some relief told him plainly that Mrs Carlton was in the utmost distress that she had been ill several weeks that she had not been able to procure proper advice and added she bursting into tears she has even wanted common necessaries
O my God exclaimed Mr Courteney with a deep sigh but miss—what is become of miss Alas sir replied the old woman the dear child is almost dead with fatigue and grief she has watched by her mother these ten nights successively there is no persuading her to quit her for a moment I left her in an agony of sorrow for it is believed poor Mrs Carlton cannot live three days
Conduct me to her cried Mr Courteney eagerly I may possibly be able to comfort her let me see her I conjure you immediately
Stay a moment sir said the old woman stopping him for he was making towards the door I will go up first and inform the ladies There is no occasion for that said Mr Courteney Mrs Carlton knows me very well she will not I am sure be sorry to see me I have something to say to her
The good woman seeing his obstinacy permitted him to follow her up stairs she gently opened the chamberdoor and approaching the bed where the sick lady lay told her there was a friend of hers who desired to see her Mr Courteney entered that moment and beheld a sight which called for
more fortitude than he was at that time posessed of to support without tears
Mrs Carlton lay extended on her bed supported by a heighth of cushions to facilitate her breathing which she seemed to do with great difficulty Death appeared in her languid countenance and an expression of the tender anguish of a mother for the child whom she was so soon to leave exposed to the insults of a barbarous world mixed with the pious resignation of a christian was impressed in every line of it
Her daughter was kneeling at the bedside and held one of her mothers hands which she was bending over in an agony of grief upon hearing what the old woman said she raised her head and directing her streaming eyes to the place where Mr Courteney stood showed him a face pale emaciated but lovely still at sight of him a faint blush overspread her cheeks It is Mr Courteney my dear mamma said she
Oh sir said Mrs Carlton perceiving him you are very good to seek out affliction thus I shall shortly be past all my cares but what will become of this poor helpless orphan The tears that streamed from her eyes prevented her further utterance
Mr Courteney threw himself on his knees at the bedside and almost sobbing with the violence of his emotions at this affecting language Oh madam said he What must you not have suffered why would you not accept what little assistance it was in my power to offer you I know your delicate scruples— I come to beg you will give yourself a right to all my future services— I have something to communicate to you— But added he looking at the old woman who had introduced him we are not alone
Speak freely sir said Mrs Carlton this good woman is my daughters nurse she knows all my affairs I am much indebted to her kindness and affection for my child
What I have to say proceeded Mr Courteney relates to that dear that lovely daughter I loved her from the first moment I saw her such innocence such beauty could not suggest any impure desire As soon as I knew the force of my passion which absence first made me know I fixed its purpose Permit me to offer her my hand I cannot be happy without her
What do you say sir said Mrs Carlton excessively surprised would you marry my daughter But after a little pause No pursued
she this can never be your father will not consent to it
I own freely to you madam said Mr Courteney that I have no hopes of gaining my fathers consent but when the affai• i• irretrievable he will be softened I am sure he will Let not this scruple hinder you from giving your daughter a protector Surely said Mrs Carlton lifting up her eyes the hand of Providence is here and it would be impious to oppose its will You have my consent sir said she to Mr Courteney would it pleased God that you had his also whom it is your duty to consult on this occasion and to obey if you can
Mr Courteney assured her he would solicit his fathers consent but that he could not be happy without miss Carlton and was already determined
That young lady had retired into another room at the beginning of this discourse in perturbations which may be better imagined than described Mr Courteney by her mothers permission attended her he approached her with a timidity which the inequality of their circumstances considered may seem surprising but those who know the nature of a sincere and violent passion will easily account
for it For fear says an elegant writer always accompanies love when it is great as flames burn highest when they tremble most He took her hand and kissing it respectfully told her that Mrs Carlton had begun his felicity by permitting him to offer himself to her acceptance as a husband but that she only could complete it by her consent
Miss Carlton blushed turned pale and blushed again at length she replied that she had no other will than her mothers But this offer added she in an accent that expressed at once her surprise and gratitude is so generous so unexpected so unhoped for— The last words seemed to escape her she blushed more than before Mr Courteney took in all their tender meaning he kissed her hand again in a rapture of joy and was beginning to make her some passionate declarations when they heard the nurse crying out for help
Surprise and joy at what had so lately happened operated so powerfully on Mrs Carltons almost exhausted spirits that she had fallen into a fainting fit Miss Carlton eagerly flew to her assistance Mr Courteney followed her with an anxious concern As soon as she recovered he told her he would instantly return
to London and dispatch a physician to attend her and would be with her again the next evening
He took a tender farewel of his mistre• and calling the nurse aside gave her twenty guineas to provide whatever was wanting and hastened back to London
MR Courteneys first care was to send a physician to the sick lady and that performed he deliberated in what manner he should acquaint his father with his intention He knew him too well to hope for his consent to his marriage with miss Ca•n and he had not courage enough to stand the reproaches of a parent whom he was predetermined to disobey He chose therefore o• write to him supposing he should when unawed by his presence be able to find arguments strong enough to make some impression on his mind and to plead his excuse
As he dreaded extremely a private interview with his father he was glad to find at
his return home that a great deal of company was expected that evening he did not appear till they were all met having purposely wasted a good deal of time in dressing The earl was still ruffled with what had passed before between him and his son and Mr Courteney observed that his looks and behaviour were less kind than usual
As soon as he retired to his apartment instead of going to bed he sat down to compose a letter to his father He began with the highest expressions of grief for having by an irresistable impulse engaged his affections without his concurrence he justified his choice by every argument that love could suggest in favour of the beloved object he implored the continuance of his fathers affection and promised in every future action the most perfect submission and obedience
This difficult task performed he found his mind much easier and composed as if in reality he had obtained the pardon he had solicited and now resigned himself to all the pleasing reveries of successful love
After a few hours rest he rose under pretence of going out to ride and leaving orders with a servant to deliver his letter to
his father at his hour of dressing he went immediately to the Commons procured a licence and flew to Chelsea he found Mrs Carlton much worse than when he left her yet joy at seeing him again seemed to give her new life and spirits She called him to he• bedside he acquainted her with what he had done she had some scruples but the fear of leaving her daughter destitute overbalanced them all
I am dying said she pressing his hand the physician you sent was too sincere to flatter me I die contented since I leave my child under your protection Let the ceremony be performed in my presence after that is over I shall have no farther business with the world Miss Carlton drowned in tears and almost sinking under the violence of her grief was with difficulty persuaded to give her hand to her lover at so shocking a time but her dying mother conjured her to give her that last satisfaction— A clergyman was instantly provided by the faithful nurse the clerk acted as father to the weeping bride and Mr Courteneys servant and the good nurse were witnesses — Never sure was there a more melancholy wedding — the
bridegrooms joy was checked by simpathising concern—the brides tender sensibility lost in agonising woe—the service was performed with the solemn sadness of a funeral
As soon as it was over Mrs Carlton collected all her remaining strength and spirits to pronounce a blessing on the newwedded pair and straining her daughter with a weak embrace declared that she was now easy and should die in peace Mr Courteney made a genteel present to the clergyman and the clerk and dismissed them he took an affectionate leave of Mrs Carlton who desired to be left to her private devotions and earnestly recommending his bride to the care of her nurse he went back to town with a resolution to declare his marriage to his father his sentiments being too delicate and his notions of honour too just to permit him on any consideration of interest to conceal the engagements he had entered into and suffer the woman whom he thought worthy to be his wife to live under a doubtful character
On his return home he found his letter had been delivered to the earl His mother being informed of his arrival sent for him to her dressingroom where he found her in tears She told him that his father had been in the
most violent transports of anger upon receiving his letter and she conjured him 〈◊〉 he valued her peace to proceed no farther in a design that must inevitably be his ruin
Mr Courteney sighed and was preparing to answer her when the earl himself entered the room the impression of his first 〈◊〉 was still visible on his countenance As soon 〈◊〉 he saw his son he poured a torrent of reproaches on him inveighing against his meanness and ingratitude then suddenly and with great vehemence uttered the most dreadful imprecations on him if he followed the dictates of his despicablyplaced passion and married a beggar
Oh hold my lord cried Mr Courteney throwing himself at his feet curse •e not for I am already married The 〈◊〉•ost mad with rage at this confession spurned him rudely with his foot and flung out of the room declaring that he renounced him for ever
Mr Courteney slung with indignation at this treatment rose up and uttered some words of resentment when his attention was called off from the affront he had suffered by the condition in which he observed his mother who from surprise and terror had swooned
and lay motionless on the couch where she had thrown herself Mr Courteney excessively shocked at this sight rung the bell for her woman while he applied himself to give her all the assistance he was able As soon as he saw her recovering he staid not to increase her disorder by his presence but retired to his apartment and after he had taken all the money he had in his cabinet he left that house that was now become dreadful to him and went to the lodgings of a young gentleman who had been his fellowstudent at college and whom he had reason to believe his friend if friendship can be acquired by confering obligations
To this young gentleman he unloaded his heart but found not the consolation he expected He expressed the utmost astonishment and concern for his indiscreet marriage and instead of offering him any advice in his perplexed situation or consoling him oppressed as he was by the displeasure of his father manifested in so contemptuous a manner he maintained that the earls anger was just and reasonable and exclaimed at his imprudence in ruining himself for a woman
Before the mischief was done remonstrances might have been seasonable but nothing
could be more unkind than to insist upon an error which was already committed and could not be repaired Mr Courteney was at first surprised at this behaviour in a man who had always shewn so deep a sense of his kindness and professed the most tender friendship for him but he had still temper enough left to consider that most people follow their own interests and are at one time grateful for their convenience and at another ungrateful for the same reason
He left him without taking any notice of the disgust he had conceived and after he had hired lodgings for the reception of his wife he hastened to Chelsea where he arrived time enough to moderate the first agonies of her grief for the loss of her mother who had expired a few moments before
Having given directions concerning the funeral he forced Mrs Courteney out of that mournful house and carried her to London applying himself with the tenderest assiduity to alleviate the sense of her loss all his own just causes of uneasiness being forgot and his anxiety for the melancholy future lost in his contemplation of the happy present so true it is that weddedlove supplies the want of every other blessing in life and as no condition
can be truly happy without it so none can be absolutely miserable with it
IN the mean time Mr Courteney corresponded privately with his mother whose gentle nature had with little difficulty been softened into a forgiveness of her sons imprudent marriage but all her endeavours to reconcile the earl to it had proved ineffectual He continued inexorable and peremptorily commanded her never to mention that undutiful son to him more whom he reprobated for ever
The countess durst not hazard an interview with her son while his fathers resentment continued unappeased but she allowed him two hundred a year out of her pinmoney and upon this moderate income they lived with more happiness than is often to be found in the highest affluence
—
And why not interrupted miss Woodby here
a cottage with the person we love is 〈◊〉 to be prefered to a palace with one to whom
interest and not affection has joined us I know I could be contented to keep sh• with the man I loved Speak truth my d• Clelia would you not like to be a shop•ess O what a delightful employ 〈◊〉 watch a few harmless sheep to wa• groves and fields or lie reclined upon the flowery margin of some murmuring 〈◊〉 and listen to the plaintive voice of the nightingale or the tender faithful vows of some lovely and beloved shepherd
What a romantic picture said mi• Courteney laughing
have you drawn It is a mighty pretty one it must be confessed but it is not at all like I remember when I was about fourteen I had the same notions of shepherds and shepherdesses but I was soon cured I happened to be at the house of a country gentleman who managed a large farm of his own one of the servants saying something about the shepherd my heart danced at the sound My imagination represented to me such a pretty figure as we see on the stage in the dramatic pastoral entertainment of Damon and Phillida in a fine green habit all bedizened with ribbons a neat crook and a garland of flowers I begged to be permitted to go into the fields to
see the shepherd and eagerly enquired if there were no shepherdesses likewise but how was I disappointed—The shepherd was an old man in a ragged waistcoat and so miserably sunburnt that he might have been taken for a mulatto the shepherdess looked like a witch she was sitting under a hedge mending old stockings with a straw hive on her head and a tatterd garment on of as many colours as there were patches in it How diverting it would have been to have heard this enamourd swain sigh out soft things to this lovely nymph
Oh ridiculous cried miss Woodby—
I am sick at the very thought but my dear Clelia go on I beseech you with your story
I have not come to my own story yet said miss Courteney
all that you have heard has been only an introduction to it and I have given you the history of my parents in the words as near as I can remember of my mother for she loved scribbling and committed the principal incidents of her life to paper which for my instruction she permitted me to read I say instruction for she was a woman of fine understanding and deep thinking and she had interspersed through
her little narrative many beautiful and just reflections and many observations and useful maxims which her reading which was very comprehensive and her experience furnished her with
Proceed my dear Clelia said miss Woodby observing Henrietta paused here
I am impatient to hear more
If you please said miss Courteney we will drink tea first
I have just two hours and a half to stay with you
replied miss Woodby looking at her watch
if I am at home by nine oclock which is my aunts hour for supper it will do
Henrietta then ordered tea which was soon dispatched and she resumed her story in this manner
My father who was very desirous of conciliating at least his elder brothers affections wrote to him he being now upon his travels and gave him an account of his marriage but his letter though conceived in the most tender and respectful terms produced a cruel and supercilious answer which not only took away all hope of his proving a mediator between him and his father but convinced him that he had in him no longer a friend or brother
His affairs were in this desperate situation when my mother became pregnant a distant relation of my fathers now took an interest in this event and being very rich and ambitious of making a family he declared that if the child was a son he would adopt him and make him his heir You may imagine this design was received with great joy the old gentleman was very assiduous in his visits to my mother during her pregnancy and seemed extremely happy in the thoughts of perpetuating his name an ambition very common to persons of low extraction who by industry and thrift have risen to great riches for he was only by marriage a relation to my father and had been too much neglected on account of the meanness of his original But all these flattering expectations were destroyed by my birth which I had reason to say proved a misfortune to my parents The capricious old man was so greatly chagrined at his disappointment that he transferred all his favours to another cousin who was so lucky as to present him with a son to succeed to his fortune and continue his obscure name to posterity
My brothers birth happened a year afterwards and unfortunately for him a year too
late My father still continued to draw his whole income from the bounty of his mother who was a constant but fruitless mediator in his behalf her death which happened about three years after his marriage was an irreparable loss to him for it was not improbable but the lenient hand of time which weakens the force of every passion joined to her tender solicitations might have effected a reconciliation between his father and him but this hope was now no more the countess bequeathed my father all the money she had saved which was but a very small sum for she had always given with a liberal hand to the poor though with so little ostentation that it was supposed she had saved some thousands out of her pinmoney for she was less expensive than any other woman of her rank in England but it was not till after my fathers marriage that she began to save and then only for him
Six hundred pounds was all that was found in her cabinet which some months after her decease was paid to my father with every circumstance of contempt
These repeated calamities were so far from lessening the love of my father and mother that they seemed to redouble their tenderness
seeking in each other that happiness which fortune denied them and which they were always sure to find in their own virtue and mutual affection
My father who had had a very liberal education employed the greatest part of his time in the instruction of his children under his tuition I acquired the French and Italian languages by my mother I was taught every useful accomplishment for a young woman in my situation nor did my fathers narrow circumstances hinder him from procuring me those which were suitable to my birth My brother had no other tutor but this excellent father who qualified him for a university and at fourteen years of age he was sent to that of Leyden and I have never seen him since
In the mean time the earl my grandfather who still continued inexorable was taken off suddenly by an apoplectick fit and having never altered his will which he made immediately after the marriage of my father he found he was cut off with a shilling This stroke as it was always expected was less sensibly felt than another which immediately followed it That relation to whose estate my father was to succeed having buried his wife married a young woman who in a year
afterwards brought him a son to inherit his fortune
My father now seeing no prospect of any provision for his children fell into a deep melancholy he had by the interest of some of his friends obtained a place which brought him in between three and four hundred a year but out of this it was impossible to save much The uneasiness of mind which he laboured under corrupted his blood he was seized with a decay which carried him off in a few months and deprived his wife of the best husband his children of the best father that ever was
In his last illness he had wrote to his brother and recommended his helpless family to his compassion but that nobleman whose avarice was his strongest passion and whose resentment against his brother was kept up by the arts of his wife her family though noble being very poor and therefore dependent upon him took no other notice of my fathers last request than to send my mother a bank bill for an hundred pounds declaring at the same time that it was all the assistance she must ever expect from him and with this heroick act of generosity he silenced
the soft pleadings of nature and persuaded himself that he had done his duty
My mother being young with child when my father died miscarried and by that accident together with her continual grief she fell into a languishing illness which threatened a short period to her days Five hundred pounds was all that my father left from this small sum a widow and two children were to draw their future subsistence What a melancholy prospect However my brother who was then about seventeen had made such great proficiency in learning that notwithstanding his youth he was recommended by the professors of the university to have the care of some English youths who studied there which afforded him a decent subsistence
My mother having placed four hundred and fifty pounds in the hands of a rich merchant who had been a friend of my fathers and gave her very good interest for it she disposed of all her furniture and with the money arising from the sale set out with me for Bath the waters being prescribed to her by her physician
Not being able to support the expence of living in the town she took lodgings in a pleasant village about three miles distemper from it and here feeling her distemper daily gaining
ground she prepared for death with a resignation that was only interrupted by her anxiety for me
It was not indeed easy to form any plan for my future subsistence which would not subject me to a situation very unfit for my birth Had my brother been provided for she would have made no scruple of sinking that small sum that was left into an annuity for my life which with economy might support me above necessity and dependence She wrote to my brother and desired his advice with regard to me My brother as if he had entered into her views in his answer conjured her to have no solicitude about him since with the education he had received he could not fail of supporting himself in the character of a gentleman but to dispose of that money in any manner which might be most for my advantage
My mother shed tears of tender satisfaction over this letter so full of duty to her and affection for me but the more generous and disinterested her son showed himself the less was she capable of taking a resolution which if any disappointment happened to him must leave him without any resource
You may be sure my dear miss Woodby I was not very forward to fix her purpose for I could not bear the thought of being the only person in our little distressed family to whom a subsistence was secured While my mother was thus fluctuating she was visited in her retirement by lady Manning a widow lady of a very plentiful fortune with whom she had been in some degree of intimacy during the life of my father
This lady showed great fondness for me and my mother imparting to her her difficulties with regard to settling me lady Manning begged her to make herself quite easy for that she would take me under her own care
Miss Courteney said she will do me honour by accepting my house for an asylum and I and my daughter will think ourselves happy in such an agreeable companion My mother was extremely pleased with this offer and lady Manning pressed me to go with her to London for which place she was to set out in a few days
I was so much shocked at the proposal of leaving my mother in the dangerous condition she was judged to be that I did not receive lady Mannings offer with that sense of her intended kindness which she doubtless expected
and when my mother wholly governed by the consideration of my interest urged me to go with lady Manning I burst into a violent passion of tears vehemently protesting that I would never leave her and lamenting her causeless distrust of my affection in supposing that I could be prevailed upon by any prospect of advantage to myself to separate from her
I observed lady Manning redened at these words which she understood as a reproach for her making so improper a proposal and which I really desired she should for I was highly disgusted with her want of delicacy in desiring me to leave my mother and her believing it possible that I could consent
I saw pleasure in my mothers eyes at this artless expression of my tenderness for her but at the same time I thought I could perceive by the turn of her countenance that she was apprehensive I had disobliged lady Manning therefore I endeavoured to remove her fears by the strongest assurances of gratitude to that lady She received those assurances with a little superciliousness at first but that presently wore off and at parting she renewed her professions of friendship to my mother and promises of a parents care of me
She left Bath three days afterwards so that we did not see her again which made my mother a little uneasy but we had soon a very kind letter from her in which she repeated all her former offers and expressed great tenderness for me
At her return from London she passed through Bath in her way to her countryseat and finding my mother much worse she redoubled her professions of affection for me and was so lavish in her promises that she left her quite easy on my account Indeed notwithstanding what I have suffered from lady Manning I shall ever think myself obliged to her for contributing so greatly towards that composure of mind which my mother felt from the time that she thought me secure of an asylum till it would suit with my brothers circumstances to take me under his own care
I will not my dear miss Woodby enlarge upon the last three months of my mothers life which was spent in a constant preparation for her end Indeed the innocence of her manners and the unfeigned piety that shone through her conduct made her whole life one continued preparation for that awful moment so dreadful to the wicked so full of peace confidence and holy joy to the good In fine I
lost this excellent mother and my bleeding heart still feels her loss
The tears which at this tender remembrance ran from miss Courteneys eyes made a pathetick pause in her relation but recovering herself she proceeded as will be found in the following Book
THE worthy merchant resumed miss Courteney
whom I mentioned to you had the goodness to come to Bath upon the news of my mothers extreme danger He arrived time enough to receive her last intreaties that he would continue his friendship to me I was then entered into my twentieth year and chose him for my guardian he would have taken me with him to his house but my promise being engaged to lady Manning I was obliged to decline his obliging offer
I wrote her an account of my mothers death Mr Bale so was the merchant called would not return to town till he saw me safely disposed of
About three days after I had wrote to lady Manning I received a letter from her which was brought by one of her servants in which after the usual compliments of condolance she desired I would set out immediately with the person whom she had sent to attend me My guardian for so I used now to call Mr Bale coming in I told him I must prepare to be gone immediately and gave him lady Mannings letter to read
How are you to go miss said he after he had looked over the letter As I never doubted but lady Manning had sent her postchaise or chariot for me I told him I supposed there was a carriage come with the messenger
O yes replied Mr Bale there is a very good pillion and you are to ride behind the footman I took notice of the equipage as I came in but I shall not permit you to perform a journey of thirty miles in that manner therefore miss I would have you send a letter to the lady by her messenger and inform her that your guardian will convey you safe to her seat
I was as much pleased with this kind attention in Mr Bale as I was shocked and surprised at the ungenteel manner in which lady Manning had sent for me however I concealed my thoughts of it and wrote such a letter as my guardian desired me The next morning at eight oclock a postchaise was ready at the door and Mr Bale attending all my cloaths had been packed up the night before and we set out immediately
Lady Manning received us very politely and detained Mr Bale to dinner I thought I could observe something forced in the respect she seemed to pay me and I was particularly disgusted with her using the words Your guardian every moment as if in derision of the title I had to one
When Mr Bale went away he took an opportunity to speak to me apart and made me promise him if I should have any reason to be displeased with my situation that I would write to him plainly and he would come himself and fetch me away This tender solicitude in the good old man affected me very sensibly and I could not help shedding tears when I saw him drive away
Lady Manning was extremely inquisitive about his connexion with me and asked me a
great many questions I am very glad said she your affairs are in the hands of so wise a man for surely he who can raise a large estate out of nothing as has been the case with Mr Bale must needs be a very wise man and I dont doubt but he will manage your fortune to the best advantage
I was greatly displeased with the first part of this speech and particularly with the manner in which the word Fortune was drauled out
The poor trifle I have madam replied I does not deserve to be termed a fortune
I assure you said she it was very kind in a man of Mr Bales substance to trouble himself with such inconsiderable matters and it is a great thing for you to be permitted to call such a man guardian
Very true madam replied I with some warmth and I believe Mr Bale thinks it no discredit to be called so by a child of Mr Courteneys whatever her fortune may be
I observed lady Manning to reden at this reply which at that time surprised me and I could not conceive the reason of it but I soon found that it was a mortal crime in her eyes to pretend to derive any advantage from birth There was nothing which she seemed to hold in greater contempt than familypride
and indeed when unseasonably exerted it is contemptible but it was plain that lady Manning did not think meanly of the fortuitous advantage of being wellborn because she envied those who possessed that advantage and tho the daughter of a soapboiler herself she was extremely fond of being thought to have ancestors and it was to gratify her pride that her husband who was a rich citizen by trade a brewer got himself knighted that together with a very large jointure he might leave his wife the title of lady
Surely interrupted miss Woodby
this woman had no good intentions when she invited you to her house it is impossible that such low creatures can have any notion of friendship or generosity
You have guessed truly replied miss Courteney
it was to gratify her pride to have the daughter of a gentleman subjected to her caprice and dependent on her bounty that made her so solicitous of having me with her but although I did not make these reflections immediately yet I was so disgusted by this first conversation that I could not promise myself any great happiness in such society
Her daughter was now introduced to me a tall aukward thing about seventeen she was
an heiress and being taught to believe that riches give birth beauty wit and every desirable quality she held every one in contempt who was not possessed of this advantage and because she had it herself she supposed she had all the others
Whatever documents were given her they were always introduced with—Consider miss what a fortune you are— a young lady of your fortune— How was it possible for a girl thus tutored not to derive insolence from the consideration of her fortune
The governess who had the care of this young lady was not very likely to enlarge her notions— Her only recommendation for such a trust was that she could jabber corrupted French without either sense or grammar and miss was taught to parler françoise in a broad provincial dialect for this governess had never seen Paris and perhaps had never been out of the little village where she was born and bred and conversed only with peasants till she came to England to teach language and fine breeding to a great heiress It was very natural for lady Manning to make such a choice who doubtless thought it a great distinction to have a foreigner for governess to her daughter
Nay my dear interrupted miss Woodby
lady Manning in this particular does not differ from many persons of the first quality who commit the education of their daughters to low vulgar creatures merely because they are French creatures that in Paris or in any of the chief cities in the provinces would not be thought qualified for a chambermaid to a woman of any fashion yet when driven into England on account of their religion as they all pretend though perhaps it is for want of bread in their own country derive such distinction from their flimsy sacks their powdered hair and their speaking French that they are thought the fittest persons in the world to form the manners of young girls of quality How absurd should we think it in a French woman of quality to entertain an aukward Yorkshire girl with a coarse clownish accent as English governess to her daughter to teach her the language and correct her pronunciation and yet not one in twenty of the Mademoiselles in the houses of our nobility and our French boardingschools are better qualified for such an office—But I beg pardon my dear for interrupting you so long I long to hear what sort of a life you lived in this rich despicable family
Truly said miss Courteney
it was not very agreeable when lady Manning and I were alone she used to entertain me with an account of her forefathers she reckoned up among them half a dozen sheriffs three lordmayors and a long train of aldermen She lamented the death of her husband most pathetically for if he had lived two years longer he would have been elected lordmayor and she would have lived in the Mansionhouse and been queen of the city— Her own words
When we were at table and the servants attending she used to turn the discourse upon the misfortunes of my father lament the sad condition to which my mother and I were reduced by his death express great anxiety about my brother and enter into a minute discussion of our affairs
When there was company present she would take notice that I was melancholy and tell me that I must not take misfortunes to heart and then sigh as if she was extremely affected with them herself by which she recommended me to her visiters as an object of compassion and never failed by that means to produce some instance of neglect towards
me so powerfully did that consideration operate upon most minds
She would sharply reprehend her daughter for any supposed want of civility to me and pass over in silence any real one telling her that if miss Courteney had not a fortune yet she was a gentlewoman as well as herself and that no body should be despised for being poor
Such were the continued mortifications that I was obliged to endure from this generous benefactress yet I ought not to call them mortifications because they only excited my contempt about that time I received a letter from my brother in which he informed me that he was going to travel with a young English nobleman whose governor had died suddenly at Leyden and whom he was appointed to succeed upon a very advantageous footing on account of his birth he desired me to draw upon him for what money I had occasion for
I received these insults with the more indifference as I knew I could put an end to them when I pleased by quitting lady Mannings house which I could now do without any inconvenience to myself and foreseeing that this indelicacy in her treatment of me must necessarily end in something too coarse
for me to dissemble my resentment I was willing to stay till she shewed herself in her true colours which would be my justification whenever I quitted her
IT was not long before I had this opportunity She desired me one day to walk with her in the garden having something to communicate to me greatly to my advantage and after a profound silence of about ten minutes she looked archly at me and asked me if I could guess what she had been doing for me Indeed I cannot Madam replied I Well then I will tell you said she nothing less I assure you than providing you a husband Indeed said I laughing and pray madam who is this intended husband Come come said she gravely before I tell you who he is you must promise me to make no silly objections such as age not being a fine gentleman and the like The person I have in my eye for you is a sober staid man and blessed with means to support you handsomely without
depending upon any body That indeed is something replied I but who is this person Madam I have a good mind said she to tantalize you a little by keeping you in suspence—but in short the person I mean is honest Mr Vellum
Although I expected some very absurd and impertinent proposal yet my imagination had never reached any thing so riciculous as this Mr Vellum for I had had his history from himself some time before He had been taken by her father out of a parishschool because he understood writing and accounts to keep his books for him Upon his young mistresss marriage he was advanced to be a clerk in her husbands office and here having scraped up a little money he made some successful ventures in trade and had acquired about two thousand pounds After Sir Johns death my lady made him her steward with a sallary of fifty pounds ayear and he was in this honourable and lucrative post when she proposed him as a husband for me
My surprise was succeeded by a strong inclination to laugh which indeed I took no pains to suppress and pray madam said I has this grave personage expressed any good liking to me
I hope you are not jesting said she—Why did you expect me to be serious replied I upon such a proposal
Such a proposal miss repeated lady Manning colouring if my daughter was in your circumstances I should not be sorry such a proposal was made to her Very likely madam returned I and it might be more proper than to Mr Courteneys daughter and the niece of the earl of —
This may look like vanity my dear miss Woodby but I confess I was excessively shocked at her levelling me with her daughter when riches were out of the question for I was contented to allow her all the superiority she could derive from them Lady Manning made me a smarter answer and delivered with more calmness than I expected from her
If the earl of— said she behaved more like an uncle to you miss it would be oftener remembered that you are his niece but as it is I do not know whether it may not be an advantage to you to have it forgot for there are very few gentlemen of small fortunes who would choose an indigent woman of quality for a wife
I hope however madam said I that none but a gentleman will presume to offer himself to me and I shall take care not to justify my uncles neglect by encouraging any improper address—You are very much in the right miss said lady Manning one unfortunate marriage in a family is enough
Tis well madam replied I bursting into tears you mean my fathers no doubt but it was no otherwise unfortunate than that it had not the sanction of my grandfathers consent my mothers excellencies justified his choice and she might have had a fortune too though not equal to what he might have expected if it had not been trusted in the hands of a villain who broke to leave his own children fortunes as many other villains have done
This last hint threw lady Manning into some confusion for it was suspected that her grandfather who was a cornfactor had done the like and whether it was that she was afraid of my speaking still plainer or that she was really concerned for having given me such just reason to complain of her she thought fit to beg my pardon for what was past and assured me that whatever I might think of her she was unalterably my friend
In my first emotions of resentment I had resolved to write to Mr Bale and acquaint him with the treatment I had met with which I knew would bring him immediately to my relief but I considered that my leaving lady Manning in disgust might have disagreeable consequences for she would not fail to represent every thing in such a manner as to make me appear in the wrong and the world seldom espouses the part of the oppressed because they who oppress have that on their side which is sure to exculpate them and that is riches besides the summer was now almost past and she talked of going soon to London where I could take an opportunity of leaving her without any noise and of putting myself immediately under my guardians protection but I was delivered from this disagreeable situation sooner than I expected and by means which I had then no reason to hope for
Lady Manning was desirous of spending a few weeks at Bath before she returned to London A lady happened to be there a that time who I afterwards learned was my great aunt by my fathers side and had followed the example of every branch of his family in taking no notice of him after his marriage
This lady lady Manning became acquainted with and not knowing the relation in which she stood to me she began one day to exclaim against the pride and folly of people in low circumstances who expect to be considered on account of their birth producing me as an instance and relating how I had refused an honest man whom she had proposed to me for a husband because he was not a gentleman repeating my own words with a sneer and therefore—Not a proper match for Mr Courteneys daughter
This being the first time she had named me lady Meadows for it was her cried out in some astonishment what madam is that pretty young lady so she was pleased to say that I saw with you once in the rooms Mr Courteneys daughter
Lady Manning answering in the affirmative —good heaven said lady Meadows and have I lived to hear one of my family spoken of with such contempt
One of your family madam interrupted lady Manning surprised
Yes said lady Meadows one of my family who has done you too much honour to accept of an obligation from you how could you presume to propose your scound•el steward for
husband to my cousin but I will take her out of your hands immediately you shall be paid for her board my nephews daughter shall not lie under an obligation to any upstart •it
It is not to be doubted that lady Manning replied with great bittterness but lady Meadows from whom I afterwards had these particulars was in too much emotion to listen to her She immediately quittted the wa• for they were on the Parade and getting 〈◊〉 her chariot told lady Manning that she was going to her lodgings to fetch me away
Thus my dear miss Woodby did I recover a relation a friend a benefactress in a woman who for many years had had no intercourse with my father and disclaimed him as the rest of his relations had done on account of his marriage she whose resentment could not be softened by time whose compassion could not be awakened by distress she who had silenced the pleadings of nature yet listened to the voice of pride and from a sense of the affront that had been offered her family in the husband proposed to me she did all that a better motive could have suggested her to do
You may imagine I was greatly surprised when a servant informed me that lady Meadows
was at the door in her chariot and desired I would come to her I had often heard my father mention this aunt of his from whom before his marriage he had great expectations I went down stairs in much confusion of mind not knowing what this summons could mean yet presaging some good and as soon as I appeared lady Meadows let down the glass and desired me to come into the chariot Her footman instantly opening the door I got in and placed myself by her expecting when she would speak and anxiously longing for an explanation
Lady Meadows gazed at me in silence during some moments then taking my hand My dear said she in a tender accent you are very like your father Poor Ned added she with some emotion he was not kindly used —The tears streamed from my eyes at this mention of my father I observed lady Meadows was greatly affected Oh nature thought I why were thy tender feelings suppressed so long Dont weep my dear said she I will be both father and mother to you
Had I been in another place I should have thrown myself at her feet to express my gratitude for this affectionate promise I could not speak at that moment I took her hand
kissed it and wet it with my tears She kindly wiped my eyes with her own handkerchief then looking again in my face as if with pleasure you are like your mother too I suppose said she I never saw her but I have heard that she was very handsome
This obliging manner of mentioning my mother which I so little expected from her quite subdued me My dear said she what is past cannot be helped you are my daughter now you shall be no longer obliged to lady Manning — That wom•n pursued she rising in her temper as she spoke has herself told me the insolence of her treatment of you she then gave me an account of what had passed upon the Parade as I have already related to you
Lady Manning thought to have injured me in your opinion said I and she has made me happy by awakening your tenderness for me I now forgive her for all her insults
But I never will forgive her interrupted lady Meadows—As soon as we come to my lodgings you shall send for your cloaths and never more enter her doors
I was very unwilling to part with lady Manning in this manner and pressed my aunt to allow me to go and take leave of her civilly
but she positively refused and I found she could not endure the least contradiction which is indeed one of her foibles I therefore contented myself with writing to her and acquainted her with lady Meadowss resolution in my favour I made the best apology I could for leaving her so suddenly and expressed some concern at the misunderstanding there was between lady Meadows and her which made it impossible for me to wait on her
Politeness my dear is sometimes a great tax upon sincerity Lady Manning had certainly treated me very ill and in strict justice I was not obliged to shew any respect to a woman who had violated all the laws of hospitality with regard to me but custom decides arbitrarily in these cases and persons in a certain condition of life make a science of hating one another with all the good breeding and complaisance imaginable
Lady Manning according to this rule returned a civil answer to my letter wished me all happiness and wherever she went let loose all the asperity of her tongue against me One calumny propagated by her hurt me more than all the rest she confidently reported that I had sacrificed my conscience to my interest
and that upon my aunts promising to settle her whole fortune upon me at her death I had turned Roman catholick for lady Meadows had been perverted to that religion by her husband and like all proselytes was extremely bigotted to her new principles
I thought it became me to discountenance this report as much as possible therefore I was more regular than ever in my attendance at church and although my aunt after we came to London would often have engaged me to go to mass with her intending no doubt to work me to her purpose by degrees yet I constantly and steddily refused to gratify her in this particular though in every other I studied to oblige her as much as possible She would often engage me in argument upon the subject of religion which I generally strove to evade and when I found that would not do I defended myself with great courage and with so much success that she would tell me with an air half smiling ha• angry that I was too hard for her and that she would consign me over to her chaplain
This chaplain whose name is Danvers is a priest of the order of the Jesuits he had been recommended to lady Meadows by her
late husband whose memory she adored and this powerful interest joined to the jesuits insinuating manners acquired him so great credit with lady Meadows that she governed herself wholly by his advice and that the great work of her salvation might be perfected and her every word and action be under his direction he lived in the house with her where he ruled in a most arbitrary manner his absolute empire over the conscience of my lady rendering his dominion over all that had any dependence on her as uncontroled as he could desire
Here Henrietta stopped observing her friend to look at her watch which produced an exclamation that the reader will find in the following chapter
OH my dear cried miss Woodby
I am in despair to find it is so late I must leave you now but I am so impatient to hear the rest of your story that if you will give me leave I will breakfast with you tomorrow and as soon as my eager curiosity is satisfied we will go together to Mrs Egrets
She then desired a chair might be sent for
and in the mean time said she we will step into the shop I will make a little purchase on purpose to see your landlady whom you seem to dislike so much
Indeed I do not like her replied Henrietta and yet she is mighty civil Well said miss Woodby tripping down stairs
Ill give you my opinion of her when I have studied her a little
Miss Courtency was following her into the shop when perceiving the young gentleman who was there the day before in discourse with Mrs Eccles she pulled miss Woodby by the
sleeve whispering
Dont go in now there is somebody with her
Indeed but I will replied miss Woodby who saw the glimpse of a laced coat for which she had always a violent passion and so shall you likewise
Saying this she pulled miss Courteney in and swimming up to Mrs Eccles bid her with a lively air show her some ribbons and blond •laces
The young gentleman as soon as the ladies appeared made them a profound bow and fixing his eyes on Henriettas face seemed to contemplate it with astonishment and delight
Mean time miss Woodby was playing over a thousand fantastick airs and uttering as many pretty absurdities which she had heard admired coming from the mouths of beauties without reflecting that she herself was no beauty—Mrs Eccles perceived her foible immediately and took occasion when she was showing her some newfashioned caps to tell her that such a one would suit the air of her face that this coloured ribbon was most proper to shew the lustre of her eyes observed that she had wonderful fine hair and begged to know who cut it
Henrietta a little in pain for her friend to whom personal compliments were by no means proper endeavoured to relieve the confusion
she supposed she was under by diverting her attention to something else and asked her opinion of some Dresden work that was lying before them But miss Woodby had no leisure to answer her for the gentleman conceiving that it was easier to introduce some conversation to her than to miss Courteney whose mingled modesty and dignity struck him with awe addressed a trifling question to miss Woodby which she answered with such an affected sprightliness as encouraged him to talk to her with the familiarity of an old acquaintance
Miss Woodby was excessively delighted with his address to her and played off all the •llery of eyes air and wit upon him—•opy was it for the young gentleman who courageously bore all her attacks that this she was given from two little grey eyes over which her forehead hung like a precipice and that this form which was thrown into a thousand different attitudes to strike him was so dist•ted by nature as to leave little more for affectation to do
The chair had been waiting half an hour without miss Woodbys perceiving it when Henrietta who was not at all pleased with the figure her friend made told her smiling
that she would not let her stay any longer
for fear she should by that means be disappointed of her company at breakfast the next day
I vow my dear you are in the right cried miss Woodby
to send me away for my aunt is waiting supper for me— I am a giddy creature
— She then desired Mrs Eccles to put up the things she had bought for in the gaiety of her heart she had bought a great many Mrs Eccles obeyed telling her she hoped she should have the pleasure of serving so agreeable a lady again
The gentleman would hand her into her chair which miss Woodby accepted with a very gallant air after she had assured miss Courteney aloud that she would be with her in the morning and told her in a whisper that her landlady was a very pretty behaved woman
Henrietta went up to her chamber directly to the great disappointment of the young gentleman who finding there was no probability of seeing her again that night went away disburthened of a heart which he had left with the charming stranger
She was now summoned to supper by Mrs Eccles who was full of praises of the young lady her visiter
This has been a lucky day to me said she for I have let my first floor
at a very good price considering the season of the year
I am glad of it said the young lady
That is very obliging of you my dear miss
said Mrs Eccles
and you may still have the use of the diningroom when you have company for my lord wil be seldom at home in the day these lodgings are only to sleep in But how do you like him Is he not a mighty agreeable man Dear soul not a bit of pride in him—
Do you mean the gentleman I saw in the shop
said miss Courteney Yes returned Mrs Eccles
he is a lord I assure you
Well said miss Courteney
I am glad you are not to lose one lodger without getting another for I must leave you tomorrow
How replied Mrs Eccles with an altered countenance
I hope you are only in jest
Upon my word I am in earnest
said miss Courteney
I am sorry for it madam
resumed she
but this is very short notice
Henrietta was a little surprised at the peevishness with which she spoke these last words so different from her usual complaisance but she would not seem to take notice of it and only told her that it was not her design to stay more than a few days at this end of the town having
affairs to transact in the city which would oblige her for her own convenience to take lodgings there
Mrs Eccles appeared satisfied with this answer though a cloud hung upon her brow during the whole time they were at supper which miss Courteney shortened as much as possible and retired to her chamber with new prejudices against her landlady that made her rejoice in the prospect of getting away the next day
Miss Woodby came according to her promise to breakfast in a world of spirits and had scarce taken a seat when she asked after the charming fellow who entertained her so agreeably in the shop
Henrietta told her she saw no more of him
for the moment you was gone said she I went up stairs but really my dear I wonder you seemed so pleased with his conversation methought it was very silly and trifling
Oh exclaimed miss Woodby
there is an inexpressible charm in the trifling chat of a pretty sensible fellow when we know he submits to it only to please us women
Truly said miss Courteney
your sex is not obliged to you for that compliment Must a man then talk nonsense to be acceptable to
us
Lord how grave you are my dear said miss Woodby—
why dont you know that I am the veriest coquet in nature and take an infinite pleasure in making a wise man look and talk like a fool
A coquet my dear interrupted Henrietta surprised no surely Indeed but I am replied miss Woodby
and I verily think should not be in the least concerned to see a hundred men dying of love for me
Indeed
said miss Courteney
Yes indeed
repeated the other
but why that stare of astonishment are these notions •o new to you
Why no— hesitated miss Courteney whose astonishment arose from the contemplation of the figure which uttered all this extravagance
I have somewhere met in my course of reading with such fantastical notions but I cannot say that I ever thought I should hear them avowed by a young lady of your good sense
Oh your servant for that compliment
returned miss Woodby bowing
but on the article of vanity we are all fools—But come my dear make your tea and then resume your story for I die with impatience to hear it
I wish you would excuse me said Henrietta
till I am got to Mrs Egrets for I shall
not be easy till I am out of this house
Why have you such a dislike to this house said miss Woodby
I protest I think your landlady a mighty civil obliging woman
Well I dont like her replied Henrietta
she has let her first floor all on a sudden to the gentleman we saw in the shop
And how does that affect you
interrupted miss Woodby
Henrietta blushed at this question she was not willing to own that she thought there was some design in his coming and expected her friend would have made that inference herself but finding she did not she endeavoured to divert her attention from the hint she had dropped by saying she had set her heart upon going to Mrs Egrets and had told Mrs Eccles that she was to leave her today
That was very imprudently done of you said miss Woodby
before you knew whether Mrs Egret could accommodate you with lodgings but own the truth now
pursued •e
did you not put yourself into a flutter upon hearing the gentleman had taken lodgings here
Why I cannot help saying I was startled at it
replied Henrietta
and the more when I heard he was a man of quality for
surely these lodgings are much too mean for a person of that rank
Is he a man of quality exclaimed miss Woodby—
Oh the dear creature—I protest I am quite in love with him now I do at on a man of quality— And pray why should his coming fright you away—Ah my dear
said she smiling archly
had I not reason for saying a moment ago that on the article of vanity we are all fools Now are you ready to imagine here is a plot between this young nobleman and Mrs Eccles against your fair self Poor lady
pursued she laughing
this presumptuous knight will certainly carry you away
You are in a gay humour today said miss Courteney blushing
but raillery apart it imports me greatly not to be known this lord as Mrs Eccles says he is will no doubt have a great many persons coming after him I may be seen and discovered and if you knew what I have to dread in that case I am sure you would think it reasonable for me to be anxious to get out of this house
You will be in more danger of a discovery at Mrs Egrets
said miss Woodby
he• house is much larger than this and she very seldom without people of fashion in it
But I can keep in my chamber
said Henrietta
And what hinders you from doing so here
said miss Woodby—
Ah it is as I suspected you are certainly apprehensive of being conveyed to some island in an immense lake
But my dear miss Woodby said Henrietta laughing
why have you changed your mind about my going to Mrs Egrets
I have not changed my mind replied miss Woodby
I am ready to do what I promised but it is my opinion that if Mrs Egret cannot furnish you with a lodging you will be very safe here and I will be with you as 〈◊〉 often as I can
Ah my dear said miss Courteney mimicking the tone she had used to •er
but come write a line to Mrs Egret to know if she has a single room to spare and I shall be satisfied
Miss Woodby immediately complied with •r request and a porter was dispatched to St •messstreet who soon returned with a billet •om Mrs Egret to miss Woodby expressing •r concern that she could not accommodate her •end
Well said Henrietta when she heard this I find I must be contented to stay here a few days longer but remember I claim your promise
to be with me as often as you can That you may depend upon said miss Woodby
and now I claim yours to finish your history I am impatient to hear how you came off with this doughty chaplain
I Must confess said miss Cour•ency resuming her narrative
that I had no inclination to engage in a religious dispute with a man whose learning and abilities gave him so many advantages over me therefore whenever he gave the conversation that •n I generally took refuge in silence not being willing to hurt a cause I had so much at heart by defending it weakly
However I was often drawn in to answer by some apparent absurdity advanced by him which it seemed mighty easy to refute On these occasions Mr Danvers would listen to me with wonderful attention observe the most minute exactness in his reply as if what I had urged had indeed great force nay
he would sometimes seem a little prest by my arguments pause for a few moments as if he found it necessary to collect all his strength against so potent an adversary and after a wellturned compliment on my understanding he would resume the argument in which he never failed to puzzle though he could not convince me but always concluded with a declaration that I was too hard for him and it was well he had the best side of the argument for nothing but truth could stand against such subtilty of reasoning
These praises always left me in a very good disposition to renew the subject whenever an opportunity offered I began to be extremely fond of disputing with the chaplain and instead of shunning it as I used to do I even invited his opposition
I have heard it observed that vanity cheats many a woman out of her honour I am sure it was well nigh cheating me out of my religion for this jesuit by his insidious praises had given me such a confidence in my talent of reasoning that I began to believe if he did not make a proselyte of me I should certainly make one of him and in my eager pursuit of victory I sometimes engaged myself
beyond my strength and received such checks that if my faith was not overthrown yet it was strangely staggered but some disgust which I took to the manners of the chaplain preserved me from the poison of his doctrine and made me lose all my relish for arguing with him
My aunt who was certainly very desirous of my conversion was much pleased with her chaplains zeal to forward so great a work and that she might give no interruption to our discourse she would often leave us alone for several hours together
At such times the jesuit would be very lavish of his compliments and praises of which my person would even come in for a share— He would gaze on my face till he lost the chain of his discourse and by his inattention to what he was saying gave me many advantages over him and often while he was pursuing his argument with great warmth he would lay his hand on mine hold it for several minutes together and press it so violently that I could hardly help crying out
All this however would not have startled me but one day taking occasion upon something I had said to break into an exclamation
of surprise at my prodigious understanding he kissed my hand in a kind of rapture and having once taken this liberty he repeated it several times to my great confusion and surprise
These are suspicions my dear which against persons of a certain character one dare not even avow to ones self I was shocked yet would not venture to examine why I could never endure to be alone with him yet never asked myself the reason my eyes as it were mechanically avoided his his civilities were odious to me If he enquired after my health I answered him coldly without knowing I did so and when he launched into any of his usual praises I was downright rude to him yet scarce perceived it myself
I now so carefully shunned being alone with him that notwithstanding he sought opportunities of engaging me in private which heightened my disgust yet he never could find any This conduct if he had any guilt in his heart must certainly give him cause to think I had detected it and indeed I soon found by my aunts altered behaviour that he was endeavouring to undermine me in her affection
The little peevishness I observed in her towards me I imputed at first to her chagrin at my having disappointed her wishes in not becoming a convert to that religion she professed but I soon found that she had been made to conceive strange notions of me She objected to the gaiety of my disposition she did not like that crowd of lovers as she phrased it that followed me and were encouraged by my coquet airs and the pleasure I shewed in being admired
It is certain that the report of the fortune my aunt designed for me procured me addresses from several men whom as she did not approve so neither did I encourage having in reality none of that sort of vanity which is gratified by a great many pretenders of this kind nor did I feel the least partiality to any one of them so that I told her it would give me no uneasiness if she forbid their visits for the future which since I found they were disagreeable to her I would have done myself if I had thought it became me to take that liberty in her house This declaration would not satisfy my aunt she had further views I must marry and she must choose a husband for me without leaving me in an affair that so
nearly concerned my happiness even a negative voice
I have no doubt but that the person she pitched upon was recommended to her by the chaplain he was a Roman catholic baronet had a good estate was not much above sixty years of age his person just not horrible and he was not quite a fool This was the man whom my aunt proposed to me or rather commanded me to accept for he had modesty enough not to try to engage my affections till he had secured her consent and was admitted in form to make his addresses to me
My aunt indeed allowed that there was some disproportion in our years but then he had a good estate and I was wholly dependent upon her his person she acknowledged was not very amiable but he was a baronet and could give me a title to be sure she said he was not a man of bright parts but he would make a good settlement on me and concluded with assuring me that my chearful consent would greatly endear me to her which I should find by the disposition she would make in her will
My aunt having thus anticipated every objection I could make and in her opinion
fully answered them all I thought it would be to no purpose to dispute with her on points already decided I therefore contented myself with declaring that I could not like Sir Isaac Darby for that was his name that I should be miserable if I married him that I was extremely happy in my present situation and had no wish to change it
Lady Meadows I perceived was a little offended at this so positive a declaration but I had nothing for it but steadiness I expected said she more compliance from that sweetness I have been fond of supposing in your temper and from your good sense a greater attention to your own interest I assured her that it was and ever should be my sincerest endeavour to avoid offending her that I would admit no offer but such as she should approve and that I would guard my heart against any preference which was not authorised by her more than this I told her was not in my power to promise for no consideration of interest could prevail upon me to give my hand to a man whom it was impossible for me either to love or esteem
Finding she listened to me patiently I urged every argument my imagination could furnish me with to prove to her that such an engagement
entered into upon pecuniary motives only could not be happy and might be very miserable I begged she would not think of disposing of me in marriage till I seemed less satisfied with my present happy lot and that by giving me no superior duties in domestic life to fulfil she might entitle herself to all my undivided cares affection and assiduity
My aunt seemed affected with what I said she told me she had no intention of forcing my inclination that loving me so well as she did it was natural for her to wish to see me settled that Sir Isaac Darby was a very advantageous offer she recommended to me to consider well what I refused and to conquer my unreasonable dislike of him if possible
If it were possible madam replied I your command would make me attempt it but— No more buts now Henrietta interrupted my aunt—Sir Isaac dines here today remember I expect you will treat him civilly at least since he has so great a regard for you
I smiled courtesied and went out of the where this long conversation had been hold for I heard the chaplains step in my aunts dressingroom and this being the hour when he generally joined us I chose to avoid seeing him then for fear he should prevail upon her
to exact something more than civility from me to the odious wretch who had thus bartered for me without my consent
I did not appear in the diningroom till dinner was ready to be served my antiquated lover approached with a janty air and a sliding bow and O dont you pity me my dear kissed my hand as he led me to my seat Nothing but the respect I owed my aunt could have hindered me from laughing at this ridiculous display of gallantry in the old man for age has no claim to our reverence if not accompanied by those qualities from whence it derives its worth Wisdom gravity experience the triumph of reason over passions prejudice and folly all these we expect to find in fulness of years and these make its wrinkles not only respectable but even lovely
In Sir Isaac Darby age was contemptible as well as unlovely he wanted to be young in spite of time he talked and laughed aloud he strutted about the room he adjusted his bag for he was drest up to five and twenty he hummed a tune I sat staring with astonishment at him When we were placed at table I found myself opposite to him and observing that he chewed his meat with great difficulty
for want of teeth I was resolved to mortify him by letting him perceive that I observed it looking at him several times with a kind of sensibility for this so unavoidable a misfortune
From what had passed between my aunt and I in the morning I had no reason to imagine that Sir Isaac would be treated as a declared and authorised lover but some time after dinner was over Mr Danvers withdrew and my aunt upon some trifling pretence following him I was left alone with the old baronet I would instantly have quitted the room but remembring that my aunt had required civility of me at least I resolved not to affront him by leaving him to himself and since I was obliged to stay I would draw some amusement from the ridiculous scene before me
I know not whether it was from any particular archness in my looks just then for I had composed my countenance to a kind of forced gravity or whether the old man was at a loss in what manner he should form his address but it is certain that all his confidence seemed now for the first time to forsake him and he sat silent during several minutes stealing a glance at me every now and then while I with a formal air played my fan and increased
his confusion by my silence At length he quitted his own chair for that which my aunt had sat in and which was next me and drawing it still nearer to me he made a motion to take my hand which I withdrew as hastily as if a snake had touched it
This action a little disconcerted him but taking courage again after a preluding hem he began Charming miss Courteney I dont doubt but lady Meadows has informed you of the violence of my—Here an unlucky cough interrupted his speech and held him so long that he grew black in the face his endeavours to suppress it having as I believe almost choaked him I rose up in a seeming •ight as if I had designed to call for assistance but finding his cough had ceased I sat down again at a greater distance than before
I fancy the town air does not agree with you sir said I it is certainly very bad for asthmatical disorders
Oh madam said he this is no asthma I got a slight cold the other night at SpringGardens for we staid very late and the ground was damp but I came off better than any of my companions two or three of whom are still laid up with colds But tell me dear miss Courteney did you receive favourably
the declaration your aunt made in my name may I hope or am I doomed to despair whined out the superannuated enamorato with an hideous ogle which he designed for a languish
Oh good sir replied I excessively shocked at his folly these Arcadian strains do not become your wisdom and gravity My aunt did mention your proposals to me but I cannot accept them I have no inclination to change my condition
How admirably this pretty seriousness sits on those sweet features said the wretch looking confidently at me without being in the least mortified with my rebuke But my dear miss Courteney you must change your mind—indeed you must—and your condition too my fair one
Perhaps I may sir said I
Oh that charming perhaps said he it restores me to life
Was there ever any thing so provoking my dear I protest I could hardly help abusing the ridiculous old man
I really think sir said I looking at him with infinite contempt that my seriousness would become your age as well as my youth but pursued I rising to put an end to all
your hopes be pleased to know that I am determined never to give my hand till I can give my heart with it for I have no notion of being perjured at the altar and of vowing to love honour and obey when it is impossible for me to do either
I went out of the room when I had said these words leaving the baronet to mumble the ends of his fingers with his gums for he affected to bite his nails as some persons who really have teeth do when they are angry
I met my aunt as I was going to my own chamber What Henrietta said she have you left sir Isaac alone— I suppose you have treated him rudely but come you must return with me— I will if you insist upon it madam said I but I had much rather be excused— Indeed said my aunt looking a little angrily on me and with that grave face too but I shall not insist upon it miss and so you may go up to your own room if you please
Although I was very glad to be at liberty to retire yet my aunts permission was given in such a manner that I saw she was offended with me for desiring it I had experienced
the obstinacy of her temper on several occasions and I was convinced that if she set her heart upon marrying me to the baronet she would use her utmost endeavours to carry her point and the loss of her favour might probably be the consequence of her disappointment
FULL of these melancholy reflections I resolved to write to Mr Bale acquaint him with what had passed and intreat his advice in the uneasy and perplexed state of my mind Not that I had the least intention of being governed by it if he recommended to me compliance with my aunts commands in favour of the baronet but this I was well assured from his good sense and natural rectitude of mind he would not do since it could never be supposed that such a man could be my choice but I was willing to stand clear in his opinion and pay him that deference
that was due to the quality of guardian which he had so kindly assumed
I had been writing near three hours for I had given him a circumstantial detail of every thing that had passed with regard to the baronet whose character I treated with great contempt but what was worse my aunt herself did not escape some satirical strokes of my pen for her ready concurrence with the old mans proposals and although I mentioned her as it was my duty with all imaginable love and respect yet I could not help humorously raillying upon some of her notions which were really odd enough and I placed them in the most glaring light
The prodigious length of my letter first gave me notice that I had been a long time thus employed and looking at my watch I found it was past our usual hour for tea and wondered that I had not been summoned down stairs I therefore made haste to conclude my letter that I might send it to the post when my aunt unfortunately entered the room I started up from my chair when I saw her and hastily crushing the letter all in my hand I put it into my pocket not without betraying some signs of confusion
So Henrietta said my aunt have I caught you Caught me madam said I considering whether she might not have been looking over my shoulder while I was writing so saucily about her for guilt like love makes every thing seem possible that we fear Yes said she have you not been writing Nay dont deny it pursued she for I hesitated and knew not what to say left she should desire to see my letter it is no wonder that poor sir Isaac Darby was rejected with so much scorn when there is a favoured lover with whom you correspond privately
Bless me madam cried I who has told you so I correspond privately with a favoured lover— This is some cruel calumny invented by an enemy to deprive me of your good opinion Well said my aunt shew me the letter you conveyed so hastily into your pocket upon my appearance and then I shall know what to think
You never madam replied I used to desire to see my letters nor would you now but in consequence of some suspicion very unfavourable to me That suspicion interrupted my aunt whatever it is will be greatly
strengthened by your refusing to shew me what you have been writing
Surely madam replied I that is not just I may have been writing to Mr Bale or to my brother To your brother said my aunt I am certain you was not writing because you have not heard from him for several months and dont know how to direct to him which indeed was but too true It is possible that you were writing to Mr Bale but why refuse to shew me your letter you can have no transactions with him that I ought not to be acquainted with but I am persuaded that letter was not designed for Mr Bale and there needs no more to convince me that you are carrying on a private and therefore an improper correspondence than your thus obstinately refusing to shew it me
My aunt had reason for what she said nothing was more easy if I was really innocent than to shew her the letter which would remove her suspicions but this as I had managed that fatal letter it was impossible for me to do By not shewing it I confirmed those suspicions she had so unjustly conceived which might indeed have disagreeable consequences but by shewing it I was
sure to incur her resentment for the liberties I had taken with her
How did I that moment inwardly regret my vanity which had suffered me to railly the faults of a person on whom I so absolutely depended merely to display my wit I was so vexed at the dilemma to which I had reduced myself that I burst into tears
Oh I see how it is said my aunt keep your letter Henrietta I am convinced sufficiently She hurried out of my chamber at these words Shocked to the soul at having thus incurred the imputation of entertaining a secret lover I went after her resolving in that first emotion to shew her the letter and rather be thought ungrateful to her than guilty of an imprudence so disadvantageous to my character but she was already at the bottom of the stairs and I had time to make new reflections which prevented my former purpose
I considered that since there was no foundation for her fears that I listened to a private address I might easily find means to undeceive her and justify myself but if I shewed her a letter in which she was mentioned with so great freedom I might possibly never be able to remove those ill impressions of me
which she would doubtless receive and I should be all my life branded for ingratitude
I was so terrified at this thought that I resolved to put it out of my power to expo• myself to such a misfortune by destroying the fatal letter which I did with a precipitation that left no time for second thoughts When this was over I expected to have found myself more calm and easy but it was quite otherwise I had given foundation to believe that I was engaged in a loveintrigue for surely all clandestine addresses may be termed so since there is too much mystery contrivance and little arts necessary to them not to give great pain to a delicate mind I burst into tears at the reflection My aunts woman who had a very tender regard for me came into my chamber and finding me so disordered begged to know what had happened
I related every thing that had passed between my aunt and I but did not own to all the little freedoms I had taken with her in my letter yet said enough to convince her that I could not well show it to my aunt
Mrs White for that was her name was very much concerned for my situation she told me that her lady and Mr Danvers were
in close conference It is certainly he said she who has infused these suspicions into my lady which by this unfortunate circumstance of the letter are now confirmed she gave me such plain hints of the chaplains selfish dispositions and designs that it seemed highly probable he would spare no artifices to lessen my aunts affection for me for since he had failed in making me a convert which perhaps might have answered other views he was desirous of keeping my aunt entirely to himself and so manage her conscience which he had the direction of as that holy motherchurch and he might divide her spoils
All this considered my condition seemed so dangerous that I begged Mrs White to send a porter with a message from me to Mr Bale desiring to see him for I resolved to regulate my conduct on this occasion wholly by his advice She left me to do what I had desired her and I remained alone in my chamber till nine oclock at which time I was summoned to supper
I found only my aunt and Mr Danvers I was a little confused for knowing what suspicions I laboured under in my aunts mind I thought I had the air of a guilty person and
I felt that I blushed and blushed the more for that reason
My aunt looked very coldly upon me Mr Danvers looked like one that was very much concerned that all was not well between us my aunt scarce spoke three words during supper it was not my part surely to talk much and Mr Danvers accommodated himself to the present temper of my aunt so that this was a very gloomy meal
When the cloth was removed I was going to withdraw for it seemed as if my presence was a restraint upon my aunt but I considered that such a step being unusual would imply a consciousness of something wrong in me and that being innocent it was my part to seck an explanation I therefore addressed myself to my aunt and begged she would give me an opportunity of clearing myself by testing me who had poisoned her mind with suspicions to my prejudice
The chaplain was about to leave the room upon my entering on this subject There is no necessity sir said I for your r•g I dare say the cause of my aunts displeasure against me is no secret to you My aunt has been told that I receive addresses from some man in private and that I correspond with
him I declare this to be absolutely false and I beg to know from whom you had your information madam said I again directing myself to her that I may refuse this calumny I am very confident the person who has thus maliciously injured me will not dare to maintain the falshood to my face
Whether the chaplain thought this was meant for him I know not but although he had continued standing as if he intended to leave us to ourselves yet I had no sooner uttered these last words than he resumed his seat immediately as if he would shew me he was not in the least affected by them but I observed that he fixed his eyes upon my aunt and expected her answer with some emotion
Before I comply with your condition said my aunt do you Henrietta agree to mine let me see that letter you wrote today I looked at the chaplain I saw an alteration in his countenance he was evidently more composed Oh thought I sighing how great would my triumph be if I had this letter to show and could show it without fear
You hesitate Henrietta pursued my aunt why if that letter was not to a lover why do you refuse to produce it I declare madam said I upon my word and honour that the
letter was to Mr Bale— Well let me see it said my aunt and I shall be satisfied— I cannot show it to you madam replied I in a faultering accent for I dreaded the inference that would be drawn from what I was going to confess I have torn it Well said my aunt with a calmness that cost her some pains to maintain and why did you fear it▪ it was not written to be torn that is certain— But I will answer for you niece you tore it that I might not see it and why might I not see it if it was to Mr Bale— Again I p•st said I that it was to him but I did not chuse to let you see it it was a long letter full of impertinences you would have thought I was very free in my observations on some particular persons more free than became me perhaps—You might have been offended and I tore it to prevent your seeing it
My aunt looked down paused and seemed not wholly dissatisfied with my manner of accounting for the reluctance I shewed to deliver my letter to her but before she would declare herself it was necessary she should consult her oracle and that could not be done before me She therefore put an end to the conversation by ringing the bell for her woman I attended her to her chamber at the door of
which she bade me good night telling me she would talk further with me in the morning
I endeavoured to make Mrs White comprehend by a look I gave her unobserved that I wished to speak to her and accordingly she came to me after my aunt was in bed and delivered the answer the porter had brought from Mr Bales he was out of town but expected back in a week or two was what the servants told him
Mrs White repeated her offers of service to me but dropped some expressions that shewed she would be glad to be assured that I really had no secret engagement which might justify my aunts concern
These doubts hinted with great respect were so far from being resented by me that I conceived the better opinion of her discretion and confided absolutely in her sincerity I made her quite easy with regard to the subject of her fears and she repaid this condescension with the kindest assurances of attachment to me and care of my interests
I went to bed full of hope that I had in part removed my aunts suspicions and relying on my innocence I was persuaded I should soon restore myself to her good opinion
but innocence is not always a security to its possessor because malice attains its ends by arts which a good mind cannot conceive and therefore is unable to guard against
Mrs White informed me in a whisper as I was going into my aunts dressingroom next morning where we always breakfasted that her lady and the chaplain had been talking together for half an hour I drew no favourable omen from this intelligence nor from my aunts looks which were very cold and constrained
When breakfast was over and Mr Danvers had withdrawn I expected she would enter into some conversation with me on the subject of the letter but finding she talked of different things I took occasion to mention it myself and begged to know if she had any doubts still remaining in her mind
Surely replied my aunt you think I am a person that can be very easily imposed upon Then you are resolved madam said I with some peevishness for indeed I was horridly vexed to find her so strongly prejudiced to believe I encourage a clandestine address notwithstanding every appearance to the contrary
No indeed interrupted my aunt I am not so unreasonable miss it is because there are very strong appearances against you that I am forced to believe what you would not have me—that letter Henrietta—but no more on this subject at present I am going to my house near Windsorforest tomorrow we shall there have leisure enough to talk over this affair and there I shall open my mind freely to you I courtisied and was silent
My aunt took me with her to pay some morning visits and seemed to be in very good humour but her words that she would open her mind freely to me at Windsor gave me a great deal of anxiety I did not doubt but I was to be prest again on the subject of sir Isaac Darby and I was prepared for an obstinate resistance but I was apprehensive that this resistance to my aunts will meeting with the unaccountable suspicions she had entertained would infallibly ruin me with her O my brother thought I why are you not here to countenance and protect me or why have you so long neglected me as to leave me in suspence whether I have a brother or not
This thought and several others no less painful spread an air of pensiveness and melancholy
on my countenance which my aunt as I perceived by some hints that dropped from her interpreted to my disadvantage In short my dear she imputed my pensiveness to the concern I was under at leaving town as I could not expect to have many opportunities of seeing at Windsor this lover that had possession of my heart
You cannot imagine miss Woodby how much I suffered in being obliged to restrain my indignation at being thus treated to have a phantom of a lover conjured up to 〈◊〉 me with and to combat suspicions which had not the least foundation but in prejudice and caprice against which plain truth and reason were very unequal arms for how should reason remove what would never have been admitted if reason had not been first 〈◊〉 a• Nothing was ever more improbable than that I should have a secret lover I never went• where without my aunt her visitors were mine I could see no body without her knowledge how was this engagement formed But her chaplain had doubtless assured her that I had a secret engagement and she piously believed him in contradiction to her own judgment this was one of those cases that required an implicit faith and in matters of
faith you know Roman catholicks are not permitted to exercise their reason
We set out next morning for Windsor the chaplain and my aunts woman being in the coach the conversation was wholly upon indifferent things After dinner was over my aunt took me into her closet and entered into a long discourse which it would tire you to repeat— but the substance of it was my unhappy situation when she took me out of the hands of lady Manning— her tenderness for me the great things she designed to do for me nothing less than making me her sole heir the folly of marrying for love exemplified in my fathers marriage her fears that I was going to throw myself away on some young fop who would make me miserable sir Isaac Darbys generous passion for me his great estate the handsome settlements he proposed to make and lastly the pleasure I would give her by suiting in this case my inclinations to my interest
To all this I answered very particularly I acknowledged she had shewn a parental tenderness for me and I had paid her and ever would pay her I said the duty and obedience due from a child to a parent that in the article of marriage my natural parents would
certainly have allowed me a negative voice which was all I claimed now since I was absolutely resolved not only never to marry without her consent but not to admit of any address which she disapproved I begged her never to propose sir Isaac Darby to me again because my heart wholly rejected him tho at the same time I protested as I might well do that my affections were entirely disengaged
All your asseverations replied my aunt who had listened to me with many signs of impatience signify nothing without you many sir Isaac Darby and by that only shall I be convinced that your head does not run upon some wild showy fellow who will make your heart ake
Here continued she is a baronet of an ancient family a large estate of good morals not disagreeable in his person— but what is person in a man who loves you who will make you a large jointure who gives you a title place equipage all that a prudent sensible woman can desire and you refuse him grant that he is older than you he has the more wisdom— O my dear how difficult it was for me to forbear laughing here but you are not in love with him— let me tell you Henrietta that is not a plea for a young
woman of delicacy—What is it not possible for you to make a good wife to an honest gentleman without bringing with you all that romantick passion which forces girls to jump out of windows to get to their fellows and for the sake of a man who possibly a few weeks before was an absolute stranger to them break through every tie of natural affection and to be a wife be contented to be neither daughter sister or niece
I was going to speak— My aunt in a peremptory manner laid her hand on my mouth I will not hear a word more said she on this subject if you refuse to give your hand to sir Isaac I know what I am to think—I give you two days to consider of it I have hitherto treated you as my own child if you comply you shall find me a mother if not I am only your aunt and you know how some who stand in that degree of relation to you behave This was pretty plain my dear I was so shocked that I suffered my aunt to go out of the closet without making any answer and retired to my own chamber to weep in freedom
IT was indeed true that my fathers family took no notice of me notwithstanding the applications that had been made to them and when my aunt Meadows introduced me at my uncles the earl of— I was received so coldly by him and his lady that I inly resolved never to expose myself to such a mortification again and my aunt entered so far into my just resentment as never to press me to make them a second visit
My brother was abroad if living he neglected me and perhaps I had no brother for how else could I account for so long a silence in one who seemed to have such tender affections I had no resource but in Mr Bales friendship and he was at this time unluckily at too great a distance to be of any use to me I saw plainly that I must either accept sir Isaa• Darbys hand or be thrown back into m• former indigence and dependence—Dreadfu•
alternative— But the man considered was there room to pause long
My imagination suggested to me every possible ill consequence of the loss of my aunts favour but weighed against the misery of such a marriage they all seemed light—Yet would you think it my dear amidst the many real evils I had reason to apprehend by disobliging my aunt one trifling circumstance dwelt strongest upon my mind and that was the occasion of triumph I should give to lady Manning who would exult over my fallen expectations and return to indigence I was ashamed of my own weakness when I found this thought capable of giving me so much pain and in the contemplation of greater misfortunes which were likely to be my lot I sought to blunt my sense of these lesser ones which were the necessary consequences of them
Towards evening Mrs White threw herself in my way as I was walking pensive in the garden She told me that my aunt was full of hopes that I would comply that sir Isaac was to be invited tomorrow and that it was expected the generosity of his proposals with regard to settlements the rich presents of jewels which he would offer and his resolution
to agree to every thing I desired would make such an impression on my mind as to induce me to give a free and willing consent Mrs White added that since my aunt was so determined upon concluding this match she wished I could conquer my aversion to it for she feared that my absolute refusal would so irritate her that she might be easily persuaded to take some violent resolution against me and there is one said she who will spare no pains to bring that to pass
I replied that nothing which could befal me from the loss of my aunts favour was to be dreaded so much as being the wise of sir Isaac Darby and that my resolution was fixed Mrs White sighed shrugged her shoulders and hastened from me for fear of being observed seeming as I thought to believe my case desperate
When she was gone I considered that if I accepted of the two days my aunt had given me to come to a resolution I should be exposed during that time to the odious courtship of sir Isaac whose presence was it seems judged necessary to influence me I therefore determined to declare myself immediately and plunge at once into the distresses that awaited me
I left the garden instantly and went in search of my aunt as soon as I entered the room where she was she laid down a book she had been reading and looked earnestly at me seeming by my countenance on which I believe was impressed the agitation of my mind to expect something extraordinary
You have indulged me madam said I with two days to consider of your proposal with regard to sir Isaac Darby but so long a time is not necessary were any thing less at stake than the future happiness of my life you should find me incapable of opposing your will but in this case it is not possible for me to obey you Judge of my aversion to that man when I protest to you that if death or his hand was an alternative that I must chuse I would without hesitation prefer death as the lesser hardship
This determined speech seemed to surprise my aunt though I think she had no reason to expect I could ever be prevailed upon to marry sir Isaac
You are an undone girl said she after a pause of near three minutes I believe your fathers folly is hereditary to you—I have done my duty—Your obstinacy be upon your own head
I confess I was greatly affected with her calm resentment so likely to be lasting I burst into tears she went out of the room I followed her into another where Mr Danvers was sitting As soon as I perceived him I hastily withdrew for I was not willing to be seen by him in that state of dejection— I retired to my own room and there after I had relieved my mind by another flood of tears I endeavoured to soften my own apprehensions of what might be the effects of having disobliged the only relation who would own me and collected all my fortitude to enable me to bear the worst that could happen But that worst my dear proved so terrible to my frighted imagination that to avoid it I have taken a very imprudent and dangerous step and whither it will lead me Heaven knows for my heart forebodes some fatal consequence from it
Lord bless me said miss Woodby
after escaping such an odious husband as sir Isaac was any thing worse to be feared
Ah cried miss Courteney
but it was not certain whether I should escape him for if my aunts scheme had taken place I had every thing to fear
What could your aunts scheme be
said miss Woodby impatiently
Mr Danverss rather said miss Courteney and its being his made it more formidable
My aunt seemed so easy and chearful at supper and spoke to me so kindly that all my gloomy apprehensions vanished and I was happy in the thought that I should preserve her favour without becoming the wife of sir Isaac Darby but I was soon undeceived Mrs White tappd at my door after she had put my aunt to bed I let her in and in a rapture of joy I told her how favourably my aunt seemed disposed and that I should no longer be persecuted about the odious baronet O miss said she I am afraid this calm foretels a storm A storm repeated I what do you mean
I always dreaded said she that Mr Danvers would use his power with my lady to your disadvantage but who could have imagined that he would prevail upon her to send you to France and lock you up in a nunnery
How exclaimed I almost breathless with terror and surprise—Confine me in a nunnery Is it possible—How came you to know this
By the strangest chance in the world replied Mrs White I am not used to listen
I scorn it but some words that fell from the chaplain alarmed me on your account and I resolved if possible to know what he was driving at This evening pursued she I went to my lady to take her directions about some laces I was making up for her I found the chaplain with her they seemed to be in deep discourse and my lady as if angry at being interrupted bid me in a hasty manner come to her another time I went away immediately and just as I shu• the door I heard the chaplain say Depend upon it madam there is no other way to preserve her from ruin Certainly thought I to myself this must concern miss Courteney I put my ear to the keyhole and heard my lady answer But shall I not be called a 〈…〉 sending my niece to a convent con•y to her inclinations
The chaplain made a long speech which I could not distinctly hear but he told her she must make a sacrifice of such idle censures to God that it was her duty to endeavour to save a soul that you were in a state of perdition and oh my dear miss but that I cannot believe he assured her you would throw yourself away upon the idle fellow
those were his words that you were in love with if not prevented by bolts and bars
In the end my lady seemed determined and they consulted together about the means they should use to entrap you into a convent My lady proposed making a tour to Paris by way of amusement to take you with her and leave you in some monastery Mr Danvers I found objected to that he desired she would leave the affair wholly to his management and said he would think of some expedient that would be less troublesome to her I did not stay to hear any more for I was apprehensive of some of the servants coming that way and discovering me at so mean a trick as listening
Good God cried I what shall I do what shall I do repeated I passionately in the anguish of my mind My guardian is not in town to whom shall I apply for advice and assistance in this extremity I may be hurried away to this horrid confinement when I least expect it
That is impossible said Mrs White forewarned forearmed as the saying is Since you know what is intended against you you must be upon your guard you cannot be carried away against your will
Mrs White did not appear to me to have a very just sense of the danger I was exposed to for what will not bigotry attempt I was glad therefore when she left me to my own reflections which she did after begging me to be composed and not to discover the manner in which I came by the intelligence she had given me
The latter part of her injunction I faithfully promised to perform but oh my dear miss Woodby how was it possible for me to be composed amidst such dreadful apprehensions—To be locked up in a gloomy monastery perhaps for ever exposed to the persecutions of superstitious zeal but this was not the worst of my fears — To be consigned over perhaps to the care of a wolf in sheeps cloathing who had already shocked my delicacy with freedoms that proceeding from such a man in such a character might well awaken the most frightful suspicions
Truly said miss Woodby
that seemed to be the worst part of your danger for I dont like this jesuit at all every thing may be dreaded from a hypocrite but as to the being shut up in a convent there is no great matter in it Such beauty as yours would have soon engaged some adventurous knight in your
cause who would have scaled the walls to have delivered you—Oh what a charming adventure I protest I would submit to a few months confinement in such a place for the pleasure of being delivered from it in so gallant a manner
Sure you are not in earnest said Henrietta Indeed but I am replied miss Woodby Well resumed miss Courteney
you have very whimsical notions but I assure you none of these entered into my head the loss of liberty seemed to me so frightful a misfortune that I was almost distracted with the idea of it
The first thought that occurred to me and which indeed was the most natural was to prevent my aunt from carrying her designs into execution by leaving her I might well imagine she would use violence to detain me if I attempted it openly therefore it was necessary to steal myself away and this has the air of an adventure you must own but as I had no confident in this design no gallant youth to assist me in my escape and did not even make use of a ladder of ropes or endanger breaking my neck I am afraid this adventure is not in a taste high enough for you
Oh you are rallying me said miss Woodby
but I long to know how you escaped no confident how could you manage so arduous an undertaking by yourself
With great ease I assure you said miss Courteney
and I dont think you will allow it to be an escape when I tell you I walked peaceably out of a door not without some trepidation however which arose less from the fear of a pursuit than the consciousness that I was taking a step which every young woman of delicacy will if possible avoid
As I have already told you I instantly resolved upon leaving my aunt but where should I seek an asylum Mr Bale whose protection I might have requested with honour was not in town my brother was abroad none of my fathers relations would receive me I had no acquaintances but such as were my aunts to whom any application would have been very improper as I should have found very strong prejudices to combat with it being a received maxim among persons of a certain age that young people are always in the wrong besides one seldom meets with any one who has not that littleness of soul which is mistaken for prudence and teaches that it is not safe to meddle with other peoples
affairs which narrow notion prevents many a good office many a kind interposition so that we seem to live only for ourselves
My perplexed mind could suggest no better expedient to me than to seize the first opportunity that offered to go to London and there conceal myself in a private lodging till Mr Bales return who I doubted not would take me under his protection Before I had fixed upon this resolution great part of the night was wasted so that I lay later than usual the next morning When I went down to breakfast I found my aunt dressed and her coach ordered She took notice that my eyes looked heavy I told her I had a violent headach which indeed was true she said it was a cold and bid me keep myself warm
I am going to Richmond added she it will be late before I return to dinner therefore let the cook get you a chicken when you chuse to dine and dont walk out to increase your cold
My heart leaped so when I found I was to be left at home that I was afraid my emotion was visible in my countenance My aunt however did not observe it for apparently she had no suspicion that I knew any thing of her design to send me to a convent and
therefore she could not possibly guess my intention to leave her But she certainly overacted her part all on a sudden to drop her favourite scheme the marrying me to sir Isaac Darby and when I might reasonably expect that my obstinate refusal to comply with her desires would create some coldness in her towards me to find her not only free from all resentment but even particularly kind and obliging Sure this was sufficient to raise doubts in my mind that something more than ordinary was at the bottom of all this affability
It often happens that cunning overreaches itself for it seldom hits a medium and generally does too much or too little My aunts behaviour would have led me to suspect that some design was forming against me but if it had not been for Mrs Whites information I should never have been able to discover what it was for my own penetration would have gone no further than to suggest that some scheme was laid to bring about my marriage with sir Isaac Darby but this fear would have been sufficient to have winged my flight so that the arts my aunt made use of to lull me into security proved the very foundation of my doubts
I had a new palpitation of the heart when I saw the chaplain follow my aunt into the coach Sure thought I Heaven approves of my design to get away since so many circumstances concur to make it practicable It was natural my dear as my religion was in danger from the persecutions preparing for me to think Heaven interested in the success of my intended escape
There is certainly something very pleasing in supposing ones self the peculiar care of Providence on certain occasions A Roman catholick would have made little less than a miracle of so favourable a concurrence of circumstances However I suppressed this rising sally of spiritual vanity and employed my thoughts in contriving how to get to town with convenience and safety without expecting any supernatural assistance
Here miss Woodby broke in upon the fair narrater with an exclamation that will be found in the following chapter
OH my dear interrupted miss Woodby laughing
you have given an excellent name to a species of folly which at once excites ones laughter and indignation I know an old lady who is a constant frequenter of the chapel in Oxfordroad that has arrived to such a heighth of spiritual vanity as you justly term it that she •ies Providence is perpetually exerting itself in miracles for her preservation and that her most inconsiderable actions are under the immediate direction of Heaven for she will tell you with surprising meekness and humility that unworthy as she is she is in high favour with God if she happens to stumble against a stone without falling she says with a smile of conscious satisfaction To be sure God is very good to me According to her God acts by partial not by general laws And should it cease raining immediately before she is to go out either to church or a visit it is all one she supposes that Providence is at that
moment at work for her and has cleared the skies that she may walk with conveniency for she cannot always purchase a coach or a chair half of her little income being appropriated to the preachers from whose doctrine she has imbibed these selfflattering ideas
Oh said miss Courteney laughing
you have heightened the colouring of this picture exceedingly
Upon my word I have not said miss Woodby
and— but that I am not willing to interrupt your story so long I could give you an hundred proofs of this odd species of pride for I assure you my dear the haughtiest beauty in the drawingroom amidst a croud of adorers and in the fullest display of airs and graces has not half the vanity of one of these saints of Whitefields or Wesleys creation
I really pity the poor woman you mentioned said Henrietta
she appears to me to be very far from attaining to any degree of perfection for may it not be supposed that this unreasonable confidence will lead her to neglect many duties very essential to a good christian For I have heard it observed that the preachers of that sect chiefly declaim against fashionable sollies and according to them to dress with elegance
to go to a play or an opera or to make one at a party of cards are mortal sins mean time poor morals are wholly neglected and superstition is made an equivalent for a virtuous life
Yet a writer replied miss Woodby
who is greatly admired by our sex and who in his works pays court to all religious ca•ing himself so evenly amidst them that it is hard to distinguish to which he most inclines has introduced these modern saints reclaiming a woman who had led a very vicious life and doing more than all the best orthodox divines had done and he has not thrown away his compliment I dare say this numerous 〈◊〉 has bought up an impression of his book and is not the third edition upon the title page a very good return to it Oh my dear there is no vanity like the vanity of some authors it is not to be doubted but if there were 〈◊〉 men enough in the kingdom to add a unit more to the account of those editions but we should find him introducing the alcoran making proselytes from luxury— But how have we wandered from your story— You are still at Windsor — I long to hear the rest
I assure you my dear said miss Courtency sighing
I have not been sorry for this little interruption it has given some relief to my mind for I know not how it is but the recollection of this period is painful to me and yet under the same terrors and with the same apprehensions I should certainly act again as I have done I think I told you that Mr Danvers went in the coach with my aunt a circumstance with which I had reason to be rejoiced as it greatly facilitated my escape I was still lingering over the teatable uncertain in what manner I should perform my little journey when Mrs White came into the room she was apprehensive that I should be uneasy at my aunts and the chaplains excursion together as supposing it was to settle something relating to their scheme and therefore made haste to inform me that my aunt had been summoned to Richmond by a message from a Roman catholick friend of hers who was dangerously ill there and desired to see her together with Mr Danvers who was her ghostly father as they term it
Mrs White continued to talk to me on the subject of my aunts design while I was considering whether it would be proper to make her the confident of my intended flight to London
and engage her to procure me some vehicle to carry me thither But it was possible she might not approve of my leaving my aunt so suddenly in which case I should find it difficult to get away besides I did not think it reasonable to involve her in the consequences of my flight by making her privy to it and that the only way to enable her to justify herself to my aunt was not to make her guilty I therefore resolved to steal out of the house and go as far as I could on foot not doubting but chance would throw some carriage in my way in which I might finish my journey and to gain all the time I could I told Mrs White that my anxiety had hindered me from sleeping all night that I was not well and would go to my chamber and try to get some repose desiring her not to disturb me
Having thus got four hours at least before me I resolved to write a short letter to my aunt before I went In this letter I told her that having accidentally discovered her intention of sending me to a convent abroad my terrors of such a confinement had forced me to throw myself under the protection of Mr Bale that I hoped through his mediation to convince her I had been guilty of no imprudences which could merit such severe treatment
as a punishment and was not so unsettled in my religion as to be perverted by that or any other means I begged her to believe that except in that article and in marrying contrary to my inclinations I would pay her the same obedience as to a parent but that I would rather submit to the lowest state of poverty than marry a man whom I could neither love or esteem or change the religion in which I was bred and with which I was entirely satisfied I concluded with earnestly intreating to be restored to her good opinion which I assured her I would always endeavour to deserve
Having scaled and directed this letter I put it into one of my dressingboxes not doubting but as soon as I was missing every thing that belonged to me would be searched for letters in hopes of further discoveries I next tied up some linen in a handkerchief and with an aking heart sallied out of my chamber and crossed a passageroom which had steps leading to the garden As soon as I had got out of the backdoor which opened into the forest I concluded myself safe from discovery and mended my pace having no difficulty in finding my way because I pursued
the road which I had often traversed in a coach or a chaise
You will easily imagine my mind was full of melancholy reflections and indeed so entirely was I engrossed by them for near an hour that I did not perceive I was tired till I grew so faint I was hardly able to move a step farther I had now got into the open road and it being about the time when I might expect to see some of the stagecoaches from Windsor pass that way I sat down under the shade of a large tree at some distance from the road impatiently wishing for the sight All this time I had not been alarmed with the fear of meeting with any insult for I had seen no one from whom I could apprehend any such thing but I had scarce enjoyed this comfortable shelter three minutes when I perceived two ill looking fellows as I thought them making towards me with all the speed they were able I started up in inconceivable terror looking round me to see if any help was near if they should assault me when I fortunately discovered the stagecoach and being now eased of my fears I resumed my station till it was come near enough for me to speak to the driver The two fellows who had given me such a terrible alarm stopped
short upon seeing the coach and I really believe I had an escape from them
I called out to the coachman as soon as he could hear me You know my dear the difficulties I found in getting admission Little did those good women who refused it imagine that to avoid a slight inconvenience to themselves they were consigning me over to the greatest distress imaginable
Wretches exclaimed miss Woodby
I cannot think of them without detestation but my dear pursued she did not you wonder to see a person of any figure in a stagecoach As for you I soon discovered there was something extraordinary in your case but what did you think of me with such company and in such an equipage
Indeed my dear said miss Courteney
at that time a stagecoach appeared to me a most desirable vehicle and I had not then the least notion of its being a mean one so greatly do our opinions of things alter with our circumstances and situations besides a difficulty then occurred to my thoughts which amidst the hurry and precipitation with which I quitted my aunts house had not been sufficiently attended to before and that was how I should dispose of myself for a few days till Mr Bales
return for it was necessary I should conceal myself with great care having so much to apprehend from my aunts bigotry and prejudices and the perhaps interested officiousness of her chaplain
Under what strange disadvantages had I lodgings to seek for by an assumed name with an immediate occasion for them and no recommendation to any particular house which I could be sure was a reputable one Your politeness and the unexpected offer of your friendship encouraged me to communicate my distress to you and to intreat your assistance and I must still regret the •lucky mistake that brought me hither instead of M•s Egrets And now my dear you have my whole story before you Have I not been very unfortunate and am I not in a men dreadful situation But what it chiefly concerns me to know does your judgment acquit me of imprudence and folly in this pr•pi•te flight from my aunt to whom I owed so many benefits and on whom I depended •o• support
Approve your flight cried miss Woodby
Yes certainly child who would not fly from a bigot a priest and an old hideous
lover I protest I would in your case have done the same thing
Well that is some comfort
replied miss Courteney
but every body will not think as you do and to a mind of any delicacy s• nothing is so shocking as to have a reputation to defend and the step I have taken will no doubt expose me to many unfavourable censures
And do you imagine said miss Woodby
that with a form so pleasing and an understanding so distinguished you will be exempted from the tax that envy is sure to levy upon merit Dont you know what the most sensible of all poets says
Envy will merit as its shade pursue
And like a shadow proves the substance true
Take my word for it it is no great compliment we pay to persons when we tell them that all the world speaks well of them for those who are remarkable for any shining qualities will be more envied than admired and frequently more calumniated than praised But child
pursued the volatile miss Woodby assuming a sprightly air
how do you intend to dispose of yourself today it is late I must go home to dress
Dispose of myself repeated miss Courteney
even in this solitary chamber for am determined since I must stay here a day or two longer to be as little with my landlady a• possible
Miss Woodby then fluttered down stairs followed by her fair friend who took that opportunity to tell Mrs Eccles that she should not leave her so suddenly as she had imagined which was very agreeable news to the millenor who had no other objection to her beautiful lodger but her extreme reserve which did not at all suit her purposes
MISS Courteney after having traversed her chamber several times in great restlessness of mind at length resolved to take a hackney coach and drive to Mr Bales supposing she should know from his clerks or servants the exact time when he was expected home at least they could give her a direction where to write to him and it would be some comfort to acquaint him with her situation and have his advice
She had no sooner formed this design than she hastened to put it in execution and having made a slight alteration in her dress she went down to Mrs Eccles and desired her to send her maid for a coach telling her she was obliged to go into the city upon business and desired her not to wait for her at dinner Mrs Eccles insisted upon waiting till four oclock at least and attended her to the door less out of complaisance than to hear where she ordered the coachman to drive for the enquietude irresolution and pensiveness which she discovered in her fair lodger extremely heightened her curiosity to know her affairs
Henrietta though she did not suspect the motive of her officiousness yet not thinking it proper to let her know where she was going only bid the coachman drive to St Pauls churchyard and when there she gave him a fuller direction Alas sighed she when the coach stopped before the great gates of her guardians house were the hospitable master of this mansion at home here should I find a secure asylum
As soon as a servant appeared she asked if Mr Bale was at home that she might with greater propriety introduce her farther enquiries but was most agreeably surprised to hear him answer
her in the affirmative while he opened the coachdoor however she ordered the coachman to wait and then followed the servant who introduced her into a large parlour and retired to acquaint his master with her being there
Immediately a young gentleman of an engaging appearance entered the room and desired to know her commands Henrietta seeing instead of her guardian a young man whom she was quite a stranger to blushed at first 〈◊〉 a more painful sense of her disappointment soon spread a paleness over her fair face
Is not Mr Bale at home sir said she in an accent that shewed her concern
my business was with him
My father madam said the young gentleman
is in Holland from whence I c•me myself but lately he has affairs to settle there which will detain him three or four weeks But cannot I serve you madam
added he his voice becoming insensibly softer while he gazed on a form which it was not possible to behold without some sensibility
Pray let me know it will give me great pleasure if I can be in the least degree useful to you
I shall be obliged to you sir replied miss Courteney
if you will forward a letter from
me to Mr Bale It is a great unhappiness to me that he is abroad at this time he is my guardian and at present I have need of his advice and assistance
Pardon me madam said young Mr Bale is not your name Courteney It is sir replied she
Dear miss said he looking on her with a tender sympathy
I wish my father was at home since you wish so—And yet perhaps all parents are alike
added he after a pause and sighing
they are too apt to imagine that happiness consists in riches But are you in a place of safety miss— Are you sure you are in no danger of being discovered I wish it was in my power to offer you an asylum—but—
Bless me sir interrupted Henrietta in great astonishment
you seem to be perfectly well acquainted with my situation
Yes madam said Mr Bale
I know something of your affairs and from my soul I approve of your courage and resolution A gentleman named Danvers was here yesterday to enquire for you your aunts chaplain is he not
Yes sir replied miss Courteney
and my persecutor— but what did he say I
suppose he represented me in strange colours
You need only to be seen madam said Mr Bale
to undeceive the most prejudiced yet what he said was not disadvantageous to you unless
added he with a soft smile you think it a fault to have a tender heart
Ah the wretch interrupted miss Courteney not able to contain her indignation
I see he has been propagating falshoods injurious to my reputation after having poisoned the mind of my aunt with suspicions that were the cause of my losing her affection he is endeavouring to deprive me of every friend I have in the world— But this sir is the plain truth he suggested as I have no reason to doubt a preposterous match for me to my aunt I rejected it he found means to persuade my aunt that I listened privately to the addresses of some man who was an improper match for me My aunt in order to prevent my ruin as she supposed insisted upon my accepting the husband she had chosen for me and upon my obstinate refusal was prevailed upon by her chaplain to resolve to confine me in a nunnery abroad I had intelligence of this design and I secretly left my aunts house to prevent her executing it but I
am so far from having any secret engagement that if I could be sure my aunt would not pursue her scheme of entrapping me in a convent I would instantly return and bind myself by the most solemn oaths never to marry any one whom she does not approve
You see sir proceeded miss Courteney
what need I have of your fathers assistance he is my only friend and protector through his mediation I might expect to be restored to the good opinion of my aunt
Well madam said Mr Bale
if you will write to him I will take care of your letter and if it be ready tomorrow I will attend you myself for it I hope you have no objection to my knowing where you are in my fathers absence I shall be proud to act as your guardian though he has had the happiness of knowing you longer yet his concern for your interest cannot be greater than mine Shall I wait on you tomorrow morning miss
added he Henrietta by his manner of urging this request and his frequently casting his eye towards the door as if afraid of some interruption concluding that she detained him from business of more importance rose up immediately and giving him a direction to her lodgings by the name
of Benson told him she would have her letter ready but asked if it would not come safe inclosed to him by the pennypost being unwilling she said to give him the trouble of coming for it
I beg madam said he as he took her hand to lead her to the coach
that you will believe I can have no greater pleasure than that of serving you It is necessary that I should have an opportunity of talking to you at leisure that I may know how I can be farther useful to you
Having helped her into the coach be bowed low and retired hastily with such an expression of tender concern on his countenance as any woman less free from vanity than miss Courteney would not have failed to observe but she making no other reflections on his behaviour than that he was more polite than persons usually are who are bred up to business congratulated herself on having sound a friend through whom she could securely correspond with her guardian and receive his advice so that she might now consider herself as being under his immediate care and direction though absent a circumstance that greatly alleviated her uneasiness
Mrs Eccles who had waited dinner for her longer than had been agreed on expressed great
pleasure at seeing her look so chearful
To be sure said she you have heard some unexpected good news I am heartily glad of it— Well now I hope you will have more spirits
Henrietta smiled but made no answer for an ingenuous mind can only evade indiscreet curiosity by silence
The cloth was scarce removed when the young lord who had now taken possession of his apartment in Mrs Eccless house came into the parlour Henrietta immediately rose up to retire to her own chamber when he starting back and standing at the door as if to obstruct her passage
I came said he Mrs Eccles to beg you would make me a dish of coffee but since my presence drives this young lady away I will go up stairs again
Oh by no means my lord said Mrs Eccles
I am sure miss Benson will not let you think so You are not going miss are you
added she turning to Henrietta
I have letters to write said the young lady that will take me up the whole afternoon
Well said my lord
I will drink no coffee then for unless you stay miss I shall be persuaded that my coming has driven you away Let me intreat you
pursued he entering and leading her to a chair
to allow
me the pleasure of drinking a dish of coffee with you you will have time enough afterwards to write your letters
Miss Courteney who was willing to avoid the appearance of singularity sat down again tho with some reluctance telling his lordship that she would not be the means of disappointing him of his coffee but that she must insist upon being permitted to withdraw in half an hour having business of consequence upon her hands
The young nobleman gave little attention to what she said but gazed on her with an earnestness that threw her into some confusion The milliner going out of the room to give orders about the coffee he began in most vehement language to declare a passion for her and called in the assistance of poetry to express his admiration of her charms
Henrietta who in her own character would have treated this manner of address with ridicule and contempt thought it became her in her present circumstances to resent it seriously therefore rising with some signs of indignation she told him that since his lordship thought proper to entertain her with such kind of discourse she would immediately retire My lord who saw she was angry in good earnest was excessively afraid of her leaving him therefore
taking her hand which he forcibly held till he had sealed a vow upon it with his lips that he would not say another word to offend her he brought her back to her seat which upon seeing Mrs Eccles enter she resumed
The conversation then took another turn but Henrietta was too much chagrined to mix in it with any degree of chearfulness besides the party seemed to her to be but ill assorted a nobleman a milliner and a young woman in obscure circumstances Her delicacy was shocked and all the politeness she was mistress of was scarce sufficient to hinder her from shewing how much she was displeased with herself and her company
As soon as the teaequipage was removed she looked at her watch and seeming apprehensive that she should not have time enough to write her letters she withdrew with such precipitation that they had no opportunity to solicit her longer stay
This is a strange girl said the young lord throwing himself into his chair from whence he had risen to return the hasty compliment she made at her departure
but divinely handsome who can she be I vow to Gad I believe I shall be in love with her in earnest have you made no discovery yet Mrs Eccles
pursued
he
there is certainly some mystery in the case and a lovemystery it must be for women are not even faithful to their own secrets unless an amour is the business and then they are impenetrable
Your lordship may be sure said Mrs Eccles
that I have spared no pains to discover who she is but she is excessively reserved and talks so little that there is no probability of intrapping her yet I think there is one way by which your curiosity may be satisfied Your lordship has seen a gay slighty lady with her of whom she is very fond
What that ugly creature said my lord
that fastened upon me in your shop do you mean her is miss Benson fond of that thing
Oh very fond replied Mrs Eccles
They were shut up together four hours thi• very morning
Then depend upon it she is the confident said his lordship
Oh I guess your scheme you would have me bribe her
Bribe her my lord repeated Mrs Eccles
she seems to be a woman of •me fashion I dare say you would affront her extremely by offering her a bribe
I am very sure interrupted his lordship
that she will not be able to resist the bribe I shall
offer her I will flatter her my dear Mrs Eccles till I not only become master of all her friends secrets but even her own but how shall I get an opportunity of talking to her alone
I will engage said Mrs Eccles
that it will not be long before she is here again and if your lordship should happen to be below when she comes I fancy you would not find it difficult to detain her a little while from her friend
Well said my lord
I leave it to you to manage this interview for me when I know who this miss Benson is I can make my approaches accordingly but when do you expect her down stairs again
Not till suppertime
said Mrs Eccles
she is never weary of being alone
Ah that is a bad sign
said he
I doubt I have a rival—Well I will look in upon you at ten oclock perhaps I may find her with you
Mrs Eccles assuring him she would engage her till that time if possible He went away humming an operaair but with less vacuity of thought than usual miss Benson being so much in his head that if he had been accustomed to reflexion he would have concluded she was in his heart also and that he was in love with her in earnest
Henrietta in the mean time was employed in writing her letter to Mr Bale to whom she gave a faithful account of all that had happened to her and earnestly intreated his good offices towards effecting a reconciliation between her aunt and her The inconveniencies she saw herself exposed to in her present situation made her so desirous of this happy event that her letter was almost a continued repetition of solicitations for that purpose She begged him in case he did not return to England to write to her aunt and endeavour to soften her assuring him that she pretended to no greater liberty than what an obedient daughter might expect from a parent being resolved to obey her will in every thing provided she might not be compelled to marry the old baronet nor confined in a nunnery with a view to the change of her religion
She expressed her satisfaction in the polite behaviour of his son to her whom she would consider she said as her guardian in his absence and would take no step without his advice and concurrence
She had finished her letter long before the milliners usual hour of supper but being resolved to go down no more that evening she spread letters and papers upon the table as if she still continued extremely busy Mrs Eccles
upon entering her chamber to know if she was ready for supper found her with the pen still in her hand and was a good deal mortified to hear her say That having dined so late she would not sup that night but would finish her letters before she went to bed
Mrs Eccles did not think proper to press her for her extreme reserve inspired her with a kind of awe that made her cautious of giving her the least disgust and Henrietta taking leave of her at her chamberdoor for the night she went away in great concern for the disappointment his lordship would meet with
It was indeed a very mortifying disappointment to him for his impatience to see miss Courteney had brought him back much sooner than he had intended and Mrs Eccles when she came down stairs found him already in her parlour When he heard the young ladys resolution not to appear again that night he took an unceremonious leave of his complaisant landlady and joined his company again at Whites wondering to find himself in so ill an humour on so slight an occasion and that dice and Burgundy were scarce sufficient to call off his thoughts from this coy unknown whom yet he did not despair of gaining
HEnrietta upon her coming down next morning to breakfast was informed by Mrs Eccles that a gentleman had been enquiring for her that morning but hearing she was not up had left word that he would call again She did not doubt but it was Mr Bale and was a little confused that his punctuality should so much exceed hers in an affair that immediately concerned her but the truth was the young merchants impatience to see her had outstripped time and he came much earlier than she had reason to expect him
She retired immediately after breakfast desiring that the gentleman might be shown up stairs when he came again for Mrs Eccles at her request had made a small alteration in her apartment and put her bed in an adjoining closet that she might with more propriety receive a visit in her own room
She was scarce got up stairs when Mr Bale was introduced she apologised for the trouble he had in calling twice and delivering him he•
letter recommended it to his care with extreme earnestness assuring him she should be very unhappy till she had an answer She then enquired more particularly concerning the visit Mr Danvers had made him anxious to collect from what he said what impression her flight had made upon her aunt
I will not flatter you miss said Mr Bale
Lady Meadows is extremely enraged— Mr Danvers mentioned nothing of a design to put you into a convent but owned that your aunt had a very advantageous match in view for you which you rejected—and—
Pray go on sir said Henrietta observing that he hesitated
Your aunt will have it madam pursued he
that your affections are engaged—I cannot believe that a young lady of your good sense would make an improper choice— I should be very glad to be able to convince my father that nothing of this kind is the case— Excuse me miss I am very anxious for your happiness it would give me infinite joy to find that your aunt is mistaken
My aunt has no reason sir for her suspicions
replied Henrietta
but if my affections were engaged why should she think I
had made an improper choice
Ah miss— eagerly interrupted Mr Bale
I hope sir said miss Courteney gravely▪
you will believe me when I declare that my aunts fears are without foundation it concerns me greatly that your father should not entertain the same idle suspicions and were he here I am sure I could convince him
Dear miss interrupted Mr Bale
I cannot suffer you to go on do not imagine that I am not convinced I had doubts but you will excuse them my great concern for your happiness was the cause—Rely upon me I beg you I will take care my father shall not be prejudiced and till his return I am your guardian
Henrietta upon a little reflection was more pleased than offended at the doubts he so candidly acknowledged in so young a man such plainness and sincerity were far more agreeable than the refinements of compliment and flattery and more suitable to the cha•r in which he desired to be considered and in which she did consider him She thanked him fo• a solicitude which she said was so advantageous to her and to shew him that she wished to give him all imaginable satisfaction with regard to
her conduct she entered into a particular detail of the situation she had been in with her aunt whose views with regard to her she explained she slightly touched upon the character of the chaplain and imputed to his great influence over her aunt the rash and severe resolutions she had taken against her
She was proceeding to justify herself for having left her aunts house when Mr Bale interrupted her with some emotion
every reasonable person miss said he that knows your motives for taking this step will not only hold you excused but will even applaud you for not sacrificing yourself to riches
I am sure said Henrietta
my aunt would hear reason were it not for that invidious chaplain who fills her with suspicions and animates her resentment Oh that Mr Bale was come
I hope said the young merchant
that we shall see him shortly but in the mean time miss let me know how I can be useful to you do you like your present lodgings are the people such as you approve Let me know if you have any inclination to remove and I will endeavour to settle you somewhere that will be agreeable to my father I suppose
you would have no objection to lodging with an acquaintance of his and where you will be near him
No certainly said miss Courteney
it would be highly agreeable to me
Well miss
said Mr Bale rising
I will wait on you again in a day or two but perhaps you have occasion for money I have brought some with me pray do not put yourself to any inconveniency but draw for what sums you have occasion
The trifle sir said Henrietta blushing
that is in your fathers hands will not admit of my drawing very largely however I will venture to take up twenty pounds because I have occasion to purchase some trifling things for all my cloaths are at my aunts and I am in great hopes she will not send them after me that would look indeed
said she sighing
as if I must never expect to return again and I am resolved not to send for them that it may appear I do expect and wish it
Mr Bale upon hearing this pressed her to take forty guineas but she said twenty would do having some money by her He then took leave of her with a promise to see her again soon and left her greatly pleased with his friendly
behaviour and with the prospect of being soon with persons less obnoxious to her than Mrs Eccles
She had scarcely deposited her money in her desk when miss Woodby bolted into the room with her usual robust liveliness Indeed her spirits were particularly exhilarated that day having had the dear delight of conversing an whole hour with a beau who said the civilest things to her imaginable a piece of good fortune she did not often meet with and for which though her vanity did not suffer her to find it out she was wholly indebted to her fair friend the beau being no other than the young lord who lodged in the house with whom she had been engaged in conversation great part of the time that Mr Bale was with miss Courteney And if the reader is curious to know what passed between them he will be fully informed in the next chapter
MR Bale had been about half an hour with miss Courteney when miss Woodby came to pay her a morning visit As soon as Mrs Eccles saw a chair set her down at the door she flew up stairs to acquaint her noble lodger with her arrival he instantly followed her down and meeting miss Woodby at the bottom of the stairs affected a joyful surprise at his good fortune in seeing her so unexpectedly again
The lady you are going to visit said he
is engaged with company I believe but I am resolved you shall not go away
pursued he taking her hand and leading her into the parlour
I was so charmed with your conversation the first time I saw you that it is not probable I will lose this opportunity of renewing our acquaintance
Oh your lordship is very obliging said miss Woodby suffering herself to be led into the parlour while her transport at finding herself
treated with so much gallantry and her passionate desire of pleasing threw her into such ridiculous affectation that every limb and feature was distorted Compliment to which she was very little used acted like strong liquors upon a weak head she became so intoxicated that she hardly knew what she did which joined to a natural aukwardness produced the most absurd blunders in her behaviour so that endeavouring to trip with a lively motion to her seat she overturned a light mahogany table that was in her way and heard the crash of the china that was on it with very little emotion the pleasure of shewing herself to the greatest advantage absolutely engrossing her and so unseasonably did she return his lordships polite bow when he had seated her in her chair that their foreheads struck against each other with a force like the concussion of two rocks but this accident no more than the former disturbed miss Woodbys enjoyment of her present happiness and wholly insensible to the pain of her forehead she immediately entered into conversation with his lordship asking him with the liveliest air imaginable if he had been at Ranelagh last night never once making the least reflection upon what he had told her of her friends being engaged with company which
as she knew her situation might well have raised her curiosity
The beau told her he was not there
but you and miss Benson were I suppose
added he
Now your lordship mentions miss Benson
said she without answering his question
pray tell me how you like her is she not very handsome
Yes replied my lord
she is handsome but
added he looking full at her
she wants a certain ladys agreeable vivacity
Oh your servant my lord said miss Woodby making the application immediately
but really as your lordship observes she wants vivacity there is something heavy and lumpish in her
Yet she is genteel said my lord
Oh extremely genteel
cried miss Woodby
but does not your lordship think she is rather too tall being so slender as she is does not that heighth give her a certain aukwardness— But I really think she has one of the finest complexions in the world
Has she not rather too much bloom said my lord Why yes replied miss Woodby
I think her complexion wants delicacy but
no objection can be made to her eyes you must own except that they are rather too large and roll about heavily
Upon the whole said my lord
miss Benson is tolerable but I perceive you are extremely fond of her by your partiality
Oh my lord said miss Woodby
we are the greatest friends in the world I conceived a violent friendship for her the first moment I saw her— You cannot imagine how ardent my friendships are
That is bad news for your lover said my lord
for love and friendship the wise say exclude each other but I hope miss Benson makes a proper return to so much affection
Oh we are united in the strongest bands of friendship
said miss Woodby
the dear creature has not a thought that she conceals from me and though I have not been acquainted with her a week she has intrusted me with all her affairs
Indeed said my lord
not acquainted a week and so communicative are you sure my dear miss Woodby that this young lady is not a little silly
I cannot say replied miss Woodby
that her understanding is the best in the world but she has a very good heart
Your own is very good I do not doubt said my lord
which leads you to make so favourable a judgment of anothers—However as she has laid open her affairs to you you may from the conduct she has avowed collect your opinion of her
Very true said miss Woodby
and I do assure your lordship that I cannot help approving of her conduct because her motives were certainly just though the illjudging world may perhaps condemn her for running away from her aunt and from her hiding herself in a lodging assuming another name and such little circumstances may take occasion to censure her yet I am persuaded in my own mind that she is blameless
Benson is not her name then said my lord affecting great indifference
Oh no my lord
said miss Woodby
her name i• Courteney— But bless me— what have • done I hope my lord you will he secret I did not intend to tell your lordship mi• Bensons true name— I would not for th• world violate that friendship I have vow• to her
Depend upon it madam said my lord
I will be secret as the grave It is of no consequence to me to know her name I shall never think of it again— But to be sure the poor girl is to be pitied— And so she ran away from her aunt who is her aunt pray
Her aunts name is Meadows said miss Woodby
lady Meadows do you know her
Not I said my lord throwing himself into a careless posture and humming an air as if his attention was wholly disengaged when suddenly turning again to miss Woodby with a smile—
Why said he should not you and I be as good friends as miss Benson and you are our acquaintance is not of a much shorter date and perhaps commenced nearly in the same manner
I protest said miss Woodby
and so it did for I first saw your lordship in Mrs Eccless shop and I happened to meet miss Benson in a stagecoach about four days ago
And there your acquaintance began said my lord
you have improved it well since if she has really been ingenuous enough to let
you into the true state of her affairs I suppose there is a lover in the case
A lover there certainly is said miss Woodby
but he was of her aunts chusing and it is from this lover she fled
O brave girl said my lord
but is she not fled to a lover of her own chusing
No I believe not said miss Woodby
Well said my lord
I fancy she has deceived you and that the gentleman who is with her now is her lover he is a plain sort of man Mrs Eccles says and looks like a merchant
Oh said miss Woodby
it is Mr Bale her guardian I suppose
But this is a young man
said my lord
Then perhaps it is her brother
said miss Woodby
who was abroad with a nobleman and is now returned
I think I hear him coming down stairs said my lord
I have a mind to see him as he goes out
Saying this he bowed and ran into the shop leaving miss Woodby a little confused at his abrupt departure and now for the first time she reflected that she had been indiscreet and revealed too much of her friends situation but being incapable of taking any great interest in the concerns of another thi•
〈20 pages missing〉
Mr Bale asked her pardon for not having consulted her before on that subject but said that by still continuing the name of Benson she would be more secure from the search her aunt might make for her
Alas sir said miss Courteney
I am afraid my aunt is too much offended to be at any pains to find me out—I am more apprehensive of the contrivances of Mr Danvers he no doubt has strong reasons for putting her upon such harsh measures While I was alone and unprotected I thought it necessary to conceal myself since it was not impossible but I might have been forced away but I am sure no such attempt will be made when it is known that I am under my guardians protection I think therefore this gentlewoman ought to be acquainted with my name I would avoid as much as possible the appearance of mystery I shall never recollect without pain the sad necessity that has reduced me to it
It will not be prudent said Mr Bale
to alter our measures now I have called you miss Benson the discovery of your true name will come with more propriety from my father when he has accommodated matters between your aunt and you we may expect a letter
from him in a day or two in which he will probably fix the time of his return In the mean while I hope you will find yourself agreeably situated here— I have agreed for your board and lodging
At a moderate price I hope said miss Courteney
my circumstances do not entitle me to great expence
I have taken care of that
said Mr Bale Mrs Willis coming in that moment he recommended miss Courteney to her care promising when he heard from his father to come immediately with the news He then took his leave and Mrs Willis conducted her fair lodger to another parlour where the cloth was laid for dinner and introduced two pretty children to her a boy and a girl with whom the young lady was extremely pleased
There was in the countenance of this woman so much sweetness and complacency and such an unaffected politeness in her behaviour that Henrietta found herself insensibly disposed to like her and was pleased to hear her ••ll naturally into an account of herself with a frankness and simplicity that denoted the goodness of her heart▪
From what she said miss Courteney collected that she had made a marriage of choic• rather than of prudence and that industry ha•
supplied the place of fortune She found she was under great obligations to the elder Mr Bale who had settled her husband in an advantageous way at Leghorn where he acted as his factor and had enabled her to furnish that large house in a very genteel manner for the reception of such merchants as came from abroad and were by him recommended to lodge with her Her extreme tenderness for her husband which had hurried her to Leghorn upon hearing that he was ill that she might have the satisfaction of attending him herself and her anxiety for her children which brought her back as soon as he was recovered that she might reassume her care of them were qualities which won her the esteem of miss Courteney She marked with what becoming reserve she slightly touched upon her family and connections which were very genteel and by which Henrietta accounted for the easy politeness of her manners and behaviour so seldom found in persons of her rank
The young lady then turned the discourse upon her guardians son whose character she was desirous of being acquainted with Mrs Willis told her that he was a sober diligent young man and though the heir of immense riches yet applied himself to business with as much industry as if he had had his fortune to
make that he had for several years transacted his fathers business in Holland from whence he was but lately returned and that he traded largely for himself
Before I went to Leghorn added she there was some talk of his being to be married to the daughter of a very rich citizen but since my return which was about a week ago I have heard nothing of it not having seen Mr Bale till the day that he came to tell me I should be so happy as to have you madam for my lodger
Miss Courteney having passed this day more agreeably than she had done any since she had left her aunt was at night conducted by Mrs Willis to a genteel apartment consisting of a bedchamber and dressingroom She dismissed the maid whom Mrs Willis ordered to attend and undress her and being greatly fatigued for want of rest the preceding night lost all •er cares her anxieties and resentments in the sweet oblivion of a calm and uninterrupted sleep
HEnrietta though an early riser and though she rose next morning earlier than usual yet found upon her going down Mrs Willis had waited breakfast for her some time
As soon as the teaequipage was removed she retired to leave Mrs Willis at liberty to go about her domestick affairs and when alone was again assaulted with all those cruel reflections which had almost incessantly filled her mind since her flight from her aunt Among these miss Woodbys treachery suggested none of the least painful she was ashamed of her credulity of her illplaced confidence indignation for the shocking treatment she had met with from her succeeded She was upon the point of sitting down to write to her and to express the deepest resentment of her malice and treachery when recollecting the extreme levity of that young womans temper her ridiculous affectation her folly and insensibility she thought it would ill become her to make serious remonstrances to one who only merited contempt
that by taking no further notice of her that contempt would be best expressed and her own consciousness of the part she had acted would account for it
While she was thus ruminating Mrs Williss maid introduced two porters bringing in a large trunk to her apartment They delivered her the key sealed up and a letter from Mr Bale in which he informed her he would wait on her that afternoon
She opened the trunk trembling it contained all her cloaths linen and all the trinkets her aunt had given her She searched eagerly in it to see if there was a letter for her but finding none she threw herself into a chair and burst into a flood of tears
While her aunt retained her cloaths she had formed a feeble hope that she was anxious for her return and would facilitate it by assuring Mr Bale that she would no more press her to the hated marriage nor think of con•ining her in a convent but now what could she conclude but that she had abandoned her for ever and that a reconciliation was not to be expected The most gloomy prospects offered themselves to her view poverty dependence neglect but what was worse than all the loss perhaps of reputation How should she be able to excuse
herself to the world for her late action the world which judges actions only by their success and when it beheld her unhappy and reduced to indigence would not fail to conclude her guilty
In these melancholy apprehensions did she wear away the hours till summoned to dinner by Mrs Willis who with tender concern perceived that she was afflicted but would not discover that she perceived it and used her utmost endeavours to amuse her yet without any apparent solicitude lest it should alarm her sensibility with a fear that her uneasiness was observed
Mr Bale came according to his promise in the afternoon his arrival gave almost as much satisfaction to Mrs Willis as to her fair anxious lodger from a hope that it would produce some comfort to her The young merchant instantly discovered that Henrietta had been weeping and as soon as Mrs Willis withdrew he tenderly approached her and taking her hand asked her if any thing new had happened to give her disturbance Henrietta replied with a hasty question
Have you any message for me from my aunt sir
I cannot say I have a message for you miss answered Mr Bale
your aunt has indeed
wrote to me
May I not see her letter asked miss Courteney again eagerly
To be sure
said he taking it out of his pocket and presenting it to her
I wish it was conceived in more favourable terms
Miss Courtency read it trembling and found it as follows
SIR
I HAVE given directions that every thing which belongs to that unhappy girl my niece should be sent to you that if you know where she is they may be conveyed to her She has by her scandalously running away from me ruined her own character and brought aspersions upon mine since even those who condemn her most will likewise blame me as if I had acted unkindly towards her
May the loss of my affection be the least of her misfortunes though the worst that can possibly happen are likely to be the punishment of her ingratitude and folly
Henrietta returned the letter to Mr Bale with a sigh
I have indeed said she irrecoverably lost her affection but sir it is fit my aunt should know where I am and that I solicited your protection as soon as I could This will
preserve me from some of those unfavourable suspicions which she mentions so severely I will write to her instantly
Oh no by no means said Mr Bale
I think it will be best for me to make a visit to lady Meadows and tell her that you are under my care and that I have placed you here
And will you take the trouble to go to Windsor sir said miss Courtency extremely delighted with this expedient
I would go any where
said Mr Bale
to serve you Pray make yourself easy
I shall be easier said miss Courteney
when my aunt knows that this scandalous runaway is under proper protection and is accountable for all her actions to your father Perhaps she may relent when she is convinced I am not so indiscreet as she imagined and that I had no other motive for leaving her but the fear of being confined in a convent If you find my aunt absolutely resolved not to be reconciled to me I must then consider how to dispose of myself in a way more suitable to my circumstances
Remember miss said Mr Bale with some emotion
that you are under my care— I hope you will take no resolutions without acquainting me
No certainly replied Henrietta—
but sir I have no fortune I am lodged attended and treated as if I had a very considerable one This expence I shall not be willing to support a great while longer it will break in too much upon that trifling sum which was put into your fathers hands for my brothers use as well as mine Heaven knows said she sighing whether he is alive if he is he will probably need it if he is not it will go but a very little way in supporting me in the manner in which I now live
While Henrietta was speaking in this manner Mr Bale seemed ready to interrupt her several times but checked himself as if upon better recollection when she was silent he walked about the room musing then suddenly turning towards her
These considerations miss said he ought at least to be postponed till my fathers return and I think you may rely upon his prudence he will certainly take care that your expences shall not exceed your income in placing you here I have done what I thought would be agreeable to him
Henrietta observing that he was in some confusion was concerned that she had spoke so freely being apprehensive that he understood what she had said as a distrust of his prudence She therefore
told him that if he found her aunt implacable she would be extremely well satisfied to continue with Mrs Willis as long as Mr Bale should think it necessary
This assurance satisfied the young merchant who left her with a promise to see lady Meadows the next day and to wait on her as soon as possible with an account of the success of his visit
She passed this interval in a state of anxiety and suspence that doubled every hour As soon as she saw Mr Bale again she endeavoured to read in his countenance before he spoke the news he had brought her
Well miss said he I have seen your aunt He paused and Henrietta in a saltering accent begged him to tell her in one word whether he had succeeded or not
Indeed I have not said he lady Meadows seems resolved never to forgive you for running away from her but dont despair my father may have more weight with her
It is at least some comfort said she that she knows I am under your protection
I have a letter from my father
said Mr Bale
he has got the gout in his right hand he dictated it to one of his clerks and therefore speaks with reserve of you He desires me to tell you that he hopes to be in London in
three weeks at farthest when he will use his utmost endeavours to reconcile you to your aunt and in the mean time recommends you most affectionately to my care
This account of her guardians kind concern for her gave some relief to the depressed spirits of miss Courteney who although she had not flattered herself with any hope from the young merchants mediation with her aunt was as much shocked at the confirmation of her continued displeasure as if she had not expected it However she expressed a grateful sense of his services and disposed herself to wait with patience for the arrival of Mr Bale who alone could d•termine her destiny
HEnrietta had been about a fortnight in the house of Mrs Willis whose good sense and polite behaviour had entirely won her esteem when on a sudden she became reserved and thoughtful and often failed in those little attentions which mark respect and an extreme willingness to oblige She who had avoided the least appearance of curiosity to know more of her affairs than what she pleased to disclose now asked questions with an inquisitive air and seemed to seek for occasions of collecting a fuller knowledge of her from her conversation
Henrietta had insisted upon her being made acquainted with her true name and circumstances from the time that Mr Bale had acknowledged to her aunt that she was under his care which had produced no other alteration in Mrs Willis than rather an increase of respect towards her which she conceived due to her birth
The young lady whose extreme sensibility was not the least of her misfortunes observed her
increasing coldness and suffered great uneasiness She had willingly indulged a tenderness and esteem for her and was concerned to find from her altered behaviour that either she had failed in her endeavours to acquire the friendship of Mrs Willis or that the woman whom she had conceived so good an opinion of was in reality not deserving of hers
However she was determined not to let Mr Bale perceive that she was dissatisfied with her behaviour and she continued to live with her in the same easy manner as formerly notwithstanding the coldness and constraint with which she was now treated
Mr Bale scarce ever failed to call and see her once a day but one day he returned about an hour after he had been with her and told her he had just received letters from his father in which he acquainted him that Mrs Willis would in a few days have several foreign merchants in her house whom he had recommended to lodge with her and that his stay in Holland being protracted for some time longer he thought it would not be proper for miss Courteney to reside with Mrs Willis till his return as her house would be full of men
My father added Mr Bale
desires me to ask you miss whether you have any objection
to go into the country for a few weeks He has a distant relation a widow who lives at Hampstead with whom he says he will be glad to find you at his return he begs you will excuse his not writing to you having the gout still in his hand and desires me to assure you of his tenderest concern for your welfare
A week before Henrietta would have thought it a misfortune to have left Mrs Willis to go into any other lodging but she was so piqued by her behaviour that she heard this news without any uneasiness and told Mr Bale she would implicitly follow her guardians directions
He said he would conduct her to his cousins himself and took leave of her after he had desired her to be ready for her little journey the next day
Mrs Willis came up to her apartment soon after Mr Bale went away
I hear I am soon to lose you miss
said she entering Yes replied miss Courteney cooly
such is my guardians pleasure but
added she smiling
you will not miss me you will have other company
Other company repeated Mrs Willis
Mr Bale tells me said miss Courteney
that your house will be full soon some gentlemen
recommended by his father will be here
It is strange said Mrs Willis
that I should know nothing of it have you had a letter from your guardian miss
No replied miss Courteney
but his son has heard from him—But
pursued she after a little pause
it is strange as you say that you should not know you are to have new lodgers
Mrs Willis looked at her attentively as she spoke these words May I ask you miss said she the cause of your sudden removal
I know of none replied miss Courteney
but that my guardian thinks it will not be proper for me to stay among so many gentlemen as will shortly be your lodgers
I wish there had been a better reason than that
said Mrs Willis
for I am very sure I am to have no lodgers recommended by the elder Mr Bale otherwise I should have known it
Has not his son told you so asked miss Courteney in great confusion of thought
He told me nothing replied Mrs Willis but that you are to leave me tomorrow
Lord bless me cried the young lady in great emotion what can this mean
Suffer me said Mrs Willis looking on her with tenderness and concern
to ask you a few questions when you know my motives I am sure you will not think that it is an impertinent curiosity which makes me take this liberty but my anxiety for you
Dear madam interrupted miss Courteney
ask me what you please you alarm me excessively
I would not alarm you said Mrs Willis
but I will own to you that I have fears nay more that I have had doubts but I see I have been to blame with regard to the latter has Mr Bale shewn you his fathers letters miss
Shewn them to me repeated Henrietta
no—but sure—dear Mrs Willis explain yourself—I am ready to sink with the apprehensions you have raised in my mind
Compose yourself my dear said Mrs Willis drawing her chair nearer to her and taking her hand tenderly
I mean you well be assured I do and now I will tell you all that has been upon my mind for several days past Never did I imagine that I should entertain unfavourable suspicions of the son of my benefactor but indeed my dear miss
I am afraid he has not acted ingenuously by you
That moment a loud knocking at the door interrupted Mrs Willis She started from her chair Who can this be said she in some surprise I will go and see She ran hastily out of the room but returning again instantly Possibly said she
it may be Mr Bale remember miss that it is my advice to you not to leave my house if he should desire you at least till you have heard what I have to say
She uttered these words with extreme earnestness and concern and went immediately down stairs leaving Henrietta in an agony of doubt anxiety and astonishment
Her surprise kept her motionless in her chair till she was roused by the voice of a woman upon the stairs that led to her apartment whom she heard say with great haughtiness of accent
No there is no occasion for that ceremony I shall go in without introduction I assure you
She suddenly started from her chair and was going towards the door when she saw it •ung open with some violence and a lady of a 〈◊〉 disagreeable figure but richly dressed and in the utmost extremity of the fashion appear at the entrance
Miss Courteney recovering a little from her surprise looked at the lady in order to recollect whether she had ever seen her before but being wholly unacquainted with her features and observing that she stood still and gazed at her without speaking she concluded the visit could not be designed for her
I fancy madam said she approaching her
you are mistaken I am not the person you seek
No madam returned the lady with an emphasis I am not mistaken then throwing herself haughtily into a chair
I shall not ask your leave
said she with a malignant smile
to sit down in this apartment I may take that liberty with what belongs to Mr Bale—Do you know me pray madam
Not I truly replied miss Courteney indignation at this insolent treatment having banished her former terror and surprise and seating herself with a careless air just opposite to her
Pray let me know what is your business with me
said she
Port creature said the stranger affecting contempt while her lips quivered with rage and her whole frame seemed convulsed with the violence of her emotions
What you would
have me understand you to be a woman of fortune would you not—Upon my word
said she looking round her
this is a very handsome apartment Your dressingroom forsooth You have your forms no doubt and receive company in your dressingroom in a morning A very genteel dishabi• too and your face varnished over so nicely— Who would not conclude that white and re• to be natural
You are come here to insult me I find said Henrietta her fine face glowing with indignation—
I cannot imagine what cause I have given you for this strange rudeness I never as I can remember ever saw you before and insist upon your quitting my apartment You can have no business with me I am sure
Indeed but I have minx said the stranger with the pale rage of a fury
and my business is to turn you out of this apartment my fortune shall not be wasted in supporting such wretches
Your fortune cried miss Courteney in astonishment
What have I to do with 〈◊〉 or your fortune—Who are you
This moment Mrs Willis entered the room Excuse me ladies said she
I heard high words between you
Ladies interrupted the stranger
how dare you woman join me with such a creature—What business have you to intrude
Madam replied Mrs Willis
I came to inform this young lady my boarder who you are she does not know you—Miss this is young Mr Bales lady
What cried Henrietta in the utmost astonishment is Mr Bale married
Oh—you are surprised then said the lady with a sneer
disappointed too perhaps— You had the confidence I suppose to think he would have married you one of these days—Tell me you wicked thing did he ever give you such hopes—Oh I could tear his eyes out
said she rising and walking about the room like one frantick while the enormous length of her negligee swept the room like the train of a tragedyqueen—
A wretch to use me thus me who has brought him such a fortune But Ill be revenged he shall never have a quiet moment Ill make him know what it is to slight a woman of virtue
All this time Henrietta continued silent rooted in her chair and with difficulty restrained the anguish of her heart from rising to her eyes lest this outrageous woman of virtue should exult in her distress yet she saw that she was betrayed that Mr Bale had acted weakly if not basely▪ her reputation was ruined yet she would not stoop so low as to enter into any justification of herself to a woman who had treated her so cruelly upon a bare suspicion The pride of affronted virtue came to her aid against that torrent of overwhelming grief which had for some moments absorbed all her faculties she rose from her chair and approaching Mrs Bale
The error you are in said she
would have moved my compassion had you treated me with less insolence I scorn to undeceive you—Go learn from your husband who I am and blush if you can for the injurious language you have given a person as much your superior by birth as in that virtue perhaps of which you boast and which has not withheld you from such indecent transports of jealousy as it would become a virtuous woman to suppress
The superiority with which she spoke the dignity of her air and manner struck her meansouled adversary with such awe that she continued
silent for some moments with her haggard looks fixed on her Envy at the view of so lovely a form added new stings to her rage and jealousy At length she poured forth a torrent of reproaches with such eagernese of malice that her words were scarce intelligible
I am not used to scolding said miss Courteney calmly retiring towards her bedchamber
and you Mrs Bale seem to be an excellent scold
The lady provoked at this appellation employed the coarsest language imaginable to express her resentment of the injury but miss Courteney took shelter in her bedchamber the door of which she doublelocked
Insolent trollop said Mrs Bale raising her voice that she might hear her
call me scold I scorn your words you saucy impudent audacious hussy I never could scold in my life—no you dirty puss—I am a woman of breeding I am none of your beggarly quality I had forty thousand pounds to my portion you proud paultry minx—Scold call me a scold—
Pray madam compose yourself said Mrs Willis
and do me the favour to walk down into my parlour—Here is some mistake
I am pretty certain you have i•d this young lady by your suspicions
Young lady interrupted Mrs Bale
What makes her a lady—A fine world it is nowadays when beggars are called ladies I would fain know what fortune she has to put her upon a footing with ladies
I know nothing of her fortune madam said Mrs Willis
Fortune poor wretch said Mrs Bale
a few paultry hundreds—Such ladies▪ Suppose her grandfather was an earl has she a fortune answer me that
I dont know really replied Mrs Willis Well then said Mrs Bale
why do you give her a title she has no right to But why do I talk to you vile wretch you are my husbands confident
This thought renewed all her rage and she loaded Mrs Willis with such shocking in•tives that the poor woman could not refrain from tears
Your husbands father madam said she
has been a generous benefactor to me I consider that and will be patient under you• abuse
The word abuse was such a charge upon th• ladys want of breeding that she called M•
Willis a hundred saucy jades for daring to say that she was capable of abusing any body and having almost exhausted her spirits with the violence of her passions and finding that Mrs Willis sat silent and took no further notice of what she said she flounced out of the room declaring that her fatherinlaw should know that she acted as procuress for his son and that she should return to her rags and poverty again
Mrs Willis thought her behaviour dispensed with her from treating her with that respect which she would have otherwise paid to Mr Bales daughterinlaw and therefore did not offer to wait on her down stairs but rung the bell for somebody to attend her and locking the door after her she tapped gently at miss Courteneys chamberdoor telling her that Mrs Bale was gone
Who is this fury said the young lady as she came out
You have been treated very ill by her Mrs Willis I am sorry for it
And I am sorry for what you have suffered my dear miss
replied Mrs Willis
but Mr Bale is to blame for it all I am now sure you are entirely innocent
Innocent repeated miss Courteney with a sigh —
How low am I fallen when that
could ever be doubted But Mrs Willis you knew it seems that Mr Bale was married I am surprised you never mentioned his wife to me
And are you not surprised miss said Mr Willis
that Mr Bale never mentioned he• to you
To be sure that was very strange repiled Henrietta what could he mean by it
Ah miss said Mrs Willis
a very little reflection on Mr Bales behaviour might have informed you that he was in love with you
In love with me cried Henrietta blushing with shame and resentment
Yes said Mrs Willis
in love with you if that can be called love which seeks the ruin of its object I saw it in his looks his words cautious as they were his whole behaviour shewed it but too plainly
And this man married too cried Henrietta lifting up her eyes
To what have• by one rash step reduced myself But still Mrs Willis my first difficulty 〈◊〉 why did you avoid speaking of his wife to me
Hear me my dear with patience interrupted Mrs Willis
I shall be very f•e but my plainness ought not to offend you s•e
it is a mark of my sincerity
Mrs Willis paused here a moment and then proceeded as will be sound in the following chapter
YOU may remember I told you soon after you came here that before I went to Leghorn I heard Mr Bale was courting the daughter of a rich citizen I had been returned but three or four days when he came to me to know if I could accommodate a young lady a ward of his fathers with lodging and board to which I readily consented
It is no flattery miss to tell you that when I saw you I was charmed with your person and behaviour your beauty and Mr Bales extreme assiduity made it seem highly probable that he loved you I set myself to examine his behaviour and the observations I made on it confirmed my suspicions I had then heard nothing of his being married having upon my return been so taken up with
my domestick affairs that I had no leisure to make or receive visits from which I could receive any information concerning what had happened in my absence
I was a little surprised to find that you had been introduced to me under a feigned name and that you were not called Benson but Courteney However I made no reflections upon that circumstance till about t•d•s afterwards I accidentally heard that Mr Bale had been married two months then it was that in my astonishment at his so contiously avoiding any mention of his wife I was led to reflect upon what you yourself had informed me of your situation your flight from your friends Mr Bales apparent tenderness for you awakened suspicions I own it disadvantageous to you
I waited impatiently for the ho• of Mr Bales visiting you and the moment I saw him wished him joy on his marriage expressing my surprise that I should not have heard of that event from himself He coloured and seemed in great confusion and after a little pause Have you said any thing of it to miss Courteney said he
I replied that I had heard the news but an hour before and had not seen you since
You will oblige me said he if you will not mention it to her— I stared— My wife continued he is the most unreasonable woman in the world she has taken it into her head to be horribly jealous of me though we have been married so short a time— It was a match and he sighed of my fathers making — but I assure you I am very unhappy
I am sorry for it sir interrupted I but what reasons have you for concealing from miss Courteney that you are married
It is a sad thing Mrs Willis said he when a man is not master in his own family I hope that is not your case sir answered I Indeed but it is he replied Miss Courteney you know is agreeable Oh very agreeable said I My wife is of such an unaccountable humour resumed he that I durst not offer miss Courteney though my father is her guardian an asylum in my house till her relations were reconciled to her lest I should be teazed with jealousy and suspicions
I am persuaded sir said I that miss Courteney has too much good sense to take 〈◊〉•iss that you did not invite her to your house as things were circumstanced She has more reason to be displeased at your concealing your marriage from her which every body knows and which she would soon know if she lived less retired
Let me intreat you Mrs Willis said he not to mention it to miss Courteney I would not upon any account that she should know I am married yet could not offer her an apartment in my house
Indeed sir said I smiling you make 〈◊〉 matter of more consequence than you need to do miss Courteney will not consider it as any slight to her
She must either think herself slighted resumed he with quickness by my not invis• her or she will divine the reason which would be worse for in that case her delicacy is so extreme that she would never allow me to see her
Ah thought I is it so He perceived he had almost betrayed himself and changed the discourse asking me many questions about my husband whose diligence and fidelity he highly extolled dropping hints of designs in his savour
and indeed it is in his power to be of great service to him
But I had no satisfaction pursued Mrs Willis
in what he said for to my apprehension it appeared as if he sought to bribe me into a concurrence with his designs whatever they were Therefore I sat silent and I believe discovered by my looks that I did not like his proceedings for he rose up and with an air of some resentment said
That his father would be in town in a few days and would then dispose of you properly and that in the mean time he must insist upon my being silent with regard to his marriage since it would throw him into great confusion if you knew it and added that he thought he might reasonably expect this instance of my complaisance
I told him that I was very glad to hear his father would be in town so soon and would take the young lady under his own care that since he desired it I would not be the first to acquaint you with his marriage I owned his reasons appeared to me very whimsical but that it was not my business to be impertinently curious and that I should concern myself no farther about it
He seemed pleased with this indifference and went up stairs to see you I had already taken my resolution my dear miss Courteney which was to write to his father and acquaint him with the whole transaction I was willing to leave the young gentleman in a false security that he might not suspect my design and take measures to render it useless and not being sure how far even you might be trusted for my suspicions of you though weakened were not yet removed I thought it best to say nothing that could alarm you till I had received the old gentlemans advice how to act but my measures were broke by Mr Bales resolving to take you from my house
He came into the parlour to me today before you saw him and told me that he had directions from his father to send you into the country because he did not expect to return for some time yet and he did not approve of your residing in London till he came
You may easily imagine miss that I was not satisfied with the cause he assigned for this sudden resolution I was now alarmed for you and judged it necessary to acquaint you immediately with Mr Bales being married that
you might not fall ignorantly into his snares I began with asking you questions to which the openness and simplicity of your answers convinced me that you were imposed upon greatly by Mr Bale I was going to explain myself clearly when Mrs Bales arrival interrupted me You know with what earnestness I intreated you not to leave my house I was apprehensive that he was come to hurry you away and I trembled for the danger to which you were exposed
When I left you I met Mrs Bale upon the stairs and not knowing her I asked who it was she desired to see The young woman that lodges with you said she in a tone of voice that surprised me I told her I would go and acquaint you that there was a lady wanted to speak to you but she rushed by me saying there is no need of that ceremony I shall introduce myself
Her behaviour recalling to my mind what Mr Bale had said of his wifes jealousy I suspected this was the lady and to be assured I enquired of a servant who attended her who she was The moment I knew it was really her I flew up stairs being full of concern for you for I saw a storm in her
countenance and dreaded the consequence— The poor young man is indeed plagued with a jealous wife and in that particular he told the truth But my dear miss I see plainly that the mystery he has made of his connexions with you has rouzed her suspicions
It is all an incomprehensible mystery to me
said Henrietta sighing
Mr Bale has certainly deceived me for what purposes I know not but I know that I will never see him again but in the presence of his father to have this dark affair cleared up
But my dear Mrs Willis how shall I express what my heart feels for you who have shewn so tender a regard for my honour and quiet— How miserable might I have been had you been less good—I am sure I may rely upon your prudence— Advise me then what to do you know my story you see my present situation— I have no friend no protector
My dear miss interrupted Mrs Willis
there is but one thing for you to do and that is to return to your aunt
How can I appear before her said Henrietta
after having so greatly disobliged her
by my flight a flight which has had such disgraceful consequences Besides do not the same motives that obliged me to leave her still subsist and are they not equally strong against my returning
I would not pain you my dear miss said Mrs Willis
with the recollection of a past error were it not to make it useful to you in your present circumstances— Warned as you were of your aunts designs it was impossible to carry them into execution without your concurrence your flight therefore was not necessary and if not necessary surely it was highly imprudent and in my opinion can only be repaired by a voluntary return— Need I tell a young lady of your delicacy that imputations however unjust fully if they do not stain a character Do you think this womans frantic jealousy will be silent how can you otherwise prove the falshood of her assertions than by returning to your aunt and making yourself accountable to her for all your actions Nothing can be more unfortunate for youth and beauty than to be left to its own guidance and discretion The world seldom attributes too much prudence to youth however regular our conduct may be in that
gay time of life it is supposed to be owing to the care and attention of our parents or relations rather than to our own circumspection Can a young woman who voluntarily sets herself free from that restraint hope to escape unfavourable censures when those who owe it to chance only that they are not subjected to any control suffer perhaps in the opinion of the world because they are possessed of a liberty which they may make an improper use of
You see my dear to what inconveniencies you have been exposed these are the necessary consequences of your unprotected state there is no doubt but you would repel every attempt to the prejudice of your honour but does not modesty if not virtue suffer by such attempts and can you acquit yourself of imprudence when you reflect that you have thrown yourself into a situation which renders you liable to them
It was indeed said Henrietta who by her blushes and confusion acknowledged the strength of her reasons
imprudence to throw myself into this situation but it would be guilt to continue in it Oh that I had had such a friend as you to advise with at Windsor I
should never have taken a step which I blush to think of now I will return to my aunt Mrs Willis I will throw myself upon her mercy and if I must be made a sacrifice of —
Indeed my dear interrupted Mrs Willis these fears are groundless you cannot possibly be married against your consent and you have it always in your power to refuse As for the convent you cannot be cheated into it that is certain since you know she had such a design and may guard against it
But suppose said miss Courteney that she should not receive me again Mr Bale found her inexorable
Ah my dear replied Mrs Willis shaking her head
Mr Bale was not a fit person to be trusted with such a negociation but however that may be I am sure when your aunt knows in what manner he has acted and the reasons you have to distrust him she will think it necessary to take you out of his hands Your return to her will remove her suspicions against you and convince her that it was from a sudden impulse of fear only that you left her and that you had no desire of
disposing of yourself contrary to her inclinations
But I have one savour to beg of you said miss Courteney and that is that you will go along with me to my aunt resentment may shut her ears to all that I can say to her but I think she cannot resist your pleas urged with that good sense you possess in so high a degree
Doubt not my dear said Mrs Willis but I am ready to do you any service in my power
What hinders us then from going directly cried Henrietta eagerly
we can get a postchaise and —
The day is too far advanced replied Mrs Willis we will if you please set out early tomorrow morning I will take care to have a postchaise in readiness in the mean time you may depend upon being secure from any disagreeable visits here neither Mr Bale nor his fury of a wife shall see you unless you desire they should
Notwithstanding the treatment she gave me said miss Courteney I would rather see her than him but you may well imagine Mrs Willis that I do not wish to see either of them
Make yourself easy my dear said Mrs Willis you shall meet with no insult of any kind in my house
Henrietta embraced her with tears of gratitude which the good woman returned with a parental tenderness and then left her to give the necessary directions for their little journey the next day
HENRIETTA being now left to her own reflections beheld her late conduct in a light in which it had never appeared to her before the sense of blame so justly incurred filled her with remorse and shame Hitherto she had industriously aggravated the cause of her fears that she might not stand selfcondemned which to an ingenuous mind is of all others the greatest evil but Mrs Willis had stated her case too justly
What force could give her unwilling hand to the old baronet How could she be cheated into
a convent when she was forewarned of the design From her obstinate opposition to her aunts will nothing worse could have happened than the loss of her favour and protection which by her flight she had anticipated She now wondered at the unreasona•••ness of her fears and looked back with the deepest regret upon the errors they had occasioned
These melancholy thoughts and her anxiety about the reception her aunt would give her kept her waking almost the whole night As soon as it was light she rose and dressed herself impatient to be gone Mrs Willis at her summons made haste to join her and when they had breakfasted set out immediately upon their journey Henrietta full of perturbation and enquietude Mrs Willis with that ••••ity which attends the consciousness of doing what is right
The young lady as she drew nearer her aunts dwelling found her emotions increase one while her imagination represented lady Meadows as kind and indulgent ready to forgive her error and to restore her to her affection and immediately after she would tremble with the apprehension of her severe reproaches
Mrs Willis perceived her unea••ness and used her utmost endeavours to compose 〈◊〉
but when the chaise stopped at the door she was near falling into a fainting fit and her friend was obliged to ask if lady Meadows was at home for Henrietta was not able to speak
The servantmaid who opened the door having got a glympse of the young lady as she sat in the chaise eagerly flew to the side of it— O my dear miss said she in a transport of joy is it you
How do you do Jenny said miss Courteney and trembling added is my aunt at home
My lady said the girl
set out two days ago for her seat in Devonshire Oh miss here has been sad doings poor Mrs White is turned away there came an ugly mischiefmaking lady from London and told my lady a heap of stories about you and so Mrs White was turned away but wont you please to alight miss
Henrietta looked at Mrs Willis for she knew not herself what to resolve on the news she had heard having thrown her into the utmost perplexity — I wish we could see Mrs White said Mrs Willis to her in a whisper
Miss Courteney immediately enquired of the maid how long Mrs White had left her aunt and where she was to be found The girl told
her she had been gone above a week and that she believed she was at her sisters in Windsor Henrietta had often heard her mention her sister who was married to a tradesman in Windsor and after she had taken leave of the poor affectionate girl who wept to see her depart again she gave the postboy directions where to drive
Mrs White when the chaise stopped at the door heard from a little parlour where she was sitting the voice of miss Courteney enquiring for her and flew with trembling eagerness to meet her
Oh miss said she taking her hand and leading her into the room
I am rejoiced to see you where have you been all this time —What an unfortunate creature was I to be the means of your taking such a rash resolution — Oh that I had kept what I knew to myself— But surely it was very unkind in you not to acquaint me with your design not to ask my advice I might have prevented all this trouble but thank Heaven you are safe and well—well I see you are
Henrietta then interrupting the good woman who between chiding and fondness had taken no notice of Mrs Willis
That I am safe said she I am obliged to this gentlewoman
for some strange treachery was preparing for me I believe but her care has prevented it
Treachery interrupted Mrs White—
Aye you have met with enough of that I suppose there was your newfound friend and acquaintance miss—I forget her name whom you told all your secrets to you made no scruple to trust her miss though you was so reserved to me she was the occasion of my losing my place Ah miss but I will not upbraid you I see you are concerned God forbid I should add to your uneasiness I have suffered greatly upon your account It was very unkind in you to put it in the power of a stranger to do me so much mischief surely I did not deserve such a return from you But God knows my heart I would not upbraid you for the world no I scorn it but I have been the greatest sufferer I am sure and yet I meant well
Was not the ladys name Woodby interrupted Henrietta impatient to hear the particulars of this new act of treachery and baseness
Aye Woodby replied Mrs White
a disagreeable creature as ever my eyes beheld I shall never forget how she sidled into my ladys dressingroom and half out of breath
told her she had taken the liberty to wait on her to bring her some news of her niece I could not hear distinctly all she said for my lady ordered me to withdraw but I put my ear to the keyhole as I had done once before for your service miss which I have reason to repent Heaven knows— but what is past cannot be helped— it is not my way to rip up things that are past
Well said Henrietta
but what did you hear
Nay for that matter resumed Mrs White
I may draw myself into another prem••e perhaps after what I have suffered I ought to be cautious but I love you miss and must tell you every thing whatever it cost me and that you have experienced already Well she made up a horrible story that you had gone away suddenly from lodgings where she visited you and notwithstanding the friendship there was between you and a great clutter she made with that word you went away without giving her any notice of your intention and this she said had a strange appearance
Miss Courteney lifted up her eyes here in astonishment at what she heard
As for me continued Mrs White
she did my business in an instant for as soon as she
was gone my lady sent for me and in a violent rage told me I should not stay another night in her house She was informed she said that I had been the cause of your running away by filling your head with notions of her designing to confine you in a convent She would hear nothing that I could say in my own defence and dismissed me that very evening
I am excessively sorry said Henrietta
that you should suffer so much on my account —It was indeed very imprudent in me to be so communicative to miss Woodby but I could not imagine she was capable of so much treachery
But how have you been able to conceal yourself so well miss from the enquiries of all your friends
said Mrs White
Mr Bale it seems your guardians son knew not where to find you
Did Mr Bale say he knew not where I was
cried miss Courteney in astonishment
He told Mr Danvers so replied Mrs White
who went several times by my ladys orders to enquire for you
Was there ever such complicated treachery
said Henrietta looking at Mrs Willis with tears in her eyes
Well my
dear
said the good woman
there is at least this advantage in misfortunes that they bring us at last to wisdom You will for the future be more cautious how you engage in such perilous enterprizes
Ay miss said Mrs White
and how you trust false friends to the prejudice of your true ones—You see what it has cost me— but no more of that— I can forget and forgive
Well and what is now to be done said miss Courteney folding her hands with a melancholy air
It is easy to answer that question said Mrs Willis
you must write to your aunt my dear and give her an account of all that has happened to you There is certainly something to condemn in what you have done but in what you have suffered there is much to be pitied I am persuaded her tenderness will silence her resentment I hoped to have left you with your aunt miss
continued Mrs Willis
but since that cannot be you will return with me I suppose
To be sure I will said miss Courteney
with whom in my present situation can I be so happy as with you
Mrs White desired she might be permitted to come and see her to which Henrietta readily consented promising if she was reconciled to her aunt to use her utmost endeavours to reinstate her in her place
THE two ladies being again seated in their postchaise Mrs Willis kindly applied herself to comfort her fair companion whose affecting silence shewed a deeper sense of her new disappointment than any words could express However miss Courteney felt in reality lower perturbations and less anxiety in her return than when she began her journey So true it is that when we hope little we fear little likewise
She now looked upon her aunts affection as irrecoverable miss Woodbys vile insinuations had strengthened her suspicions Mr Bale when he found himself detected would doubtless account for his behaviour in a manner un••vourable to her her unhappy flight had given such a colour to her succeeding actions as rendered
any justification of herself hopeless and the insidious chaplain might now with case confirm those prejudices he had raised
In this manner she reasoned herself into a belief that her misfortune was irremediable despair as an ingenious writer† observes being that ease to the mind which mortification is to the flesh Henrietta found some relief in being freed from that vicissitude of hopes and fears which had so long held her mind in the most racking suspence and with a kind of gloomy satisfaction resigned herself to all the bitterness of her fate
Mrs Willis who knew not the peculiarities of lady Meadowss temper or if she had would not perhaps have considered that obstinate people are ever most obstinate in error thought all things might be set right again by miss Courteneys giving a candid narrative of what had happened to her since her leaving her she therefore pressed the young lady to delay writing to her aunt no longer than the next day
There are some cases said Mrs Willis to her when she saw her sitting down to write
in which simplicity is the greatest refinement of art yours is one of them be as simple and
ingenuous as you can in the account you give your aunt and let the facts speak for themselves
Henrietta followed her advice and related every part of her conduct since she had left her and the treachery and deceit that had been used towards her with the utmost plainness and sincerity and saw that she had made her letter more affecting by its simplicity than she could have done by the nicest touches of art Mrs Willis read it and approved of it and it was immediately dispatched to the post
Scarce was this little affair over when Mr Bale sent in his name
I like this piece of ceremony said Mrs Willis
it looks as if the man was ashamed of what he has done do you chuse to see him miss
Oh no replied Henrietta
it would be strange indeed if I was willing to see a man whom you suspect of having such shocking designs and who I am sure has not acted honestly
Well then said Mrs Willis
I will go down to him and hear what he has to say
She returned again in less than an hour smiling This young man said she
does not want sense what would you say miss
if I was to tell you that he has persuaded me he has acted very right and with the best intentions in the world
I should say that I am less unhappy than I thought I was
replied miss Courteney
for surely it is a great misfortune to meet with persons who abuse our confidence and the good opinion we have of them
That misfortune said Mrs Willis
will in time become so common that you will feel it less sensibly than you do now The only way to avoid being deceived is to be always upon your guard against deceit
That is to say I must be always suspicious said Henrietta
that may be a very prudent maxim but my heart disavows it
Alas my dear replied Mrs Willis
we all enter upon the world with high notions of disinterestedness friendship sincerity and candor but experience shows us that these qualities exist not or among so very few that it does not fall to the lot of one mortal in a thousand to meet with them in those we contract friendships with The frequent disappointments we suffer in the search of them make suspicion grow into a habit of thinking which if it lessens our enjoyments lessens our inconveniencies likewise
Then I said miss Courteney
shall be always exposed to inconveniencies for I am sure I can never bring myself to suspect persons who appear deserving of my good opinion and indeed I think it is more honourable to be often deceived than to be always doubting
But it is not so safe replied Mrs Willis smiling
however my dear in unexperienced youth like yours this way of thinking is meritorious the faults of the world can only be learned by a long acquaintance with it and by suffering from that acquaintance Those who derive this kind of knowledge from the heart rather than the head are indeed safe themselves but dangerous to all others
But I will keep you no longer in suspense with regard to Mr Bale He has glossed over his behaviour so as to make me appear satisfied with it which indeed it is necessary I should if I would not wish to make an enemy of him and a very powerful one he might be to my husband
He asked for you as soon as he saw me and did not seem surprised at the very slight excuse I made for your not seeing him He expressed great concern for the treatment you had received from his wife for in her frantic rage it
seems she told him all that had passed between you
You find said he
I did not exaggerate my wifes failing
It is a great misfortune replied I
but sir I think if you had not made a secret of your connections with miss Courteney Mrs Bales jealousy would not have had so plausible an excuse nor would the young lady have had any reason to complain of you
I should have found it absolutely impossible said he
to have concerned myself in miss Courteneys affairs or been of the least use to her had my wife known any thing of the matter the very fight of miss Courteney would have roused her suspicions and have put it out of my power to act either as a friend or guardian by her and in her unhappy situation she had great need of my care and attention
However sir replied I
it was certainly ill judged to conceal from miss Courteney that you was married what must she think of such a strange conduct
Why Mrs Willis resumed he
I have already told you that I could not own my marriage to miss Courteney without letting her into my reasons for not being able to offer her an asylum in my house during her aunts displeasure
an offer she had great reason to expect I was unwilling to expose my wifes foible and to raise scruples in the young ladys mind which might prevent her from receiving those little services from me which she had so much need of I hope you will represent all this to her and let her know how greatly I am afflicted at what she has suffered
To be sure I will replied I but miss Courteney tells me you have received letters from Mr Bale in which he acquaints you that there are some foreign merchants coming to reside in my house and that she was to be removed for that reason I surprised her greatly by saying I had heard nothing of it and indeed I am a good deal surprised myself at it
Why to be plain with you Mrs Willis said the young gentleman
this was only an invention
Indeed said I looking very grave
to be sure you had some good reason for it
Doubtless I had pursued he
and you yourself shall be judge of my reason—This is a bad world Mrs Willis a very bad world nothing but stratagems and designs fraud and cunning Our sex Mrs Willis is in a state of war with yours our arms are sighs and
vows and flattery and protestation and as in all other warfares we fight to destroy
Bless us interrupted Henrietta half smiling what could this fine preface lead to
I protest resumed Mrs Willis laughing
it was with the utmost difficulty I composed my countenance to a look of grave attention while he uttered all this with a solemn accent and an air of infinite importance
Truly sir replied I for so young a gentleman you think very gravely of these matters it is highly commendable in one of your years
Heaven forbid Mrs Willis said he
that all men should be libertines but in short it was to preserve miss Courteney from falling into the snares of one that I formed an excuse for sending her into the country
Vile dissembler exclaimed miss Courteney again glowing with indignation
preserve me from falling into the snares of a libertine I hope my own discretion without any aid from him was sufficient to guard me against any snares that a libertine could lay for me
I hope so too said Mrs Willis
Henrietta blushed a little at this expression which seemed she thought to imply a doubt but would not interrupt Mrs Willis again
I told you that this gentleman was very artful
continued the good woman
as you will be convinced by the story he told
You must know said he to me looking extremely wise and lowering his voice
that when I waited upon miss Courteney at the lodgings she had taken after she left her aunt I observed a fine gay young man there who followed me when I went out and looked at me in a manner that shewed great curiosity and attention It came into my head that this might be the spark of whom miss Courteneys aunt was apprehensive I discovered that he lodged in the house with the young lady and this circumstance I liked by no means I resolved to remove her immediately and place her with you she so readily consented to my proposal that I doubted whether I had not been extremely mistaken in my conjectures concerning this young gentleman but a day or two after she was settled with you my spark came to enquire for her at my house now it was plain that miss Courteney held some correspondence with him otherwise he could not have known where to come after her
I happened not to be at home and the servants told him that no such person was
there He came several times and was always answered in the same manner His enquiries at length reached the ears of my wife she desired he might be shewn up to her apartment when he came next and it was from him that she learned miss Courteney was under my care
To one of her temper it was enough to know that I had the management of a ladys affairs to make her suspect that I had a more than ordinary interest in the lady herself But she concealed her thoughts from me and I who was wholly ignorant that this gentleman had seen my wife was only concerned at the connexion there seemed to be between miss Courteney and him and therefore fixed upon that stratagem to remove her out of his reach without giving her any suspicions of the cause
I have since enquired about the gentleman and I hear that he is a man of quality and that he is shortly to be married to a great fortune Judge now whether his designs on miss Courteney could be honourable▪ and whether I had not reason to act as I did with regard to sending her away
And now my dear added Mrs Willis smiling
did you ever hear a more plausible tale
I have somewhere read it observed replied Henrietta
that we are better deceived by having some truth told us than none Mr Bale has put this maxim in practice his tale is plausible because part of it is true but his inferences are all false and their cause lies too deep for me to discover it
She then related succinctly all that had passed in the house of Mrs Eccles and that she had earnestly intreated Mr Bale to dispose of her elsewhere being resolved after the affront that had been offered to her to remain there no longer She added that the young lord having hinted his suspicions that Mr Bale was her lover she thought herself obliged to tell him his name and explain the nature of his connexions with her that she might not by going away with a person unknown leave room for calumny to slander her
Mrs Willis was charmed with this candid account of her conduct which overthrew all Mr Bales insinuations She embraced her with great tenderness
All will soon be set right said she your aunt will receive you
with redoubled affection
Miss Courteney sighed but having already taken her resolution she was prepared for whatever events might happen
TWO days afterwards a letter was brought by the post for miss Courteney the direction was in her aunts hand she opened it with some trepidation and found it as follows
HENRIETTA
FOR niece I cannot after what has happened call you— If you had not by the highest imprudence that any young woman could be guilty of given too much •••our for the shocking censures that are cast on you I might perhaps have been deceived by your plausible account of things I am sorry to find you have acquired so much art it is but too sure a proof that you are less innocent
yet it would be easy for me to take to pieces every part of your defence and shew you the absurdity of it but this is needless for whether you are innocent or guilty you have greatly wounded your reputation and I can no longer with honour consider you or treat you as my niece
There is but one way left by which you can retrieve your fame and my affection motives which ought to have some weight with you but infinitely less than the desire of securing your salvation
I hoped and believed your conversion was near completed and doubtless it would have been had not your passions intervened
If you will retire to a convent and put yourself into a way of being instructed in the true religion I will pay your pension largely and the day that sees you reunited to the faith shall see you restored to my fondest affection and made sole heiress to my whole estate Consider well before you determine and know that upon any other terms than these you must not hope for farther notice from me
F MEADOWS
Although several parts of this letter were extremely shocking both to the delicacy and pride of Henrietta yet the shining bribe that was offered her to procure her apostasy made a large compensation She had now an opportunity given her of making a worthy sacrifice to the religion she believed and professed a circumstance that exalted her in her own opinion for her selflove had been deeply wounded by the humiliations she had undergone and as great delicacy always suffers most so it enjoys most from its own reflection
She was not free from a little enthusiasm that told her it was glorious to suffer in the cause of religion nor so disinterested as not to feel great pleasure in the thought of being able to free her moral character from injurious suspicions by so firm an attachment to her religious principles
Her impatience to answer her aunts letter would not allow her time to communicate to Mrs Willis the contents of it but as soon a• she had done writing she sent for the goo• woman and put lady Meadowss letter into he• hands with such an air of conscious satisfa•tion as persuaded her the so much desired ••conciliation was effected but when upon rea•ing the letter she found her mistake she thr••
it down and in a melancholy accent and a look that expressed the most anxious curiosity asked her how she had resolved
Read this said Henrietta giving her the letter she had written I am sure you will not disapprove of what I have done Mrs Willis read it eagerly and found it as follows
MADAM
IT is a great grief to me to find that your affection is irrecoverable for at the price you have set upon it I must ever deem it so If my defence seems absurd madam it is because truth is too weak to combat prejudice I leave it to time and my future conduct to clear my innocence and am resolved never to give a confirmation to those aspersions which are cast on my character by sacrificing my religion to my interest
That poverty which happily is become my choice will be my best vindication and if it affords me no other blessing but that of a good conscience it will bestow on me the highest that is attainable in this life and which will enable me to bear chearfully all the misfortunes that may befal me among which I shall always look upon the loss of your esteem
as the greatest I am madam with all due gratitude and respect your obliged and very humble servant
HENRIETTA COURTENEY
I must approve nay admire your resolution miss
said Mrs Willis returning the letter
and if you persist in it you will appear to me a wonder
Do you doubt my persisting in it replied Henrietta
When I consider said Mrs Willis
your birth your youth your beauty and the expectations you have been encouraged to entertain I know it must cost you a great deal to throw away the advantages that are offered you and which possibly you might secure by temporising at least
Dissimulation interrupted Henrietta
on any occasion is mean and scandalous but in matters of religion it is surely a heinous crime and I hope I am far enough from committing it but I own I have many motives to stimulate my resolution
My own imprudence and the treachery of others have given a wound to my reputation which a voluntary poverty can only repair
In this licentious age she who with youth and even the slightest advantages of person dares to be poor deserves surely to be thought virtuous and I shall ever acknowledge the bounty of Providence that amidst the unjust censures which have been cast on me has made an humble lot my choice
I am satisfied interrupted Mrs Willis
reason I see has a greater share in your so lately formed resolution than the zeal of enthusiasm or the suggestions of vanity and you may believe me a true friend to your fame when I heartily congratulate you on your present situation And now my dear miss suffer me to assure you of my tenderest friendship a friendship which cannot be contented with bare professions and insists upon your putting it to some trial
Tell me how I can serve you O that you would honour me so far as to let this house be your asylum till fortune does justice to your merit Condescend to live with me my dear miss and share my little income
You are very kind dear Mrs Willis replied Henrietta
but my circumstances will not permit me to continue your boarder and no distress shall oblige me to be burthensome to a friend I have already resolved how to
dispose of myself and in the scheme I have formed I shall need your assistance
Tell me my dear cried Mrs Willis eagerly how I can be of any use to you
You must replied Henrietta blushing a little
you must get me a service my dear Mrs Willis
A service exclaimed the good woman
I am very well qualified resumed Henrietta recovering from her first confusion and smiling
to wait upon a woman of fashion for my mother gave me a useful as well as genteel education and this station will be at once private enough to secure me from disagreeable accidents and publick enough to make my conduct acquit or condemn me
I will not added she observing Mrs Willis continued silent
offer myself to any place by my own name that would look like an insult upon my great relations and be perhaps an obstruction to my success It is sufficient for me that whenever I am discovered it may be in circumstances at which they not I need be ashamed
When I first heard you mention this scheme
said Mrs Willis
I thought I could never be brought to approve it but a little reflection has convinced me that it may
have good consequences You cannot be long concealed that graceful form will soon draw notice upon you Whenever you are known to be in a station so unworthy your birth and merit the pride of your relations will be rouzed How glorious then will this humiliation be for you Methinks I see their confusion for their neglect of you and their eagerness to repair it by restoring you to the rank you was born in— Oh my dear you will certainly be happy yet I am sure you will
Henrietta smiled a little at the good womans sanguine expectations but in reality the same thoughts had made a great impression upon her and contributed more than she imagined to allay the uneasiness she felt at being reduced to take such a step By degrees she formed in her own mind so romantick a scene that she grew impatient to enter upon it and again intreated the assistance of Mrs Willis
The good woman telling her that a cousin of her husbands was a sackmaker and in great vogue at the court end of the town it was agreed that she should go to her and engage her good offices towards recommending the young lady to a place it being very likely that
among her customers who were mostly women of quality she might hear of one that would suit her
MRS Willis succeeded beyond her hopes the mantuamaker had been desired by a lady she worked for to look out for a genteel young person to serve her in the quality of her woman and promised her cousin that she would mention her friend to the lady the next day being to wait on her with some cloaths that were to be tried on She added that the lady was a citizen but had an immense fortune and that her place was certainly a very good one
Henrietta seemed very well pleased with her landladys success though she was not free from some uneasy perturbations at the thoughts of the condition she was so soon to enter upon
Mrs Measure did not fail to visit her cousin the next day
Well said she I have done the young gentlewomans business she has
nothing to do but to wait upon miss Cordwain and if she likes her figure she will hire her directly
Why pray replied Mrs Willis
what kind of figure will best please this lady
Oh cried Mrs Measure
miss Cordwains woman must be very genteel and look like a gentlewoman the richer she is dressed too when she goes to wait on her the better Every thing about miss Cordwain must be magnificent Well
pursued she laughing and taking a pinch of snuff which produced several little pauses in her discourse
it is really surprising to see these little cits how they mimick people of quality—They must be so extravagantly in the fashion—I vow and protest the negligee I tried on miss Cordwain today had a train three yards and a half long
Henrietta that moment entering the room Mrs Willis seeing her cousin was surprised at her appearance said this is the young gentlewoman who wants a place
The mantuamaker upon this information resumed her familiar look and manner and throwing herself again upon her chair took a full survey of the young lady who thanked her with some hesitation and a blush that crimsoned
over her face for the service she had done her
I have just been telling my cousin said Mrs Measure
that miss Cordwain the lady I have recommended you to maam is very hard to be pleased Her woman must look like a lady forsooth she has refused three that went to see her place one because she had a red hand it looked she said as if the creature had stood at a washtub another because she went to be hired in a linen gown and the third because she had lived with nobody of higher rank than a baronets wife— But I am sure she can have no objection to you maam unless perhaps she may think you too handsome Do you take snuff maam
offering her box which Henrietta civilly declined
But dear maam pursued the mantuamaker
who makes your cloaths I never saw any thing so frightful as the slope of that ruffle then such a horrid sleeve it is well you are naturally genteel
Henrietta slightly bowed in return for this compliment and asked her at what hour it would be proper to wait upon miss Cordwain
About one oclock in the forenoon replied Mrs Measure
thats her breakfast time Her father honest man is in his warehouse before six But this is his only daughter and he expects she will be a duchess or countess at least— She has fifty thousand pounds
Where does the lady live asked Henrietta
Here in one of your filthy lanes replied the mantuamaker
I forget the name of it but every body knows Mr Cordwain the packer
She then rose up made one of her best courtesies and hurried into a chair that was waiting for her for this polite mantuamaker was above visiting her customers in a hackney coach and this insolence was such a proof of her excellence in her business that few ever scrupled to pay for it
HEnrietta having summoned all her resolution that she might acquit herself with propriety of the task she had undertaken prepared the next day to wait upon miss Cordwain She remembered the mantuamakers hint and therefore avoided any studied simplicity in her dress but no apparel however mean could have hid that noble air or disguised that native elegance so conspicuous throughout her whole person
As soon as she was ready she stepped in to Mrs Williss parlour and while a coach was sent for assumed a more than ordinary chearfulness in her discourse with the good woman for she was extremely desirous of concealing the emotions she felt upon this mortifying occasion and affected a most heroick indifference while inly she suffered all that a mind de••cate and sensible as hers could feel
Mrs Willis followed her to the door with tears in her eyes The young lady stepped into the coach smiled a farewel and ordered
the coachman to drive to Mr Cordwains A few minutes brought her to the house and the servant of whom she enquired if miss Cordwain was at home having shewn her into a parlour bowed and withdrew
Miss Cordwain being informed that a lady enquired for her ordered her admittance and the same servant returning conducted Henrietta to her dressingroom
Miss Cordwain who was still lingering over her teatable with a female acquaintance rose up at Henriettas graceful entrance and receiving her with a low courtesy offered her an armchair at the upperend of the room
Henrietta conscious of the error she had committed in not making use of the mantuamakers name before blushed a little at this reception which was not suitable to the character she was to appear in and declining the chair Mrs Measure madam said she She could utter no more than those two words but they were sufficient to give miss Cordwain to understand her business
The haughty citizen was excessively shocked to find she had been betrayed by the figure of Henrietta into so improper an instance of respect and that the person she took for a lady of distinction was the young woman who had been
recommended to her service thought to recover the dignity which she conceived she had lost from this mistake by assuming an imperious air and an insolent accent
Who did you live with last said she to Henrietta throwing herself again into her chair and glancing her over with a supercilious eye
I hope it was with a woman of quality you will not do for me I can tell you if you have not been used to attend upon persons of rank
Henrietta notwithstanding the confusion she was under at acting so strange a part could not help being diverted with the pride of this daughter of trade
I am afraid madam said she
I shall not be worthy of your place for I never lived in the service of any woman of quality nor indeed in any other
What you are a gentlewoman I suppose interrupted miss Cordwain drawling out the word gentlewoman
and now I remember Measure told me you had never been in service Well that does not signify I have no objection to your having been a gentlewoman you may be the better servant for what I know For to say the truth
said she addressing herself to her companion
those sort of poor
gentlewomen when they are reduced as they call it to wait upon us who could buy their whole generation often know their distance better and are more humble than such as have been bred to service
Oh said the other lady with an applauding smile
ever while you live madam chuse a gentlewoman for your maid There is alderman Fig the grocers lady I have heard He often declare she never was so well served as when colonel Nobles daughter waited on her The colonel was killed in the last war and as those folks you know have seldom any thing to leave their families his fine gay daughters were obliged to go to service after his death and did very well but some body left them ten thousand pounds a piece and spoiled two excellent servants by making them gentlewomen again
Nay if they had fortunes left them replied miss Cordwain why you know then they had a right to be called gentlewomen
Well child pursued she turning to Henrietta
as I told you before I have no objection to your having been a gentlewoman for I am resolved never to have any other to wait on me I shall take you upon Measures
recommendation and the sooner you come the better
Henrietta who had really enjoyed the conversation that had passed between these two ladies told her that she would come whenever she pleased and it being agreed she should come the following day that she might dress her new lady for a cityfeast she courtesied profoundly low and withdrew
Henrietta whose imagination was naturally lively and not wholly free from those romantic notions which persons of her age readily admit began to consider her transformation from the niece of lady Meadows and a presumptive heiress into the waitingmaid of a cit as one of those caprices of fate which never fail to produce surprising effects She could not help fancying herself the future heroine of some affecting tale whose life would be varied with surprising vicissitudes of fortune and that she would at last be raised to a rank as much above her hopes as the station she was now entering upon was below all that her fears had ever suggested
But these reflections were succeeded by others more reasonable and which indeed afforded her a more solid satisfaction she was going to refute the censures of an injurious world to make that innocence which had been so vilely traduced
manifest in her chearful submission to poverty and servitude at a time when a shining fortune was offered to purchase a change in her religious principles and when perhaps a little dissimulation or a temporary compliance with her aunts proposals might restore her to a rank in life suitable to her birth
The satisfaction she felt from these pleasing ideas diffused such a serenity over her fair face as agreeably surprised Mrs Willis who had waited her return with impatience
Henrietta repeated to her the dialogue that had passed between the two ladies with so much humour and marked the pride of wealth and aukward affectation of grandeur and distinction in these opulent heiresses to the laborious gains of sordid thrift and perhaps successful knavery with such delicate strokes of satire as convinced Mrs Willis she would not be an injudicious observer of the manners of those whom it might be her lot to associate with nor pass through this new scene of life without drawing improvement from it
The good woman was grieved to find that she must lose her so soon but being fully persuaded that this humiliating step would terminate in something happy for her fair friend she disposed herself to part with her chearfully
It was agreed between them that the elder Mr Bale should not be made acquainted with any part of his sons behaviour with regard to Henrietta till his return from Holland when the whole affair might be laid candidly before him and that the younger should be told that she was gone into service but where he was not to be informed
The next day Henrietta after taking a tender farewel of Mrs Willis repaired to her new dwelling Miss Cordwain was just gone out to make some little purchases for the evening and Henrietta being directed to go into her ladys dressingroom was met by her predecessor who had lingered in the house to have an opportunity of speaking to her that according to the general custom of servants she might prejudice her against her new mistress
From this girl who was not sparing in her invectives she learned that miss Cordwains temper which was not naturally good was extremely sowered of late by a disappointment in love that the packer her father had been treating with a certain nobleman for a ma••h between her and the noblemans eldest son but that it had been broke off because the citizen had refused to lay down more than thirty thousand
pounds with his daughter and the nobleman insisted upon forty
This little piece of history was followed by a thousand other family anecdotes to all which Henrietta listened in silence and was not sorry that the censorious waitingwoman whose tongue had during a whole hour run with surprising volubility was at length silenced by the arrival of miss Cordwain whose voice when she heard on the stairs she took a hasty leave and retreated thro a different door from that which the lady entered
Miss Cordwain as soon as she saw Henrietta slightly inclined her head in return to her respectful courtesy and throwing some millenary trifles upon her toilet she sat down to her glass and ordered her new woman to comb her hair shewing a fretful impatience at her hairdressers long delay for she was to meet her company at nine oclock and it was now almost four so that she had good reason to fear she should hardly have time enough to dress
While Henrietta was acquitting herself handily enough of this task her lady took up a col•ection of songs that lay upon her table that she might improve her mind while her body was •dorning and after reading intently a few moments
to herself she hastily turned over the leaves to a place that was doubled down and began to read aloud a most piteous complaint of a despairing nymph whose lover had forsaken her for another she concluded this doleful ditty with a deep sigh and repeating the burden of it for men are as false as the changeable wind Henrietta said she
was you ever in love
Our fair heroine who understood this question as a prelude to a confidence from her mistress was at some loss how to answer it when she was relieved from her perplexity by the arrival of monsieur Finesse the French haircutter
Miss Cordwain immediately dropping her tender languishments assumed a supercilious air and after haughtily interrogating the ingenious artist for not coming sooner submitted her tresses to his forming hands a settled gloom all the time clouding her face for whether it was that her glass on which her eyes were intently fixed told her some unpleasing truths or that her gentle bosom heaved with some secret discontent but it is certain that every thing displeased her nor could all Henriettas obliging attention to the adorning her person draw a smile of approbation from her
After five hours labour however the lady was completely dressed Her father who had not seen her since dinner which she had swallowed in haste having so much business on her hands now entered the room and liking the shewy appearance she made Why Jenny said he you are as fine as a duchess
As fine as a duchess repeated she pouting and why not
Very true girl replied the father
thou hast that which can make duchesses but Jenny I have something to say to thee in private so send your waitingmaid away
Henrietta immediately retired into her mistresss bedchamber which being only separated from the dressingroom by a slight partition of wainscot she could not avoid hearing every thing that passed
I have had a proposal made me this afternoon
resumed the father
and I came to acquaint you with it Mr Traffick has asked you in marriage theres immense riches for you girl what say you
Sure papa cried miss Cordwain hastily
you have not given him any encouragement have you A fine match indeed so I must be called plain Mrs Traffick all my days and theres miss Fig married to a viscount
and has coronets upon her coach three weeks ago miss Haggle the brokers daughter became a countess and but this very morning I heard that the duke of Hazard is courting miss Steam our neighbour the soapboilers niece and she has but twenty thousand pounds—I cant bear it so I cant
pursued miss Cordwain bursting into tears
to see all my comrades at Hackney boardingschool married to right honourables and I am not likely to be even a paltry baronets wife
Here her tears and sobs suppressed any farther utterance and had such an effect upon the fond father that he also was ready to cry
Dont break my heart Jenny said he half sobbing
you know it is death to me to see you fret and grieve yourself are you not my only child is it not for you that I have been toiling and labouring for these forty years up early and down late scraping all I can together gaining much and spending little and all to make you a peeress of Great Britain and a peeress you shall be so dont cry my girl and spoil your complexion neither neighbour Fig nor neighbour Haggles daughter shall be greater than you You shall be a countess Jenny will that content you I
will lay down the odd ten thousand that the earl of — and I quarrelled about and you shall have his son
I am obliged to you papa said miss Cordwain but—
Nay interrupted the father
I find nothing will please you you were crying just now because you were not a countess and when I tell you you that I will part with another ten thousand pounds to make you easy you come with your buts
Why suppose I am a countess replied miss Cordwain
will not miss Steam be a duchess and take place of me I can never endure that
What signifies her taking place of you said her father
the dukes estate is not half so good as the earl of — besides you refused a duke you know and you have often told me that you like lord B— better than any man in the world and how have you pined since the match was broke off
Well I confess replied miss
that I do like my lord B— and would rather marry him than any duke in the land provided that little odious thing miss Steam did not marry above me she to be called her
grace at every word while I am only lady B— I should die with vexation
Since it is so said the father
I shall lay aside my design and make no advances to the earl
And then his son will marry some body else
cried miss Cordwain
What would the girl be at interrupted the good man with some heat
if you wont have him need you care who has
Miss Cordwain now burst into a flood of tears she liked lord B— but she could not bear the thoughts of miss Steams being in a rank above her and love and envy raised such tumults in her breast as made her seek a relief in tears
I wish you knew your own mind girl said the father half angry and half concerned at her grief
I know my own mind well enough replied miss sullenly
I would marry lord B— and I would not have that proud 〈◊〉 be a duchess
Take my word for it said the father
she will never be duchess of Hazard I know her fortune is not sufficient to ch••r the dukes estate of two mortgages that have almost swallowed it up
Nay then interrupted miss Cordwain who eagerly admitted an argument that set her mind at ease
I am sure the duke will not have her for she is so ugly you know papa that nothing could charm him but her riches
Well said the father smiling with pleasure to see her in good humour again
I am to meet a friend of the earls tonight shall this affair be brought on again
As you please papa said miss Cordwain courtesying
you know it is my duty to be obedient
Aye said the good man kissing her
you have always been one of the most dutiful children in the world and I will make thee a lady though I dont leave myself a shilling
With this wise declaration he quitted the room leaving his daughter in high spirits who after she had called her maid to adjust whatever might be amiss in her dress and taken a full survey of herself in the glass stepped into her coach with the air of a citizen who had a fortune of forty thousand pounds
HEnrietta when she was left alone found sufficient matter for reflection in the sentiments and behaviour of this wealthy tradesman and his daughter and as it was now become necessary for her own peace of mind to reconcile herself to the situation that fortune had placed her in she endeavoured to extract useful lessons from every scene that passed under her observation
Why have I lamented my poverty said she to herself riches neither give understanding to the mind nor elegance to the person How mean is miss Cordwain with forty thousand pounds what narrow notions what selfish passions how ignorant how contemptible— All the advantages her large fortune procures her is a title and a coronet honours how despicable when such as miss Cordwain wear them
Let me thank Heaven then that made my father a younger brother that he inherited the
virtues and elevated sentiments of his noble ancestors and wanted that allurement to upstart wealth which might have given me a miss Cordwain for a mother and have deprived me of those generous precepts and those bright examples by which I have been taught to think poverty a less evil than dishonour and that a peaceful conscience is cheaply purchased with the loss of every worldly advantage
These were her reflections as she afterwards declared to her friend It is not therefore surprising that with such sentiments our fair heroine found herself tranquil in her humble station and dignified misfortune by her graceful resignation to it
If the woman she served had had judgment enough to distinguish merit and goodness enough to love it Henrietta must have engaged her attention and her kindness but little minds like nothing but what resembles themselves
Miss Cordwain sometimes condescended to enter into a conversation with her woman but was quickly disgusted with the difference of their notions and what she could not comprehend she either despised as folly or suspected as artifice
They were upon these terms when Mr Cordwain acquainted his daughter that they were invited to spend a week at the earl of —s countryseat for the contested ten thousand pounds being granted by the citizen the treaty of marriage was renewed and this visit was proposed in order to bring the young people together again with some kind of decorum
Miss Cordwain in high spirits gave her woman notice to make preparations for this little journey which done Henrietta went to take leave of her faithful Mrs Willis
What a triumph would mine be said she to her friend
if any of my relations should happen to be at this noblemans seat▪ and behold me in the character of miss Cordwains servant
You have done right my dear replied Mrs Willis
to call it a triumph for so indeed it would be the triumph of virtue over pride and prejudice
The good woman informed her that her guardian was in a very ill state of health and was gone to Montpelier in consequence of his physicians advice that the young man had been there to wait upon her and that when he heard of the resolution she had taken he affected to think himself extremely injured by her
conduct as it shewed the utmost contempt of his advice and friendship but it was easy to perceive added Mrs Willis that there was more grief than anger in the reproaches he threw out against you upon this occasion He seemed much mortified at my refusing to tell him where you was but owned that his wife made him very uneasy upon your account and when I urged that as an argument against the propriety of your seeing him his silence acknowledged me in the right
Henrietta was sensibly affected with the news of her guardians illness and since his return was now uncertain she resolved to write to him immediately and give him an account of all that had happened to her since he went abroad fearing that unless she explained the reasons of her conduct he might be prejudiced against her by her aunts representations of it She would not give him any disquiet by mentioning his sons behaviour but left that to be unravelld by time
Mrs Willis having promised to get this letter safely transmitted to Mr Bale Henrietta took a tender leave of her and returned home
The next morning very early the coach and six was at the door miss Cordwain impatiently stepped in for she thought every moment an
age till she saw her noble lover again Her face dressed in smiles of pleasing expectation and her heart exulting with the consciousness of her own worth which by her fathers concession of the disputed thousands had received such a considerable addition but being as I have before observed not very happy in the frame of her temper this sunshine of satisfaction was soon clouded at being obliged to wait a few minutes for her father whose slowness but ill suited with her eager impatience
Indeed the wary citizen having wisely considered that they had a journey to perform of at least twenty miles was busied in packing up some necessary refreshments that they might not be famished by the way For this purpose he had caused a neats tongue a cake of gingerbread two or three pounds of almonds and raisins and a bottle of sack to be provided and he himself brought the basket in which they were deposited to the coach directing Henrietta to get in first that he might place it safely in her lap which done he took his seat next his daughter and ordered the coachman to drive
Miss Cordwains ill humour insensibly wearing off they pursued their journey with great
satisfaction not having baited above three or four times on the road
At length the young ladys eyes were delighted with the prospect of the magnificent villa which she expected one day to be mistress of but her attention was soon called off that object by the presence of her lover who being just returned from a little excursion on horseback alighted as soon as he saw the coach stop and advanced to hand his mistress out
The young lord presented his hand to miss Cordwain with an air of forced gallantry but happening to glance his eyes towards Henrietta he started back in great surprise
Miss Cordwain vexed at the attention with which he gazed upon her woman jumped out of the coach before he had sufficiently recovered himself to be able to offer her again the hand which in his confusion he had withdrawn
The lady having on a capuchin which she had wore during the journey untied it and tossing it into the coach to Henrietta bid her in an imperious tone to take care of it
This action and these words gave the young nobleman to understand that our beauteous heroine was actually the servant of miss Cordwain
a circumstance which furnished him with new matter for wonder and indeed this encounter gave him so much perplexity and so entirely engrossed his thoughts that the old tradesman who enquired after my good lord and my good ladys health with as many bows and scrapes as would have served any trader to express his acknowledgment to a customer whom he had just imposed upon was obliged to repeat his questions several times before he could procure an answer
As for Henrietta she had upon the first fight of this young nobleman whom she immediately knew to be the same person who lodged at Mrs Eccless been under some confusion left he should accost her as an acquaintance before the lady on whom she attended but observing that from miss Cordwains behaviour he understood her situation and took no further notice of her than by a side glance which he gave her full of passionate concern she was relieved from her fears and far from being discomposed at the character she appeared in she acquitted herself of the little duties of her station with the most graceful ease gave her lady her fan received her commands and with a little French trunk in her hand that contained
some laces and linen followed her to the house at a respectful distance
Lord B—s emotions at this unexpected meeting with Henrietta having now in some degree subsided he entertained his mistress as they walked with his usual vivacity and politeness but could not help often turning to snatch a look of her fair attendant whose charms in that humble station a station so unworthy of her birth and shining merit acquired a pathetick power that melted him to a tenderness he had never known before
He conducted the lady and her father to the apartment of the countess his mother and taking the first opportunity to leave them retired to his own that he might be at liberty to reflect upon his adventure
To know that the woman whom all his most diligent enquiries for so many weeks could never discover was in the same house with him was a circumstance that afforded him infinite satisfaction but he saw no probability of turning this circumstance to the advantage of his designs upon her For with what face could he plead his passion to one of her delicacy while he was publickly addressing another
The servile condition he saw her in was a bar to his hopes She who with such uncommon attractions could resolve to be poor must needs be incorruptible What allurement could riches throw out for a woman who knew no other pride but the pride of virtue
He could not hope to make an impression upon her heart by the disguise of honourable love She must needs know the terms he was upon with miss Cordwain and was afraid that she already despised him for the meanness of such a choice
It was indeed still in his power to throw such obstacles in the way of this match as to defer if not break it entirely but he could not resolve to make such a sacrifice to love he would have married Henrietta with 〈◊〉 miss Cordwains fortune and was amazed at the violence of his passion when he considered the prodigious disproportion between twenty and forty thousand pounds— Yet most sincerely did he wish his generosity could have been put to this trial and in the violence of his gri•• at the apparent impossibility that this should ever happen a thousand times did he curse the malevolence of fate that united so many virtues and
graces in one lovely woman and denied her wealth which however by his preference of miss Cordwain he tacitly acknowledged was worth them all
A whole hours labour of thought and reflection left lord B—s mind in the same state of anxious doubt and solicitude it was in when he first entered upon this examination of his own heart and all he could be certain of in this confusion of ideas and opposing sentiments was that the unexpected sight of miss Courteney had charmed him more than ever and following the impulse of his passion without knowing whither it would conduct him or what it would terminate in he anxiously lay in wait for some opportunity of speaking to her in private which he found when he least expected it
MEAN time our lovely heroine who had been received by the countesss woman with prodigious ceremony and had during a whole hour listened with smiling attention to all the impertinences she uttered was at length relieved from the fatigue of such a conversation and with a profusion of compliments conducted to a chamber contiguous to that of her mistress As soon as she was left alone she began to consider how she should extricate herself from the difficulties her unexpected meeting with lord B— had involved her in
Her delicacy was shocked at the thoughts of remaining in the house with a man who had made an attempt upon her honour especially in the situation she now was a situation that would seem to invite his future attacks and though he might well impute their meeting to the fantastick effects of chance yet he would not fail to construe her stay into a tacit encouragement of that passion he had professed for
her at parting the dishonourable purport of which was evident from the engagements he had entered into with miss Cordwain
She reflected also on the censures under which her character laboured at present and was justly apprehensive that when this part of her story was known the malicious world would not fail to insinuate that she threw herself into lord B—s way and the inferences that would be drawn from such a supposed conduct must needs be highly disadvantageous to her
But on the other hand how could she quit miss Cordwains service so abruptly without giving occasion for strange conjectures and setting the tongue of malice loose to assign reasons for her behaviour very different from the truth
However the inconveniencies which might attend this step were light compared with those she foresaw from exposing herself voluntarily to the pursuits of a young libertine whose eyes in this last interview had spoke too plainly to leave her in doubt of his sentiments
She therefore resolved to go away the next day and as soon as she was summoned to the toilet acquainted miss Cordwain with her intention
Henrietta was a scrupulous observer of truth and would not on this occasion violate it by forming any plausible excuse for her sudden determination so that miss Cordwain in whose breast the stings of jealousy had been rouzed by the passionate glances lord B— had darted at her maid began to entertain strange suspicions from so unexpected an overture and in a peremptory tone demanded to know her reasons for quitting her service in such a manner
Henrietta with great sweetness assured her that she did not desire to be dismissed in consequence of any discontent but that the necessity of her affairs obliged her to return immediately to town
Your affairs said miss Cordwain with a haughty sneer
I vow it is mighty pretty to hear servants talk of their affairs as if they really had any concerns of more consequence than the duty they owe their principals I wonder you dont tell me you have half a dozen engagements in town
pursued she laughing aloud
such a speech would become you mightily but prithee go creature pack up your rags in a sheet of brown paper and take yourself away I suppose you have found out a new method of living less mortifying to your pride of beggarly gentility tha•
waiting upon a woman of fortune and I doubt not but you will be shortly seen flaunting it in publick places with a flimsy sack a painted face and all the trappings of your trade
To this coarse abuse Henrietta listened in silence beholding her imperious mistress all the time with such a calm but steady eye as called up a blush in those cheeks which had been before overspread with a livid paleness
Not that she felt any remorse for the reproaches she had uttered or was ashamed of her indecent transports but Henriettas soft composure the dignity of her silence and the energetick expression in her eyes struck a kind of awe into her meansould adversary and inly raging at the inferiority she was conscious of she commanded her to be gone from her presence
Henrietta instantly obeyed and meeting the countesss woman as she went out of the room she begged her to send a servant to the nearest inn to hire a postchaise for her being resolved to return to London that very day
This wellbred Abigail expressed great concern that she was so soon to lose the honour of her company and asked with an appearance of anxiety if she was not to return again
Henrietta replied in the negative at which the other seemed wonderfully surprised though she was not ignorant of all that had passed between Henrietta and her lady for hearing miss Cordwains voice very loud she had applied her ear to the keyhole and needed no further information
Our fair heroine having evaded the artful questions of this prying woman and discouraged her reflections on her own lady whom in her general invective against the pride and caprice of mistresses she did not sp•re told her she would have the pleasure of viewing the fine gardens that belonged to the house before she went away and Mrs Supple promised to join her as soon as she had executed the commission she was charged with
Henrietta accordingly repaired to the gardens full of reflections upon the scene that had lately passed She entered a little covered alley that led to a grotto which she had an inclination to take a view of when hearing the sound of steps behind her she looked back supposing it was Mrs Supple but was not a little surprised to find it was lord B— who seeing her cross the terrace from his chamberwindow had followed her thither
Henrietta rightly judging that this encounter was not meerly accidental turned her steps from the grotto and struck into a less private walk Lord B— perceiving her intention crossed immediately and met her bowing profoundly low and with an air as respectful as if he was accosting a duchess enquired after her health
Henrietta not at all flattered by this instance of respect which he by whom it was paid considered as an act of supererogation and that it would affect her accordingly returned his compliment with the most graceful ease and smiling told him he must not now consider her as miss Courteney but the servant of miss Cordwain
O that horrid appellation cried he
What violence did I not do myself to behave to you as I did this morning But tell me for Heavens sake madam what has occasioned this transformation
My aunts continued displeasure replied Henrietta
your lordship has perhaps heard what circumstances my father died in the station therefore in which you see me ought not to be called a transformation it is what I was born to since I was born in indigence
I cannot bear to hear you talk thus interrupted lord B—
how could you think of subjecting yourself to a condition so unworthy of you when you knew there was a man in the world that would have died to serve you
I am not of a temper said Henrietta
to be easy under great obligations and servitude is in my opinion less shocking than dependence
Why do you talk of obligations said lord B—
love knows no property could you doubt that my fortune would be at your command Suffer me I conjure you
pursued he
to snatch you from this unworthy situation can riches be better employed than in supporting her I love
My lord interrupted Henrietta her face glowing with indignation
this is an insult I could not have expected from one of your rank and politeness I am fallen very low indeed when a man who is upon the point of marriage with another d••es ••lk to me of love
There are certain engagements replied lord B— a little confused at the air with which she uttered these words in which the heart has no part
Very likely interrupted Henrietta
but it is sufficient for me to know that the engagements your lordship has entered into leaves you not the liberty of addressing me in this manner and I look upon the professions you make me as the highest insult upon my distress
Lord B— notwithstanding he found in this justifiable haughtiness the ruin of his hopes could not help admiring a mind so rightly turned humble with such propriety and proud only when condescension would be meanness
This is not a time said he
to tell you how far I am bound by those engagements you speak of but whatever they are they ought not to deprive me of the happiness of doing you service
I am obliged to you my lord said Henrietta
but at present the greatest service you can do me is to take no notice of me
In speaking these words she courtesied and would have left him but he not able to part with her thus snatched her hand
You must not leave me said he
till you promise to give me an opportunity of speaking to you more fully—Ah how I love you
cried he gazing on her passionately
Again this insulting declaration interrupted Henrietta pulling her hand from him and giving him a look full of scorn and anger as she turned away
Hear me madam cried he pursuing her
suffer me in the character of your friend to offer you my services My mother was formerly acquainted with lady Meadows if it will be of any use to you I will engage her to renew it and offer her mediation betwixt your aunt and you You must not b• heaven you must not continue longer in so shocking a situation
This proposal and the earnest manner in which it was made drew Henriettas attention angry as she was she thought it merited a civil return
Doubt not my lord said she her charming eyes recovering their usual sweetness
that I should be glad to consider you in the character of a friend and the offer you now make me is so obliging that I cannot dispense with myself from telling you my reasons for declining it
She then in a few words acquainted him with the purport of her aunts letter to her Such are the terms added she
upo• which a reconciliation with my aunt ca•
be only effected therefore the countesss interposition in my favour were she disposed to grant it would be of no use
Lord B— having before fully informed himself of every thing relating to miss Courteney no sooner heard that for so trifling a compliance as the change of her religion it was in her power to secure lady Meadows estate to herself which he knew to be very considerable than he thought fit to alter his style and declared that the affair between miss Cordwain and him was not carried so far to take from him the liberty of following his inclinations and of offering her his hand be begged her therefore to favour him with another •nterview in the morning when he would ex••ain himself further
Henrietta perceiving the countesss woman approaching and unwilling to leave him in •oubt with regard to her sentiments upon this •ew proposal thus answered hastily
My lord this can never be there are many obstacles against it you will find it very difficult to surmount those your own family will throw in your way but suppose that could be done my scruples will raise others less easy perhaps to be overcome
She left him when she had said these few •ords and went to meet Mrs Supple who
told her she had procured a vehicle for her and that it would be at the backgate in less than an hour but continued she there is a strange confusion within have you seen your lady
Henrietta told her she had not
God knows what is the matter said Mrs Supple
she went into the garden to look for you as I imagined and returned 〈◊〉 minutes ago with a most wrathful countenance her father and she confabulated together and then went into my lords dressingroom and Mr Harris my lords gentleman told me that the old man seemed to be very •••asy
Henrietta had no time to make any reflections upon what she heard for a servant that moment came to tell Mrs Supple that her lady had sent him to look for her and desired that she would bring miss Cordwains woman to her apartment
Henrietta though a little surprised followed Mrs Supple with great chearfulness who desired her to wait in the antichamber while she went to acquaint her lady with her being there where we will leave her for a few moments till the reader is informed of the accident that occasioned this summons
MISS Cordwain who in the notice lord B— took of Henrietta found matter sufficient for jealousy and uneasiness entertained the most injurious suspicions when she heard her womans sudden resolution to return to London and having driven her from her presence with a torrent of abusive language vented her rage in tears as soon as she was gone
She reproached herself with her folly in dismissing her so readily when by obliging her to stay she might have guessed her designs or at least have obtained a more certain knowledge of them
Her mischievous imagination being now upon the stretch to find some expedient for protracting her departure at last presented her with one which she resolved to make use of
She hid a diamond bracelet and then rung her bell for Henrietta with an intention to tell her that she could not find it and insist upon her producing it before she left the earls
Mrs Supple who was that moment passing by her apartment and knew that Henrietta was not in the way stepped in to know what she wanted Miss Cordwain asked for her woman and being told that she was walking in the garden hastened thither immediately not more delighted with the opportunity she now had of putting a stop to her journey than of affronting her with the suspicion of theft
As she descended the terrace her eyes were blasted with the sight of her woman at a distance in earnest discourse with her lover
At this confirmation of her suspicions she ran back like a fury into the house and meeting her father who had just left the earl in his dressingroom told him that they were invited only to be affronted that Henrietta was lord B—s mistress that he had taken her out of her service and that she was going back to London that very night at his request
The old man without staying to enquire farther or reflecting upon the extreme improbability of this story swore that never a lord in the land should use his daughter ill and strode back to the earls apartment while miss Cordwain retired to her own meditating vengeance on those that had so cruelly injured her
Mr Cordwain who had promised himself to speak to the earl in very high terms was no sooner in his presence than he sunk into that li••leness which meer monied men are so conscious of with persons of birth and politeness However he assumed courage enough to tell his lordship that he had something to say to him in private
The earl observing that his features were ruffled was a little surprised but dismissed his gentleman immediately though he was not quite dressed and then with a complaisant smile desired the citizen to let him know his commands
I am a plain man my lord said Mr Cordwain
I dont understand fine compliments and breeding though I dont want for manners neither and I am sure I have always been very civil to your lordship and I did not expect that your lordship would have invited my girl and I here to scoff at us My lord I can give my girl forty thousand pounds which is what few lords can say let me tell you that and withal I am an honest man tho I have forty thousand pounds more in my pocket perhaps but no matter for that I am not proud of my riches
Mr Cordwain said his lordship wondering to what this eloquent harrangue tended
I hope nothing has happened to give you any disgust upon my honour I have the highest esteem for you and I think I give a proof of it by being so desirous of your alliance but I am at a loss to comprehend your meaning when you talk of my having invited you and your daughter here to affront you Miss Cordwain is a most accomplished young lady and my son has too much judgment not to be as sensible as he ought of her merits
Indeed interrupted Mr Cordwain
my daughter is in my eye a very comely young woman and I will never give her to any man though he were a duke or a prince that would keep a mistress under her nose a• one may say
You astonish me Mr Cordwain replied his lordship
have you any reason to suspect that my son is a libertine
My lord returned Mr Cordwain
I am no scholar I dont understand hard wor•• I have had learning enough to scrape a few thousands together and that is sufficient for me▪ Your lordships son may be a libertine for what I can tell thats neither here nor there
but I am sure he is a terrible rake and what tender father
pursued he almost in tears
would marry his child to a rake to have all the fruits of his toil and labour for thirty years and upwards squandered away upon leud women
Sure Mr Cordwain interrupted his lordship with a sterner accent
you do not imagine my son capable of acting so dishonourably his principles Mr Cordwain —
Nay nay my lord resumed the citizen
I have nothing to say against his principles he is no Jacobite I dare engage but he is a rake my lord that is my objection to him and rakes are very bad husbands
My son said the peer
may have had some youthful follies but I am sure miss Cordwains beauty and good sense will fix his heart
And does your lordship really think my girl a beauty
said the fond father his eyes glistening with pleasure
Indeed I always thought so but fathers my lord are apt to be partial
She is both beautiful and witty replied his lordship who found every excellence in fifty thousand pounds
Nay as for her wit said Mr Cordwain
I am the best judge of that who have seen
her growing up under my eye She took her learning surprisingly my lord and by that time she was ten years old she and read her Psalter quite through Would it not grieve one then continued he to part with such a girl as this to one that will slight her and keep mistresses
Do me the favour Mr Cordwain said his lordship
to acquaint me with your reasons for suspecting that my son will keep a mistress though he should be so happy as to have miss Cordwain for a wife
Why you must know my lord replied the citizen looking extremely wise▪
that I have made a discovery and yo•• son is actually carrying on an intrigue with my daughters maid
Sure this must be some mistake cried the peer
No no my lord answered Cordwain it is no mistake I am very sure of it
And you have discovered this intrigue you say
resumed his lordship pray when and by what means did you discover it
About half an hour ago replied Mr Cordwain my daughter told me of it
Oh then it was your daughter that discovered it
said his lordship smiling a little at the old mans absurdity
Ay ay my lord cried he construing that smile into an acknowledgment of his daughters sagacity
I told your lordship she did not want for wit
But miss Cordwain is certainly mistaken now
said the peer
this is some pretty frowardness a lovequarrel depend upon it we shall find it so however I will talk to my son and Ill engage the countess to discourse your daughter upon this matter Come Mr Cordwain we who are the parents of these young people know their true interest better than they do and must endeavour to make up this little breach between them I will make an end of dressing
pursued his lordship bowing low to the cit
and join you in the garden a quarter of an hour hence when I hope to clear up this affair to your satisfaction
Mr Cordwain immediately withdrew and the peer having stepped to his ladys apartment to acquaint her with this strange story left it to her to manage miss Cordwain and went in quest of his son who when Henrietta left him had retired to his study and was revolving in
his mind a scheme which by reconciling his interest to his love would gratify all his wishes
THE countess like a discreet matron was resolved to see the young woman of whom miss Cordwain entertained a jealousy that she might by wholesome counsels fortify her against seduction for she supposed that this suspicion took its rise from the girls being pretty and perhaps some little unmeaning gallantry of her sons who like all other young men admired beauty whenever he found it
She was willing also to know certainly whether miss Cordwains fears were only imaginary that she might the better effect a reconciliation between the lovers for she passionately desired the completion of a match that would put her son into possession of forty thousand pounds
When Mrs Supple appeared in consequence of her summons and told her that Mrs Henrietta waited her ladyships commands the countess
asked her what sort of a young woman she was
Mrs Supple replied that she was an aukward sort of a body mightily conceited of her beauty she believed and Heaven knows added she she has not much to boast of
Well tell her to come in said the countess beginning to believe from this account of her that miss Cordwains fears were not without foundation for vanity she well knew was the great underminer of chastity from the duchess down to the chambermaid
When Henrietta entered the room the countess who expected to see a very different person was so struck with her beauty and the dignity of her air that she rose from her seat and returned the graceful courtesy she made her with a complaisance that surprised her own woman who being ordered by her lady to leave the room instantly obeyed but went no farther than the door where she stood listening and heard all that passed
You appear to me said the countess to Henrietta with an engaging smile
to deserve so little the suspicions that are entertained of you that I really know not how to mention them to you though it was for that purpose I sent for you hither
Henrietta was a little surprised at this beginning but conscious of the integrity of all her actions she was wholly free from any apprehensions that could discompose her
I know not madam said she the nature of those suspicions which I have incurred but I am very sure I have no guilt to reproach myself with which should make me fear to stand the strictest scrutiny
Upon my word I believe you said the countess charmed with the noble confidence of her answer and the graceful manner in which it was delivered
and it must be my sons imprudence that has given occasion for Mr Cordwains suspicions
The countess was too delicate to make use of miss Cordwains name upon this occasion but Henrietta in an instant comprehended the whole mystery and was now able to account for the injurious language that lady had given her
Own freely to me pursued the countess smiling
has not my son been a little troublesome to you and talked to you of love and such idle stuff
It is some mortification to me madam replied Henrietta blushing
to own that I have been affronted in the manner your ladyship mentions however it is certainly true
lord B— has thought me weak enough to be dazzled with his professions
Then you have seen my son often said the countess
Henrietta who thought it behoved her to be very explicit on this occasion related to the countess the manner of her becoming acquainted with lord B— his concealing himself in her chamber and his behaviour afterwards
I did not know his lordships name pursued she
and though I often heard him mentioned at Mr Cordwains yet as I had no reason to suspect that he was the same young nobleman whom I had such reason to avoid I made no scruple to attend miss Cordwain hither
I am very much concerned said the countess
to hear this account of my son it was a very shocking attempt So you have acquainted your mistress with what happened
No madam answered Henrietta
that was not necessary but when I discovered that lord B— was the person who had treated me so freely I desired miss Cordwain to dismiss me because I did not chuse to throw myself in his way
That was very prudently resolved said the countess
and when are you to leave miss Cordwain
Immediately madam replied Henrietta
I have provided myself with a postchaise to return to London and I believe it is now waiting for me
Certainly said the countess after a little pause
this sudden resolution of yours must surprise miss Cordwain What did she say when you acquainted her with it
She was extremely angry madam replied Henrietta
and said many severe things to me at which I was then astonished but it 〈◊〉 Cordwain entertained any unfavourable suspicions of me her behaviour may be accounted for
Since you have not acquainted her said the countess
with my sons rude attempt upon you what reason could she have to suspect you
I know of none madam answered Henrietta
except his lordships speaking to me in the garden a little time ago may have come to her knowledge
You have shewn so much candor in your answers to my questions
resumed the countess
that I am persuaded you will tell me
frankly the subject of my sons discourse to you in the garden
I was born to suffer indignities madam said Henrietta her cheeks glowing with indignation
My lord B— though he must know that I was not ignorant of his honourable passion for miss Cordwain yet dared to affront me with the mention of his love
The countess was a little surprised at this sally which escaped Henrietta in the warmth of her resentment when she recalled to her remembrance a declaration which she looked on as the highest insult since lord B— was acquainted with her birth Had the countess known that it was the niece of the earl of— who expressed herself in such lofty terms she would have admired that becoming pride which suggested them but in the waitingmaid of miss Cordwain it appeared absurd and ridiculous and she was ready to suspect her of artifice and dissimulation
But when she cast her eyes upon Henrietta and saw the emotion with which she was agitated the deep blush that glowed on her cheeks and the tears that trembled in her eyes she reproached herself with the injustice she was guilty of in so soon admitting doubts of her innocence
Henrietta supposing from the silence of the countess that she had no more to say to her courtisied to her respectfully and was about to withdraw
You must not go said that lady in an obliging accent
till I know whether it is in my power to serve you You have thrown up miss Cordwains service upon my sons account it is but just therefore that I should procure you another if you are not provided for I will recommend you to my sister she will either take you herself or settle you with another lady
The countess in making this offer had another view besides serving Henrietta She was not willing to lose sight of her for she rightly judged that with so many charms in her person and an understanding far above what we generally found in persons of her rank this young woman was very likely to inspire a solid passion and she dreaded lest her son should be so far captivated by her as to neglect the advantageous match that was now offered him
If she placed her with her sister or with any of her friends it would not be easy she thought for her son to get access to her or if he resolved to continue his pursuit his designs whatever
they were would be known soon enough to be prevented
Henrietta penetrated no further into the countesss sentiments than what served to give her a high idea of her benevolence She accepted her offer with expressions of the deepest gratitude and this the lady considering as a proof of her sincerity and right intentions she in the billet which she gave her for her sister recommended her in very obliging terms to her favour
Henrietta again politely thanked her and receiving the billet upon which there was a full direction she went out of the countesss chamber with an intention to depart immediately
Mrs Supple whom she found in the antichamber informed her that her chaise was waiting for her at the gate upon which Henrietta took leave of her and descended the backstairs but was suddenly stopped by Mr Cordwain who had followed her and seizing her rudely by the arm charged her with having robbed his daughter
GOOD Heaven exclaimed Henrietta in the utmost astonishment
what can this mean
Look you child said the citizen
my daughter tells me you have stole her diamond bracelet any body but myself would send you to prison directly but I am tenderhearted and consider that though I could hang you for this robbery yet that would be poor satisfaction for such a loss therefore in compassion I will spare your life provided you immediately restore the bracelet
Henrietta had by this time collected her scattered spirits and comprehended the motive of this malicious accusation
May I not see miss Cordwain sir said she in a composed accent
I am 〈…〉 that I can convince her she wrongs are greatly by this strange suspicion
See her what should you see her for replied the old man
unless you will give me
back the bracelet you must not think to move her with your whining her intreaties shall not save you if you are obstinate so look to it but come perhaps you will have the grace to repent and return the bracelet come along
Saying this he pulled her up stairs and led her with no great complaisance into his daughters chamber who sat exulting in her successful mischief and the disgrace she had fixed upon the creature that presumed to rival her a blush however dyed her cheeks at the sight of Henrietta who with a look that at once expressed the highest contempt of her mean accuser and calm confidence in her own untainted innocence asked her how she had so far offended her as to make her seek her life
Offended me creature said miss Cordwain
have you the assurance to imagine that I am uneasy because—because—You vain saucy flirt—who told you that I could be jealous of you And so you suppose—but you shall produce my bracelet
Ay that she shall cried the citizen
I wish we were in town I would carry her before alderman Greygoose immediately Come girl dont be a fool but deliver up the bracelet for this is a hanging matter let me tell you
Do you really propose madam said Henrietta looking on miss Cordwain with a most contemptuous smile
to go through with this malicious accusation and are you resolved to perjure yourself and swear that I have got your bracelet
What does the creature mean interrupted miss Cordwain colouring
My meaning is said Henrietta
that your bracelet is certainly in your own possession and that you pretend to have lost it only to fix a scandal upon me
O my God cried miss Cordwain putting her hand to her head
the excessive insolence of this wench affects me so I believe I shall faint—Dear papa let her go about her business I had rather lose ten bracelets than suffer so much uneasiness Dear sir let her go one time or other she will meet with her deserts She will not stop at this theft but somebody else may bring her to justice I will have nothing more to do with her
Base woman cried Henrietta almost choaked with rage
No I will not take the liberty you offer me has our laws think you no punishment for a calumny like this that strikes at life as well as reputation You shall be forced to prove your charge and
my fame shall be cleared to your everlasting confusion
Miss Cordwain conscious of her guilt and apprehensive of the consequences of what she had done knew not what answer to make to this menace As for the citizen he stared with stupid wonder upon the injured fair one for the extraordinary emotion she was in gave such vehemence to her utterance and such fire to her eyes that he even trembled as if in the presence of some superior being But poor Henrietta after this sudden sally of rage found her heart so oppressed with the indignity she had suffered that she burst into a violent passion of tears
Miss Cordwain was ready to renew her insults when she found her so mortified and her father being recovered from his pannick again urged her to restore the bracelet when a servant came in and informed them that dinner was going to be served and that his lord and lady expected them in the diningroom
Miss Cordwain immediately obeyed the summons for she dreaded the conclusion of this affair When she entered the room the countess who knew nothing of what had happened seeing her look very pale asked her if she was well and lord B— who had promised his father to cure her jealousy by redoubled
assiduity for the future approached and with a well counterfeited tenderness expressed his concern for her indisposition
Miss Cordwain who had been assured by her father that the earl earnestly desired the match between his son and her should go forward resolved not to protract it by any shew of resentment at what was past and therefore received his little assiduities with all the complaisance she was mistress of but desirous of mortifying him in the person of her who had so greatly attracted his notice as well as to give him an opinion of the softness of her disposition she told him that indeed she was prodigiously discomposed▪ that her maid had robbed her and my father added she
threatens the poor wretch with a prosecution and I was weak enough to be excessively shocked with her blubbering
Has your maid robbed you miss said the countess extremely surprised
She has stolen a diamond bracelet from me this very morning madam
replied miss Cordwain
Impossible cried lord B— in a transport that deprived him of all consideration
miss Courteney could not be guilty of any thing mean or scandalous
These words were scarce uttered when he discovered and repented of his indiscretion but it was now too late to repair it
Miss Courteney repeated miss Cordwain recovering from her surprise
who is miss Courteney my lord
The countess perceiving her son was embarrassed endeavoured to relieve him by asking miss Cordwain some questions concerning her loss but that young lady would not be diverted from her question
This creature has a variety of names I suppose said she she hired herself to me by the name of Benson and Courteney it seems is that she has been formerly known by Sure I have been very unfortunate to get such a wretch to attend me
Madam said lord B— again thrown off his guard by his indignation at hearing a woman of Henriettas merit so grosly abused
you dont know who you are speaking of
Why do you know said the earl to his son in an accent that shewed how extremely he was displeased with his imprudence
Yes my lord replied he I do and madam
pursued he addressing himself to miss Cordwain
I am sure you will have candor enough to excuse my engaging with some
warmth in the defence of the unfortunate young lady who is now your servant▪ when you shall know that she is the niece of the earl of— and that it is her firm attachment to the religion she was brought up in which hinders her from succeeding to a very large estate and makes it necessary for her to go to service for a subsistence
This account brought tears into the eyes of the countess who inly applauded herself for her discernment in the favourable sentiments she conceived for Henrietta before she knew who she was
The earl appeared moved and was beginning to ask his son some questions concerning this fair unfortunate when miss Cordwain fetched a deep sigh and fell back in her chair
Rage at this discovery of her rivals birth and extraordinary merit and terror left the scandalous accusation she had forged against her should end in her own disgrace operated so powerfully upon her spirits that she fainted away
While the countess supported her lord B— rang the bell very deliberately for assistance and the earl not much concerned at an accident which he imputed to a jealousy that proved her
passion for his son took that opportunity to remind him that it was his interest to improve the affection this young woman had for him
The countess who had in vain searched her pockets for a smellingbottle ordered a servant who appeared at the summons of the bell to bring one off her toilet when Mr Cordwain entered the room and seeing his daughter in that condition made but one step from the door to the place where she sat exclaiming
Oh my child what ails my child is she dead
Dont be alarmed said the countess
it is only a fainting fit she will recover presently
Lord B— who was ashamed to appear wholly inactive upon this occasion before his designed fatherinlaw had presence of mind enough to take a decanter of water from the sideboard and sprinkle some of it on miss Cordwains face
This remedy was applied so successfully that she immediately opened her eyes but the first object they met had like to have closed them again for her father hearing a smellingbottle called for remembered that she always carried one or two about her and searching her pockets with trembling haste pulled out with a smellingbottle the bracelet which she had concealed
there as a place where it was likely to be most secure being subject to no search but her own
The old man made none of those reflections upon this accident which were obvious enough to every one else but perceiving his daughter was beginning to recover presented the bracelet instead of the smellingbottle to her conceiving the former to be the best restorative
See child cried he in a transport
I have found your bracelet—come you must be well now—I dont wonder you was grieved truly it would have been a great loss
Miss Cordwain flattered herself from the words I have found your bracelet that her father had had wit enough to save her from any reproach by giving some favourable turn to the discovery but in this she greatly overrated his abilities
And where dost think I found it child pursued the old man
even in thy own pocket as all the company can witness
Very true said lord B— maliciously
Was it found in my pocket said miss Cordwain
Why then to be sure I pulled it off with my glove this morning and forgot it I protest I am sorry there has been so much noise made about it
It is a pity indeed said the countess
considering who the person is that was supposed to have stolen it
O la papa cried miss Cordwain
you dont know that my maid Henrietta is discovered to be a great lady Upon my word it is true
pursued she seeing him look surprised
I am sorry to hear that said the citizen rubbing his forehead
for if she has friends who will support her she may commence a suit against me for Scandalum Magnatum and what a power of money may I lose—See what comes of your heedlessness girl I protest I dont know what to do
The countess though she was vexed at the vulgar sarcasm of the daughter was nevertheless desirous of freeing the old man from his uneasiness as well as to have an excuse for visiting the injured young lady
I am persuaded said she that miss Courteneys delicacy will prevent her from seeking any publick reparation for the affront she has suffered but I will see her myself and if necessary dissuade her from taking any resolution to your prejudice
Lord B— who was talking to his father at distant window hearing this proposal approached
and by a look which he gave the countess his mother seemed to bespeak her utmost tenderness and complaisance to the afflicted fair one
Mr Cordwain thanked her 〈◊〉 for her kindness But Odso madam 〈…〉 stopping her as she was 〈…〉
I 〈◊〉 your ladyships pardon you must take the key up with you
continued he •••eling in his pockets and at last pulling it out
for when I came down I locked the door for fear the bird should fly away
With these words he gave the countess the key smiling and nodding his head in applause of his own sagacity
The countess was extremely shocked to hear of this new indignity which the poor young lady had suffered but she dissembled her concern and silently withdrew
Lord B— again stole to a window to hide his emotions and the earl though greatly disgusted with the behaviour of both father and daughter yet approached them with a complaisant air and congratulated the 〈◊〉 on the recovery of her jewel
Thus did these noble persons accommodate themselves to the manners of those whom they in secret despised and for the sake of a few paltry
thousands shewed the utmost solicitude to associate plebean meanness in the honours of a noble ancestry and to give title rank precedence to one who would disgrace them all
THE countess who was greatly affected with the cruel usage Henrietta had received could with difficulty restrain her tears when she entered the room where the fair pri•oner was confined that air of distinction which he had observed in her before she knew her •rth seemed now more remarkable and made •e humiliating condition to which she was re•uced a subject of painful reflection to lady — •ho approached her with a look of tenderness and pity and taking her hand
I scarce know how to speak to you said she about an affair that miss Cordwain has much more reason to be ashamed of than you She has found her bracelet
Henrietta was a little surprised at the kind and •miliar manner in which the countess accosted
her but still preserving that distant respect which was due from the character she had assumed to a lady of her rank she courtesied profoundly low and thanked her for the honour she did her in condescending to bring this grateful piece of news herself
I must tell you also said the countess
that I am not ignorant of your name and family nor of your motives for submitting to go to service forwhich you deserve to be esteemed and admired by all the world It was my so• that betrayed your secret
pursued the lady observing that Henrietta looked surprised
• will not ask you now how you came to intru•• him with it some other time you shall if you please tell me all your story I have now on leisure to assure you that I am your since friend and that I will serve you with all th• interest I have in any way you shall desire
Henrietta after making a proper acknowledgment for this kind declaration told the counte• that being determined to continue the way life she had entered into till her relations themselves thought proper to alter it the recommendation her ladyship had given her to 〈◊〉 sister was the greatest service she could poss• desire and would be ever most gratefully remem•bered
I admire your resolution said the countess
but I am grieved to think you should be in a situation so unworthy of you something must be done to extricate you from it
I beg madam said Henrietta
that your ladyships kind concern for me may not lead you to take any steps in my favour with my relations No
pursued she with some warmth
their unnatural behaviour to me deserves the neglect I shew them in not soliciting their assistance I have already got over all those little passions and prejudices which might hinder me from being easy with my humble lot and I freely confess to you madam that I find a secret pleasure in the thoughts of mortifying the pride of my lord — when some accident for an accident it must be shall shew him his niece in the quality of a servant
Consent at least said the countess
to my acquainting my sister with your birth that she may endeavour to place you in such a manner as will be most agreeable to you
I do not wish madam to be known to the person I serve
replied Henrietta
and I desire to have no other consideration shewn me than what my behaviour in the station I am placed in shall merit
Well said the countess
it shall be as you would have it but I cannot express to you how much I esteem and admire you— You may judge of my good opinion of you when I tell you that as to what regards my sons passion for you I depend entirely upon your candor and generosity You know our views for him and this is all I shall say
I am obliged to you madam said Henrietta
for the confidence you repose in me I will endeavour to deserve it And now madam
pursued she smiling
since my imprisonment is at an end I will with your ladyships permission set out immediately for London the chaise I had hired is I suppose still waiting for me I hope to have the honour of presenting your letter to lady C— tomorrow or next day at farthest
Take my kindest wishes along with you said the countess kissing her and taking a diamond ring from her finger
wear this for my sake
said she giving it to Henrietta
the intrinsick value of it is but small but I hope you will consider it as a mark of my esteem for you
The countess went out of the room as soon as she had spoke these words leave•• Henrietta extremely affected with her kindness and all
obstacles to her journey being now removed she hastened to the gate placed herself in her postchaise which she found waiting and in a few moments was out of sight
Mean time the countess returned to her company and told Mr Cordwain smiling that he had nothing to fear from Henriettas vindictive resolutions Upon which miss Cordwain said she would go up to her and make her an apology for what had happened but dinner was that moment served which made it not necessary for the countess to tell her that Henrietta was gone in order to prevent her intended civility but as soon as a proper opportunity offered she took care to let the young lady know that her suspicions of Henrietta were very ill grounded that she was perfectly virtuous and likely to remain in the obscure condition of a servant unless her relations who were persons of rank and fortune thought proper to do something for her
She added in order to remove all her uneasiness that she had recommended her to a lady who would procure her a place which was the least she could do for a young woman of her birth in such unhappy circumstances
Miss Cordwain was very well satisfied with what the countess had done being persuaded
that since she was so desirous the treaty between lord B— and her should go forward that she would take care to hinder any thing from happening on the part of Henrietta that might give her cause for disgust
But poor lord B— was in a truly pitiable situation he was in love with the person of Henrietta and the fortune of miss Cordwain and these different passions by turns equally possessed him so that it was impossible for him to form any fixed resolution
When he reflected on the solid advantages that would accrue to him from a marriage with the packers daughter such as being enabled to play as high at Arthurs as my lord— to bring as many racehorses to NewMarket as — to have as splendid equipages as the earl of — and several others which make the envy and emulation of many of our present race of nobles he was ready to sacrifice his inclinations to motives so just so reasonable so meritorious
But when the image of Henrietta rose to h• thoughts her person so lovely her manners • elegant her birth not beneath his own her virtu• so eminent how could he think of putting su• a treasure out of his reach by marrying her de•picable rival And indeed so just were his notio•
of this treasure and so high his value of it that provided any method could be found to reconcile her to her aunt and secure to her the succession of her estate he would willingly have renounced his pretensions to miss Cordwain and have married Henrietta though her fortune as heiress of lady Meadowss estate would be some thousands less than miss Cordwains
Such a proof of disinterestedness he thought must needs be very grateful to a young woman of Henriettas fine understanding and enlarged sentiments and having brought himself to this point his next care was to procure a private interview with her that he might acquaint her with his designs and engage her concurrence with them
But this scheme being defeated by her sudden departure which he learned from his mother he was plunged into new perplexity and uneasiness He asked the countess with an air of indifference and unconcern where she was gone and how she intended to dispose of herself But that discerning lady who observed his sudden emotion at the news of Henriettas departure would give him no other satisfaction than telling him that she supposed she would again go to service for she seemed to have no expectations of any savour from her relations
Lord B— after a little reflection comforted himself with a hope that some accident or other would again throw her in his way and that the disgust she must necessarily entertain to a way of life so unworthy of her would induce her to embrace his honourable proposals for such he conceived them to be since all the sacrifice he should expect from her was a temporary compliance with her aunts inclinations with regard to religion but however he thought it would be prudent not to break off with miss Cordwain because in her fortune he would always find wherewithal to comfort himself if he was disappointed in his love
In pursuance of this wise resolution he behaved in such a manner to that young lady as gave her no cause to be displeased with him so that every thing in this noble family and their designed allies was upon the same footing as before Henrietta with mischiefmaking beauty came in the way
Atheists have been but rare since Natures birth
Till now sheatheists neer appeard on earth
Ye men of deep researches say whence springs
This daring character in timorous things
Who start at feathers from an insect fly
A match for nothing— but the Deity
YOUNGS UNIVERSAL PASSION
MEAN time our fair heroine having performed her little journey without any unfortunate accident arrived late in the evening at the house of her friend Mrs Willis who in her astonishment at her sudden return asked her a hundred questions in a breath
Henrietta satisfied her eager curiosity with a succinct detail of all that had happened to
her that day which had indeed been a very busy one
The honest heart of Mrs Willis was variously affected with the different parts of her story▪ She wept for her sufferings she execrated the malicious miss Cordwain she praised the countess and was exceedingly solicitous about the purport of lord B—s designs which from what she had heard of his behaviour appeared to her very mysterious But Henrietta who had a thorough contempt for that young lord declared that although he should break with miss Cordwain and address her upon honourable terms yet she could not bring her 〈◊〉 to approve of him
He is mean said she and sordid in his temper His principles are bad he is a lord but he is not a gentleman and I am sure I could never esteem him Besides the countess who is more alarmed about the sentiments he has for me than I think she has reason depends upon my honour not to encourage any overtures from him and I will not abuse her confidence
It is easy pursued she smiling to be just when our own inclinations do not oppose it I shall pretend to no merit in making this sacrifice if ever it be in my power to make it
because in reality it will not be a great one If riches and splendor could have made me happy I would have married sir Isaac Darby for it was not his age that I objected to most but those qualities and manners which made his age contemptible
But surely my dear said Mrs Willis
your gratitude would be engaged should lord B— in the present inequality of your circumstances make you an offer of his hand
Not at all replied Henrietta with some warmth
no man has a right to the love or esteem of a woman on whom he has entertained dishonourable designs and failing in them offers marriage at last The lover who marries his mistress only because he cannot gain her upon easier terms has just as much generosity as the highwayman who leaves a traveller in possession of his money because he is not able to take it from him
Well well my dear miss said Mrs Willis smiling
I can collect this at least from the nice distinctions you make that your heart is absolutely free you would not reason so well were there any secret passion in the case
Surely replied Henrietta
you do not imagine that I should become less delicate in my notions for being in love that passion like some plants derives its qualities from the soil it grows in for instance in lord B— it is mean selfish wavering
And what would it be in you interrupted Mrs Willis
Ah no matter cried Henrietta
I am not in love yet and never will by with a man who has such sentiments as lord B— he had best be constant to miss Cordwain Plebean lords and the nobility of the shop and warehouse are equal matches
To this remark Mrs Willis who was pleased with the vivacity of her fair friend▪ assented only with a smile for supper was now placed upon the table and as she knew Henrietta had not dined she was extremely solicitous to make her eat and with the same maternal fondness hurried her soon to bed that she might recover the fatigue she had suffered during the day
The next morning at eleven o clock our fair heroine set out in an hackney••ach for — square where lady D— h••d to whom she was to deliver the recommendatory letter which the countess had given her
The lady was at her toilet when she read her sisters letter which Henrietta had sent in to her and immediately ordered her admittance Surprised at the elegant figure which met her eyes in the glass upon our fair heroines entering the room she hastily turned her head and gazed on Henrietta so intently that she blushed which lady D— observing obligingly desired her to sit down and said she would talk to her presently
Henrietta modestly placed herself at a distance but so luckily for the ladys curiosity that she could have a full view of her in her glass without renewing her confusion
My sister said lady D— breaking silence at last
has mentioned you very advantageously Mrs Benson I wish it may be in my power to serve you
Henrietta bowed respectfully
You are very young pursued the lady
I suppose miss Cordwains was the first service you ever lived in
At the word Service Henrietta blushed again and indeed the lady did not pronounce it without some hesitation for having a sensible and ingenuous mind she felt the impropriety of the term when used towards a person who notwithstanding
the humility of her deportment had a dignity in her looks and air which commanded respect She took notice of this emotion and the more because she saw it endeavoured to be suppressed and being desirous of gaining some further knowledge of her she asked her a hundred little questions which she thought would lead her to an explanation of her circumstances
Henrietta avoided making a discovery of herself but answered in such a manner as without satisfying the ladys curiosity gave her a very good opinion of her candor and her sense but she was particularly struck with the graceful ease with which she talked and observed such a perfect politeness in her manners as persuaded her she was born in a much higher rank than her present situation allowed the probability of
Lady D—s daughter now entered the room and asked her mamma if she desired to hear her take a lesson from her singingmaster that morning
The lady ordered the master to be admitted upon which Henrietta rose up to go away but the lady told her with a benevolent smile that she should stay and hear miss D—perform and desired her to resume her seat
While the young lady was singing lady D— kept her eyes fixed on Henriettas face and from the sweet expression in it collecting that she had a taste for musick asked her if she had ever been taught
Henrietta though not willing to make a display of talents which were not necessary to her present condition yet owned that she had a little knowledge of musick
Lady D— immediately desired to hear her sing and the young lady at the same time presenting her guitar to her she was obliged to comply Her air her attitude the exquisite grace with which she touched the little instrument the sweetness of her voice and the sensibility in her fine eyes charmed lady D— who was an enthusiastick admirer of the art so that she cried out in a kind of transport
Mr Minime would you not be proud of such a scholar
Madam said the master bowing
the young gentlewoman has a very pretty voice and manner to be sure but if miss D— applies closely to musick for seven or eight years longer and does not suffer her mind to be distracted with the study of other sciences I shall have more reason to be proud of my scholar than any master in the world
This speech forced a smile from Henrietta who the third time rose up to be gone upon hearing a female visiter announced but lady D— conceiving that she was not obliged to a strict observation of ceremony with the person that was now entering again insisted upon Henriettas staying telling her she had thought of something for her and that she would acquaint her with it as soon as the lady was gone
Henrietta had but just time to express a grateful acknowledgment of her kindness when the visiter was introduced She was a woman or a mean aspect but had a great deal of selfsufficiency in her air After the usual compliments were over she threw herself into an easy chair and examined Henrietta with such extreme attention that she blushed
The lady who took consequence to herself from the power of throwing on ingenuous mind into confusion finding that Henrietta was oppressed by her looks gazed at her the more earnestly and having indulged herself several minutes in this exertion of her superiority thought it was now time to make the poor bashful girl stare in her turn and began to display her wit and learning the former in an inundation of
words that swallowed up her meaning and the latter in French words and phrases brought in to supply the deficiencies of her own native tongue
Lady D— who was used to divert herself with the singularity of this womans character listened to her with complaisance But Henrietta who began to conceive a very mean opinion of a lady who seemed to value herself so highly upon the knowledge of a language which was now become a part of every coblers daughters education beheld her with an indifference that sensibly wounded her pride and made her have recourse to other methods to impress her prodigious consequence upon her and since she could not make her stare at her learning she was resolved to make her wonder at her principles
You know lady D— said she abruptly I do not often go to church
I know it and I am sorry for it replied her ladyship
Upon my word said she I have too much reverence for the Deity to go to a place where it is ten to one but I shall hear him blasphemed
Henrietta now began to stare indeed The wonderful lady proceeded
I never pretend to deny that I am a deist
You must pardon me Mrs — interrupted lady D—
if I tell you that I really think you often declare that very improperly I have heard you say so before your children and servants
Madam replied Mrs —
I take care that my servants shall not think me an atheist They know my principles better they know I am a deist they have heard me declare that I believe there is an Intelligent cause which governs the world by physical rules As for moral attributes there is no such thing it is impious and absurd to suppose it The arbitrary constitution of things in the human system produces happiness and misery that is to say misery and happiness is productive of—Or rather as I said before the arbitrary constitution of things vice and virtue is necessarily produced by—that is necessarily brings on happiness or misery— Prayer and such like artifices of religion is foolish for whatever is is right To talk of imitating God is blasphemy His Providence is extended to collective bodies only
he has no regard to individuals nor is the soul a distinct substance from the body There is no future state it is all a fiction To argue from unequal distributions is absurd and blasphemous Whatever is is best The law of nature is sufficiently clear and there is no need of any supernatural revelation
I must intreat you madam interrupted lady D— seeing her eldest daughter that moment enter the room
to change the discourse now miss has not been used to such deep reasoning on these aweful subjects and may perhaps mistake what you are saying for blasphemy
More absurd mistakes than that may be made madam
replied Mrs —
when persons are not allowed to exercise their mental faculties— but your ladyship is going to dress—I interrupt you
Saying this she rose up and lady D— making no efforts to detain her took her leave
I have always hated that woman said miss D— as soon as she was gone
ever since I heard her ridicule parental affection and call it brutual instinct
Oh said lady D— laughing
it would ill become one of her elevated understanding to have natural affections those she
treats as vulgar prejudices Her own sex are the objects of her scorn because they are subject to such weaknesses as tenderness and pity She reads Seneca on friendship in the morning and exclaims O the exalted passion how divinely he treats it what noble sentiments In the afternoon she overreaches her friend and applauds her own wisdom Epictetus is studied with great care She will preach a moral sermon out of Epictetus that will last two hours Epictetus teaches her to regulate her passions She reads him intently while her maid is combing her hair and closes her book to storm at the poor trembling creature for accidentally hurting her with the comb
HEnrietta could not help smiling at lady D—s satirical manner of exposing the follies of the lady who had just left the room but a female freethinker was in her opinion so shocking a character that she would much rather have seen it the object of abhorrence than mirth
Lady D— put an end to her reflections for turning towards her
Mrs Benson said she it is time to think of you now
Henrietta immediately rose from her seat
There is a lady of my acquaintance pursued lady D—
to whom your accomplishments of singing and playing will make you a very acceptable companion and indeed I think it is a pity a young woman of your appearance and genteel education should remain in the condition of a servant which I am persuaded you was not born to
Henrietta blushed which lady D— observing come said she smiling
be ingenuous and confess that the proposal I have made you will suit you better than being a servant
Indeed madam it does not replied Henrietta
I am extremely obliged to your ladyship for your kind intentions but I had rather be recommended to the lady as a servant than in any other character
You surprise me said lady D— after a little pause
what objections can you have to a situation so much to be preferred to servitude
I am very sure madam said Henrietta
that I have not too much pride to be a servant since it is necessary I should be one but I am afraid I cannot so easily 〈…〉 a dependent
Lady D— a little disappointed to find herself so far below this obscure young person in delicacy of sentiment answered gravely
Well since it must be so I will serve you in your own way let me see you again a few days hence by that time I may possibly have heard of something for you
Henrietta again politely thanked her ladyship and withdrew leaving lady D— and her daughter differently affected with her behaviour in this last instance for young minds are apt to be struck with uncommon sentiments and to admire such as seem to possess them while persons advanced in years either from experience of the world or the natural depravity of the human heart ascribe every thing to affectation and design that contradicts certain received maxims in life
However Henriettas peculiarity made lady D— extremely desirous to know who she was and whether there was any thing extraordinary in her circumstances She wrote to the countess her sister expressing her curiosity but that lady was resolved to keep Henriettas secret as well in regard to the promise she had given her as because she really thought an unseasonable discovery of her true name and family would be disadvantageous to the plan she had laid
She therefore contented herself with telling her sister in her answer that Mrs Benson was a very deserving young woman who had been well brought up but by misfortunes in her family reduced to go to service
Lady D— was satisfied with this account and when Henrietta in obedience to her commands waited on her again she received her with great benevolence told her she had recommended her to a lady of great fortune whose place she believed would be an advantageous one and ordered her own woman to go with a message to the lady and introduce her
Henrietta having a hackneycoach waiting lady D—s woman and her after some ceremonies which our fair heroine would gladly have dispensed with seated themselves in it and as soon as it drove from the door the Abigail began
Well madam you are certainly very fortunate Mrs Autumns place is one of the best in Christendom you have nothing to do but to flatter her and you will gain her heart for ever
Is the lady fond of flattery then said Henrietta
Oh immensely cried the other
but for fear you should mistake and compliment her in the wrong place you must know and I think it is very lucky that I had an opportunity of instructing you you must know that though she is between forty and fifty years of
age she affects to be thought extremely young and having been handsome in her youth as my lady says she forgets she is no longer so now she is old
Now dear madam this is your cue Be sure to praise her bloomy complexion and the brightness of her eyes and if she bids you guess how old she is as tis ten to one but she will some time hence dont exceed twenty years I charge you
The poor simple girl that lived with her last lost her place by saying when she asked her how old she believed her to be that she took her ladyship to be about the same age as her mother She was a vulgar creature to be sure You madam are in no danger of speaking so improperly But on certain occasions you may contradict her rudely and she will be the more pleased as for instance when she says she looks horridly tell her in a surly way as if you were vexed at her perverseness that you never saw her look so handsome
Mighty well said Henrietta smiling
I perceive you are excellent in this art I am—
Oh no thanks dear madam interrupted lady D—s woman
I am fond of doing good offices
I was going to say replied Henrietta
that I am afraid these wise documents will be thrown away upon me
I hope not said the other gravely
Come take courage you are but a young beginner these things come of 〈◊〉 I should be sorry you were not capable of taking good counsel
They were now arrived at Mrs Autumns house lady D—s woman sent up word that she was come with the person her lady had recommended to her ladyship upon which both were ordered to go up stairs
They found the lady giving audience to millener a mantuamaker and a mercer Several pieces of silk lay unrolled before he and a vast variety of ribbons lappets egret• and other fashionable trifles were spread upo• a table on which she leaned in a thoughtful posture as unable to determine her choice
When Henrietta and her companion entere• she raised her eyes and nodding familiarly lady D—s woman who approached he• courtsying
you find me excessively busy M• Echo said she well what has lady D—
sent me—Oh a goodlikely body
pursued she looking at Henrietta
my compliments Mrs Echo and thanks—You see I have hardly time to speak to you—The young woman may stay Ill talk to her presently
Mrs Echo withdrew and the lady resuming her contemplative posture gave Henrietta an opportunity of considering her at leisure
If lady D—s woman had not fixed her age at somewhat more than forty she would have concluded her to have been older by the deep furrows in her face her fallen cheeks and the poor shrivelld hand that supported her head but her dress spoke her scarce fifteen a French fillet supplied the place of a cap and served to bind the few straggling hairs that graced her temples to a tète which was so loaded with hair that her head seemed to be of an enormous size The rest of her dress was suited exactly to the childish ornaments of her head and though no object could be more ridiculous yet Henrietta beheld her with a serious concern for true benevolence compassionates those follies which unfeeling hearts sacrifice to mirth
Mrs Autumn at length rose up
that must be the thing
said she pointing to a pink and silver She then gave some directions to her millener and suddenly interrupting herself
turned with a lively air to the mercer and asked him why he had not cut off the silk
Your ladyship did not tell me how much you wanted
replied the tradesman
Lord I am the giddiest creature exclaimed Mrs Autumn This matter however was soon settled and the important business with the millener dispatched she dismissed her tradespeople and throwing herself with an affected air upon a settee ordered Henrietta to come forward
I was afraid said she that lady D— who is very fond of seeing grave solemn faces about her had sent me some antiquated creature that would have frightened me but you seem to be a sprightly young body we shall agree very well I hope
Henrietta courtesied
I hate old people pursued the lady
they are generally obstinate and surly God help us we shall all be old if we live—but when one is in years ones self it is time enough to be plagued with the humours of those that are• you will suit me extremely well
Henrietta courtesied again
You are no talker I find said Mrs Autumn a little chagrined that the hints she had thrown out had produced nothing which could
flatter her extreme desire of being thought young
Well there is no great harm in that I shall take you upon lady D—s recommendation As for terms—
Madam said Henrietta who now for the first time opened her mouth
they shall be whatever you think proper
Very well said the lady
we will talk no more about them then if you can find out how to please me which will be no difficult matter I assure you my place may prove a very advantageous one and the sooner you come the better
Henrietta told her she was ready to come whenever she pleased Upon which Mrs Autumn with the pretty impatience of youth asked her if it would be any inconvenience to her to come that very night
Henrietta who was naturally obliging assured her it would not and was dismissed with a gracious smile for her ready compliance
Mrs Willis who had flattered herself that she should enjoy the company of her amiable friend for a few weeks at least was greatly disappointed when she found she was to lose her •o soon and gently blamed her for being so pre••pitate
Henrietta gave her the character of the lady she was going to live with and repeated what she had said to her
You may be sure added she that I shall never please Mrs Autumn in the way she expects to be pleased Flattery is always mean but to flatter solly is in my opinion criminal However I gladly embraced the first opportunity that offered to shew my willingness to oblige though I would not flatter her You will hardly believe me perhaps said she smiling when I tell you that one of the greatest bars to my happiness in my present humble situation is the difficulty of pleasing without wounding my own delicacy and candor It is not easy to live well with our superiors and preserve our integrity but it is not impossible and if fail in that attempt I shall at least have this satisfaction that I suffer in the cause 〈◊〉 virtue
It requires all that sweetness of temp• which you possess
said Mrs Willis
•• live with a woman of Mrs Autumns fanta•tick turn without being disgusted with • What an absurdity at fifty years to expect • be thought young and to imagine that • affecting the follies of youth she shall ha• the bloom of it also Our sex have been •
preached with never cultivating our minds till we can no longer please by our persons but here is a woman who has not judgment enough to know when she ought to resign the hope of pleasing by her person Take my word for it you will be very unhappy with her unless you resolve to accommodate yourself to her humour and sooth her in her ridiculous folly
That I will not do replied Henrietta
and since I have learned not to fear poverty my happiness will never depend upon others
Mrs Willis finding she could not prevail with her fair friend to alter her resolution acquiesced in it at length and Henrietta taking an affectionate leave of her repaired to her new habitation
THE lady being engaged with company when Henrietta arrived she did not see her till late at night when she was summoned to undress her
Come hither Henrietta said she as soon as she entered the room
I have seen lady D— since you was here—She has given me such an advantageous account of your understanding that I am resolved to make you my confidant
At the word Confidant Henrietta looked a little confused but the lady who did not observe her emotion reclined her head upon her hand and fixing her eyes on her glass to see how this pensive attitude became her
I am certainly pursued she sighing the most unfortunate woman in the world—Benson if you would be happy never marry
I have no thought of marriage at present madam
said Henrietta
Ah how I envy your freedom said the antiquated fair
you are plagued with no unreasonable jealousy Benson you will not be here long before you are a witness to my persecutions I wish I could conceal them but that is impossible
I am sorry madam said Henrietta who was under a necessity of saying something in answer to this strange stuff
to hear that you have any thing to make you uneasy
It does not signify exclaimed the lady with an emotion which she herself took to be real
I shall be choaked if I dont speak may I depend upon your prudence Benson—But I know I may Well then you must know there is a poor young fellow who pretends— But why do I say pretends—who is desperately —what shall I call it—who has an unconquerable invincible hopeless fatal dying passion for—for me in short Is not this a shocking thing
Indeed madam replied Henrietta with great truth I pity you extremely
Ay am I not greatly to be pitied child said the lady
Then the poor wretch cannot conceal his solly and it makes Mr Autumn so uneasy that really his temper is intolerable
Pardon me madam said Henrietta
but I am not surprised that Mr Autumn is uneasy at such folly as you justly call it
Why to be sure it is folly said Mrs Autum
but then if one reflects a little— It is not folly neither— for love you know is an involuntary passion So that— but you have a very unfeeling heart Benson and yet to judge by your looks you should have great sensibility Pray have you never felt the tender passion
If you mean love madam replied Henrietta indeed I cannot say I have
Well you will be a happy creature said the lady sighing
if you can always maintain this indifference but poor Languish must not expect to meet with much compassion from you Poor wretch continued she laughing I cannot help triumphing a little I have nicknamed him Languish from his eternal sighing and the melancholy roll of his eyes Mr Autumn cannot endure to hear me call him by this name but I love to plague him a little now and then what signifies power if one does not shew one has it Yet he ought to be satisfied with me for what I did this evening when Languish indiscreetly betrayed the violence of his passion by eagerly
running though there were two gentlemen nearer to take up my glove which I had dropped I took no notice of the dying air with which he presented it to me but as if his touch had polluted it I received it haughtily from him and threw it aside Sure this instance of disdain was enough to satisfy a jealous husband yet mine instead of looking pleased coloured with jealousy and rage and gave me such furious glances however this will always be the case where there is so great a disproportion in age Mr Autumn is not less than forty But hey day is the girl asleep
continued she looking at Henrietta who stood fixed in thought for the absurd affectation of her mistress gave her matter enough for reflection
Come undress me Mr Autumn will wonder at my long stay and as he is ingenious in tormenting himself he will possibly suspect that I have been reading a letter from this rival of his but there he overrates his presumption he has not ventured to write to me yet his passion is only expressed in sighs and looks
Henrietta made haste to obey her her patience being almost exhausted for Mrs Autumn had got on a subject which she knew not how to quit and her women being the only persons to whom she
could utter these extravagancies without any danger of being mortified with sarcastick hints of age and such envious and unjust reflections she made herself amends with them for the reserve she was much against her will obliged to maintain with others
Henrietta was at length ordered to wait on her to her chamber and soon after retired to her own greatly out of humour with her mistress and not a little displeased at herself to find that her philosophy by which she was enabled to bear the change of her fortune with patience and resignation could not guard her against •••fulness and disgust at the follies she was •eed to be witness to
Mrs Autumn like other modern 〈◊〉 lay in bed always till it was very late this being one of those happy expedients for killing time as the fashionable phrase is which to discover employs the inventions of persons of rank and fortune Henrietta had attended three whole hours in her ladys dressingroom in expectation every moment of being summoned to assist her to rise when Mr Autumn at length entered the room
His servant while he was dressing him had told him that his ladys new woman whom he had a glympse of as he passed by her on the stairs
was the greatest beauty he ever beheld so that being curious to see her he came to breakfast with his wife that morning
Henrietta rose up at his entrance Mr Autumn bowed looked at her attentively and thought his man had taste But he was still more struck with her noble air than the charms of her face and felt an uneasy emotion when he saw her continue standing with that humble respect which although it became her situation seemed little suited to the dignity of her appearance
Is not Mrs Autumn up madam
said he not being able to forbear using that respectful style Henrietta supposing he did not know her rank in his family replied
I expect my lady will ring every moment sir
Pray let her know that I am come to breakfast with her
said Mr Autumn
Henrietta went immediately into her ladys chamber and finding her awake delivered her message
Lord bless me said Mrs Autumn
what new whim is this He does not use to invade my apartment in a morning I suppose he is come to teaze me with some of his jealous fancies Well since it must be so order
breakfast to be sent in and come to me directly
What a ridiculous woman is this thought Henrietta as she went out of the room to torment herself at her age with the notion of her husband being jealous of her
The good lady when she returned charged her not to leave the room while they were at breakfast
Your presence said she may perhaps be some restraint upon him
She then slipped on a nightgown and went in a frightful dishabille to attend her complaisant spouse for she was one of those ladies who dress for every body but their husbands
Henrietta was not sorry that she was directed to wait for she was extremely desirous of knowing whether her lady had any reason for the uneasiness she expressed Mr Autumns good humour and complaisance soon put that matter out of doubt but Mrs Autumn was resolved to persuade her maid that her husband was jealous and laughing affectedly cried
Well dont be chagrined Mr Autumn but I protest I dreamt of poor Languish last night
The husband shook his head winked at his wise and pointed to Henrietta as if he had
said dont expose yourself before your new servant
Why how you frown now pursued Mrs Autumn
I knew you would be angry Lord what does it signify of whom one dreams one does not always think of the persons one dreams of I wish I had not told you
I wish you had not said Mr Autumn biting his lip with vexation at her folly The lady then lowering her voice as if she was not willing to be heard by Henrietta tho she took care not to make it impossible repeated
Trifles light as air
Are to the jealous confirmations strong
As proofs of holy writ
You are well read in Shakespear madam said Mr Autumn who was willing to give another turn to the discourse
Oh exclaimed she
he has touched the passion of jealousy finely in his character of Othello I think the Moor was uneasy about a dream too
Just then somebody tapped at the door Henrietta opened it one of the footmen delivered a message from one lady enquiring how Mrs Autumn did and a sealedup card from another
While the servant was speaking Mrs Autumn called out what makes the fellow whisper in that manner as if the message he brings was a secret Henrietta delivered her the card which she threw upon the table without opening it
I am resolved said she to turn that blockhead away his mysterious manner is enough to put strange fancies into peoples heads
The strange fancies are all your own said Mr Autumn peevishly
I thought it would be so cried the lady
you are out of humour What is this sealed up card the grievance come we will open it and you shall know the contents
Indeed I will not said Mr Autumn rising
I have not the least curiosity about the contents—Good morning to you my dear I am going out
Well Benson said Mrs Autumn as soon as her husband had left the room
is not this a comfortable life I live what a passion that poor man is in
Was Mr Autumn angry madam said Henrietta
To be sure he was said the lady
did you not observe it
Indeed madam replied Henrietta
Mr Autumn did not seem to me to be angry
No really said Mrs Autumn
you have a great deal of penetration it must be confessed— You think you are very discreet now but you are mistaken However I charge you dont gossip among your companions about Mr Autumns unhappy jealousy I dont want the world to know what I suffer upon that account
I never will mention it madam to any body
replied Henrietta
Nay for that matter said Mrs Autumn
you might mention it without any bad intention by way of pitying me or so and perhaps I should not think the worse of you But if you can be silent Benson you will oblige me reports of this kind you know should not be circulated
They never shall by me madam said Henrietta
Enough enough cried Mrs Autumn hastily I hate long speeches
Henrietta was pleased with a declaration which enjoined her silence for if it be tiresome to listen to the sallies of affectation and impertinence it •e much more so to be obliged to answer them
HEnrietta had exercised her patience for some weeks in the service of Mrs Autumn but every day producing new instances of her folly she resolved to quit her as soon as the countess came to town She conceived she was in some degree accountable to that lady for her actions since it was through her recommendation that she had been introduced to Mrs Autumn and she thought it neccessary for the justification of her conduct to have so considerable a witness of its being irreproachable
Her lady though she found herself always disappointed in that complaisance to her whims which she endeavoured to exact from her yet ventured to make her a proposal which her own want of delicacy hindered her from seeing the impropriety of
She had taken it into her head to try her supposed lovers constancy and therefore wrote a letter to him in the character of a lady unknown
on whose heart he had made a deep impression but who was resolved not to discover herself till she knew whether his was wholly disengaged
This letter she doubted not would produce a declaration that would afford matter of great triumph to herself who she suspected was the secret object of his adoration
She acquainted her woman with her scheme and gravely desired her to copy the letter for Languish she said knew her hand
Henrietta blushed with surprise and shame at this improper request and very frankly begged to be excused from complying with it
What said Mrs Autumn a little confused you dispute my commands then
I never refused to obey any of your commands before madam
replied Henrietta
but this pardon me madam appears so strange
You do not dare to suspect my virtue I hope
said Mrs Autumn in a lofty accent
It does not become me madam said Henrietta to censure your actions
No certainly replied the lady
nor to refuse to do any thing that I order you to do but I would fain know if you in your great
wisdom think there is anything improper in this little piece of gallantry
My opinion is of no consequence madam replied Henrietta
I only beg to be excused from copying it
Well no more of the letter cried Mrs Autumn hastily
perhaps I had only a mind to try your discretion perhaps too I shall like you the better for your steadiness— Be modest and reserved and you will be sure of my approbation Were you the best servant in the world you would not do for me unless you were extremely modest And now you know my mind be cautious how you behave modesty is a sure recommendation to my favour I can pardon any fault in my servant but want of modesty
Henrietta from this declaration had reason to think herself pretty sure of her ladys favour for the severest prude that ever declaimed against the monstrous levity of her own sex could not have objected to the propriety of her behaviour but unhappily for her she was that very day guilty of a fault by which she incurred very shocking suspicions for having neglected to •ill her ladys smellingbottle with some fresh Eau de Luce Mrs Autumn declared that such heedlessness must necessarily proceed from her having
her thoughts continually employed upon fellows and telling her that she could not endure such a creature in her sight ordered her to be gone immediately
Henrietta did not think proper to offer any answer to this strange charge but quitting her presence immediately and her house a few moments afterwards she returned to Mrs Willis who seeing her alight at her door eagerly flew to receive her
I have great news for you my dear miss said she
I was this moment preparing to set out in a coach to bring you a letter which was left here by one of your uncles servants It is very true
pursued she seeing Henrietta looked surprised
I asked the young man who he came from and he said the earl of — You may believe I am impatient to know the contents of this letter Come my dear and read it I hope all your troubles are over now
Henrietta receiving the letter from her which she took out of her pocket followed her into the parlour and breaking the seal
It is my uncles hand indeed said she and this is what he writes
Mrs Courteney is desired to call at the earl of— tomorrow morning at twelve oclock
he has something to propose to her for her advantage
Did I not tell you miss said Mrs Willis exultingly
that the step you had taken would produce a favourable change in your fortune
Dont be too sanguine in your expectations my dear Mrs Willis
said miss Courteney
who knows but my uncle may have another sir Isaac Darby to propose to me however I will certainly wait upon him and if possible will be punctual to the hour he has prescribed me but if nothing should come of this overture of his lordships I shall be your guest again for some time I have left Mrs Autumn
She then related to her some circumstances of that ladys extravagant folly and the cause and manner of their parting which together with their comments on lord—s message furnished them with matter sufficient for discourse during the remainder of that day what happened to our fair heroine the next will be found in the following chapter
HEnrietta was at her uncles house exactly at the hour prescribed her and upon sending in her name was desired to walk into his lordships library
The earl was there to receive her he had with him two of his daughters but these young ladies withdrew immediately after saluting her in a very distant manner which she returned with equal reserve and coldness
Miss Courteney said his lordship as soon as they were alone
I have been extremely angry with you for leaving your aunt in the strange manner you did
I am extremely obliged to your lordship replied Henrietta
for taking so much interest in any thing that concerns me
You certainly acted very indiscreetly said the earl
but what is past cannot be helped You have had the good luck to make yourself friends notwithstanding this wrong step
You have been at the countess of—s seat I hear
Yes my lord answered Henrietta
I was there with—
The countess is very much your friend interrupted his lordship hastily
but her son is more so
Henrietta blushed and was silent
I will not pursued his lordship
examine into your motives for leaving lady Meadows but I will if possible accommodate matters between you provided you will concur with me in my endeavours for that purpose
I desire nothing more earnestly than to be reconciled to my aunt
replied Henrietta
I believe it will be your own fault if you are not
resumed his lordship
and if you recover her savour your good fortune will not stop there—To keep you no longer in suspence then lord B— has declared a passion for you and has solicited my interest towards effecting a reconciliation between your aunt and you that he may pay his addresses to you in a proper manner
I am surprised that lord B— should make such a proposal
said Henrietta
he is engaged to the daughter of a rich citizen
No not engaged replied the earl
the match has been proposed and he has visited the young woman
Indeed my lord replied Henrietta
the affair is much further advanced
Well well interrupted his lordship
we will suppose that the writings are drawn and every thing settled but they are not married nor engaged neither
His inclinations you find have taken another turn you have no reason to blame him for this I am sure and it would be strange indeed if a man of his rank and fortune was to mind the censures of the vulgar
Henrietta was silent His lordship proceeded
Lord B— will find it difficult no doubt to prevail upon the earl to break off this treaty and consent to his marrying you though lady Meadows should offer to make you her heir because in that case your fortune would be greatly below that of this citizen whom he has chose for him Nevertheless he does not despair of effecting this provided your aunt will do for you what it was expected she would before you was so unhappy as to disoblige her In this lord B— sufficiently
shews the sincerity and ardor of his passion it is your part now to convince him that you are not ungrateful
What would your lordship have me to do said Henrietta
I would have you submit to your aunt said the earl
and regain her affection if possible▪ Lord B— has reason to expect this compliance from you
I will do every thing I ought to do replied Henrietta
to recover my aunts favour and this without any view to lord B— offers
Well we shall not examine too nicely into that matter
interrupted his lordship smiling
All that remains to be done is this I will see lady Meadows myself she will • in town soon I suppose lord B—s proposal which I will acquaint her with w• captivate her attention and be your best justification As for what little concessions s• may expect from you I shall leave them •• be settled by yourselves
There are certain concessions however said Henrietta
which it is impossible for • to make and which if my aunt insists up as the necessary conditions of a reconciliation between us I must still continue under •
displeasure and hazard all the consequences of it
I am afraid you are going to say some silly thing or other
interrupted his lordship rising from his seat which motion Henrietta understanding as a hint for her to hasten her departure rose also
I will detain your lordship no longer said she
than just to tell you that some time ago my aunt proposed to me to settle all her fortune upon me provided I would embrace the Roman catholick religion
A noble offer upon my honour said his lordship and did you refuse it
Would your lordship have had me accept of it
said Henrietta
What signifies what I would have had you do
replied the earl peevishly
What did the consideration of your own interest suggest to you
To refuse it my lord answered Henrietta and I did so
I find you are a very romantick girl said his lordship
I am resolved to trouble myself no more about your affairs
I hope it will not be imputed to me as a crime
said Henrietta
that I could not be bribed to change my religion
Change your religion repeated the earl
what necessity was there for your changing your religion you might have humoured the old woman have gone with her to mass and conformed to some of her superstitious ceremonies and be a good protestant in your heart notwithstanding the world knowing your motives would have commended you for such a prudent conduct—I see there is nothing to be done with you
pursued he after a little pause
For the sake of the unfortunate man who was your father I would have been glad to have seen you well married but lord B— is not such a fool as to take you without a fortune and as you cannot reasonably have any expectations but from lady Meadows who has no children and may leave her fortune to whom she pleases without doing any body injustice you know best whether it is worth your while to make a proper submission to her or not
I will never make an improper one said Henrietta
To be sure said his lordship
your own wisdom is to be judge of that
No my lord replied Henrietta
you shall if you please be judge— if my conscience—
Pray let me hear nothing about your conscience
interrupted the earl
it is not my business to let matters even between you and your conscience your aunts popish confessor who is likely to be her heir is skilful in those things yet I would not advise you to consult him neither for he is an interested person but remember that you may either secure to yourself a good estate and marry a very deserving young nobleman or continue in the obscurity and want your father left you in which is all the legacy he bequeathed you Think well of this and then let your conscience determine I do not advise you to do any thing against it
My resolution is already fixed said Henrietta
my conscience will neither permit me to change my religion nor to counterfeit a change of it
Do you insinuate by that said his lordship hastily
that I advised you to do either the one or the other
My aunt already knows my mind said Henrietta evading a question which she could
not answer truly without offending him
I have nothing to hope for from your lordships interposition unless she has been pleased to give up this point and I shall chearfully return to that poverty my father bequeathed me since with it he bequeathed me piety and virtue
It is a pity he did not leave you prudence also
said the earl who found something very provoking in this last speech
you would not then have disobliged your aunt by you• scandalous elopement from her which ha• reduced you to the miserable condition you are now in so that your friends know no• how to take notice of you
Friends my lord replied Henrietta rising in her temper
I have no friends I have only relations
That is likely to be their misfortune sai• his lordship who was very angry at this sarcasm
your undutifulness to your aunt makes you unworthy of the notice of your relations and I declare to you plainly that from the moment I will never concern myself abo•• you
Henrietta disdained to make any answer this unjust and cruel speech but courtefied
silence and withdrew leaving the earl very well satisfied with himself for the tender and parental part he had acted towards his brothers daughter and furnished with excellent reasons for never seeing her more
I had provided a match for her said he that very evening to an humble friend who he knew would not fail to spread the report
not unworthy of a daughter of my own She rejected my proposal She refused to make any submission to her aunt whom I would have prevailed upon to be reconciled to her Let her suffer the consequences of her obstinacy and folly I have done all that I ought to do and am justified to the world
His lordship forgot to add that the submission which was expected from her was nothing more than the change of her religion and the match she so obstinately refused could not be effected without she purchased a fortune by an impious hypocrisy Nevertheless the omission of these trifling circumstances gave such a colour to Henriettas behaviour that she was considered by all who heard her uncles account of it as an unhappy young creature who would ruin herself and be the blot of a noble family
As for our fair heroine she foresaw that her uncle would justify his neglect of her at her expence She had every thing against her rank fortune power that general prejudice which prevails against the unfortunate and that as general servility which adopts the passions of the great But these reflections filled her with no uneasy apprehensions for there is this advantage in virtue that it is sufficient for itself and needs not the applause or support of others its own consciousness is its best reward
HEnrietta before she went home waited upon lady D— to acquaint her that she had left Mrs Autumn She avoided mentioning that ladys peculiarities which had made it impossible to please her but with great simplicity related the error she had been guilty of and the suspicions she had incurred by it which occasioned her dismission
Lady D— diverted herself for some time with the extreme delicacy of her whimsical friend and then told Henrietta that having still a good opinion of her prudence and modesty notwithstanding the reasons Mrs Autumn had to suspect her she would place her about a young lady a relation of her own
Henrietta thanked her in very respectful terms and took her leave after she had at lady D—s desire left her a direction to her lodgings that she might know where to send for her when it was necessary
At her return she found the faithful Mrs Willis full of anxious impatience to hear the success of her visit to the earl Henrietta thro respect to her uncle concealed the greatest part of his discourse to her but owned that she had no expectations from him
Mrs Willis shrugged up her shoulders
Then it was as you suspected said she your uncle has proposed some absurd match to you and you have forfeited his future favour by not complying with it
You will be surprised to hear that lord B— has made an application to my uncle
said Henrietta
Surprised repeated Mrs Willis
why to be sure considering how your affairs are
circumstanced this is a generous way of proceeding Well I hope you begin now to have a favourable opinion both of his love and honour
I am sure I think highly of his prudence replied Henrietta smiling
only mark the caution with which he acts in this affair my poverty gave him hopes that I should be an easy conquest and that passion which first manifested itself in an open attempt upon my honour sought afterwards to allure me with bribes It is not strange that persons who hold money to be the greatest good should think it more than an equivalent for virtue Here however he was disappointed again to his great astonishment no doubt and marriage is this honourable lovers last resource but this he does not offer till he is sure I shall have a fortune if not equal to that of my rival the packers daughter yet at least sufficient to justify his choice in 〈◊〉 opinion of the prudential part of the world and perhaps he expects I should purchase the mighty blessing of his hand by the sacrifice the temporary sacrifice at least of those principles for which I have already suffered so much
Have you any reason for this shocking suspicion
interrupted Mrs Willis
I think I have replied Henrietta
a reconciliation with my aunt is it seems a necessary preliminary to his addresses and yet he heard from myself upon what condition that reconciliation could only be effected
Henrietta suddenly interrupting herself cried out
There he is there is lord B—
Where where said Mrs Willis running to the window It is certainly he said Henrietta he passed by in a chair
That instant they heard a loud rap at the door
As I live cried Mrs Willis in a violent flutter
he is come to visit you I hope you will see him miss Courteney hear what he has to say pray do there can be no harm in that I am sure
Well well said Henrietta smiling at her solicitude
I will see him let him be shewn into the other parlour if you please
Mrs Willis curious to see this young lord went herself to open the door He bolted out of the chair and with a look and accent full of impatience asked her if the young lady that lodged there was at home
Miss Courteney sir said Mrs Willis
Yes replied he hastily
is she at home can I see her Pray tell her a gentleman from — enquires for her
Mrs Willis desired him to walk into the parlour said she would acquaint the young lady with his being there and a few moments afterwards Henrietta appeared
Lord B— flew to meet her with the air of a lover conscious of the right he had to be well received and taking her hand which he respectfully kissed
Now cried he exultingly
can you doubt the ardor of my passion for you and will you not at length confess that it is possible for a man to deserve you
Certainly my lord replied Henrietta it is very possible
May I perish if I think so said he but how poorly would words express my adoration of you Judge of the purity the ardor of my love by what I have done to make you mine—Have you not seen your uncle miss Courteney
I have my lord replied Henrietta
You have repeated his lordship
and in that grave cold accent too Surely my sentiments and designs are still unknown to
you it is impossible else that you should be thus insensible nay ungrateful I will say— for I have given no common proofs of love I think
Indeed my lord replied Henrietta who had a mind to teaze this generous lover a little
you shall not suffer for your noble disinterestedness— you shall not relinquish miss Cordwain and her immense fortune for me
Name not her fortune cried lord B— were it millions I would refuse it for you
Nay now your lordship is quite romantick
said Henrietta
to prefer to a rich heiress an unhappy young woman deserted by her relations and reduced to seek a subsistence by her labour
Call not my passion romantick interrupted lord B—
because it soars above common conceptions a mind so elevated as yours might give it a juster epithet
Were my aunt pursued Henrietta
to leave me her whole estate you would still make no inconsiderable sacrifice by quitting miss Cordwain for me since my fortune would then be greatly inferior to hers But you know my lord I have no expectations from lady Meadows I have declared to my
uncle the hard conditions upon which she offers to make me her heir conditions that I never will accept of and therefore I may well call your passion romantick when under such circumstances you could think of making an application to my uncle
To be sure madam said lord B— whose countenance expressed at once surprise confusion and disappointment—
I did apply to the earl not personally indeed I contrived it so that a friend of mine who is very intimate with his lordship should give him a hint of your situation and the sentiments I entertained for you and from the account my friend gave me of his success in his negotiation I conceived that you might be prevailed upon—that is that you would consider— For might I not hope my dear miss Courteney that you would not be insensible of my affection
Here his lordship paused and looked on Henrietta with a languishing air seeming to wish and expect that her tenderness would spare him a further explanation but our fair heroine who did not chuse to collect his meaning from the abrupt and inconnected sentences he had uttered continued maliciously silent as if she waited for the end of his discourse
I see resumed he that I have not been happy enough to inspire you with any tender sentiments for me Pardon me miss Courteney but I must be so free as to tell you that if you were not prepossessed in favour of another person the proofs I have given you of my affection would not be received with such indifference
There needs not any such prepossession replied Henrietta vexed at this hint
to make me receive with indifference the proofs you have hitherto given me of that affection your lordship boasts of Am I to reckon among these proofs my lord the insult you offered me at Mrs Eccless and the strange declaration you made me in the country
Ah how cruel is this recapitulation now cried lord B—
do I not do justice to your birth your beauty and virtue by my present honourable intentions
It is not enough for me my lord said Henrietta
that your intentions are honourable now to have merited my esteem they should always have been so but to speak plainly I am still doubtful of your intentions
Doubtful still of my intentions repeated lord B—
have I not declared them to your uncle madam have I not solicited his interest with you
Suppose that obtained my lord said Henrietta
and that it has all the weight with me you could wish
Why then we shall be happy my angel cried he taking her hand and pressing it to his lips
You will be reconciled to your aunt and I may hope for my fathers consent to our union
A reconciliation with my aunt is impossible
said Henrietta withdrawing her hand
Say not that it is impossible replied lord B—
but that you have not complaisance enough for me to attempt it
Did I not know it to be impossible resumed Henrietta
I would attempt it for my own sake but nothing less than the sacrifice of my religion will satisfy my aunt on this condition indeed she promises to settle her whole estate upon me I think I once told your lordship so
You did my dear miss Courteney interrupted lord B—
and I adore you for your steady adherence to your principles
Henrietta was a little startled at so unexpected a declaration but lord B—did not suffer her to remain long in the error his last words had occasioned
If lady Meadows was not such a bigot pursued he
excuse my freedom miss we might expect that she would receive my proposals with pleasure and make such concessions in favour of her niece as might engage my fathers consent to our marriage but since this is hopeless is it reasonable that you should be the victim of her obstinacy by seeming only to comply with your aunts desires all obstacles to our union will be removed a temporary compliance is all that is necessary to secure to you a fortune and a rank in life suitable to your birth Do not imagine that I wish to see you a proselyte to the religion she professes no if any thing could weaken my passion your being capable of such a change upon interested motives would do it I love you I repeat it again I love you for your piety
Then to be sure my lord replied Henrietta
you think that a little dissimulation in this case would be a virtue
In your circumstances resumed lord B—
it certainly would for while your principles are unchanged what do you sacrifice in yielding to your aunt but externals only this sacrifice your interest your happiness demands of you let me add also that you owe it to a man who loves you with the ardor I do And surely to industriously seek occasions of suffering for a religion which if you could be contented with secretly professing you would be happy yourself and make others happy also is to give the world reason to suspect that ostentation has a greater share in your resolves than piety Therefore my dear miss Courteney you see it is not the sacrifice of your religion that I require of you but of the reputation of suffering for it
Well my lord replied Henrietta who had listened to him with great calmness
if ever I was in doubt of your intentions you have clearly explained them now of them and of the sentiments you have avowed you may collect my opinion when I declare to you that if you had worlds to bestow on me I would not be your wife
Is this your resolution miss Courteney said his lordship
It is my lord she replied A resolution justifiable upon your own great principle interest It is my interest I consult when I prefer poverty and servitude to the fortune my aunt can give me because the silent testimony of a quiet conscience is in my opinion of infinitely more value than riches It is interest by which I am influenced when I refuse your offered alliance because I am sure I could not be happy with a man whom I cannot esteem
Hold madam hold interrupted lord B—
this is too much I have not deserved this treatment but I thank you for it yes from my soul I thank you for it it has helped to restore my senses I have been foolish very foolish I confess
His lordship indeed looked foolish enough when he pronounced these words which were succeeded by a pause of several minutes then suddenly starting from his seat and bowing with an affected negligence
The best apology I can make madam said he for the importunate visit I have paid you is to assure you I never will repeat it
Henrietta courtefied gravely without answering him and having rung the bell for a servant to attend him to the door went into the room
where her friend was sitting Lord B— stopped looked back and finding she had withdrawn he rushed out hastily and flung himself into his chair glad of his escape and congratulating himself upon the victory he had gained over his passion for in the first emotions of his grief at parting he had almost resolved to declare he would marry her without any fortune but her disappearing so suddenly gave him time for a moments reflection and that was sufficient to hinder him from being guilty of an imprudence which he now trembled at the thoughts of
It is so difficult for mean and selfish persons to conceive that any thing but private advantage can influence the resolutions of others that notwithstanding the proof Henrietta had given of her attachment to her religion and her inviolable regard to truth yet still lord B— supposed there must be some other latent motive for a conduct in his opinion highly ridiculous and very inconsistent with that good sense which it was apparent she possessed
Sometimes he fancied he had a rival and then to clear a doubt so tormenting he was upon the point of returning to her to offer her his hand upon her own conditions but his avarice restrained him from making so dangerous
a trial she might accept his offer and with all the passion he felt for her he could not resolve to marry her without a fortune
To stifle a thought which suggested to him designs so destructive to his interest he endeavoured to persuade himself that her obstinacy in refusing to temporize a little when such mighty advantages were in view was the effect of female vanity which sought distinction at the expence of solid happiness In this opinion he was confirmed by his friend whom he had employed to sound the earl her uncle with regard to his proposals and to whom he now communicated the result of his interview with Henrietta
Depend upon it said this sagacious person
your goddess will descend from her romantick flights when she finds she has almost soared out of human ken and is much more likely to be laughed at for her extravagant folly than admired and applauded for her extraordinary piety Follow my advice pursued he suffer your mistress to believe you have broke her chains if interest does not make her wish to recall you vanity will Few women can endure that a lover should escape them and to recover their influence they often make concessions which in the
zenith of their power they would have thought impossible
Lord B—improved a little upon his friends scheme and resolved to continue his addresses to miss Cordwain to pique Henrietta he said but in reality he was as much in love with the fortune of that young lady as with the person of our fair heroine and was not willing to hazard the loss of the one while it was yet doubtful whether he should ever possess the other
HEnrietta having acquainted Mrs Willis with what had passed in her interview with lord B— the good woman who ha• flattered herself that the affair would have end• more happily tho more honourably it could not for her fair friend conjured her with tears of anxious tenderness not to think • going to service again but to allow the countess whom her conduct with regard to her so must necessarily oblige very highly to empl• her good offices with lady Meadows in her •••vour
that a reconciliation might be effected without those shocking conditions which had at first been proposed to her
If I thought such an application would be successful
replied Henrietta
I would readily consent to it For you may easily imagine my dear Mrs Willis that this low condition is not my choice but I know my aunts temper whatever she desires she desires with ardor and makes a merit at persisting obstinately in a resolution she has once formed Her pride will be a more powerful advocate for me than any thing the countess can urge to that I formerly owed my deliverance from dependence more mortifying than servitude This pride will no doubt be sensibly wounded when she finds that I am determined in my choice if any thing can make her recede from her purpose it will be the shame of seeing her niece reduced so low But surely it is not the way to convince her I am really determined if I allow my friends to teaze her with solicitations when she has already declared her resolution in such strong terms she will believe that I have engaged them to make this trial she will be offended with their interposition and
perhaps be the less inclined to raise me from this obscure condition as she will not have the merit of doing it from her own generosity and tenderness but at the instances of others time only my dear Mrs Willis can produce any favourable change in my circumstances it will either soften the hearts of my relations or it will blunt my sense of the meanness of my condition by familiarizing me to it This I am sure of at least that in the consciousness of doing right I shall always find an unfailing source of happiness however Providence may think fit to dispose of me
Ah never doubt but you are the care of Providence my dear miss
cried Mrs Willis
such virtue and piety must sooner or later be happy Heaven and your own prudence direct you
I have not always been prudent said Henrietta sighing
but misfortunes as you once told me teach us wisdom
Mrs Willis observing an unusual pensiveness stealing over the sweet features of Henrietta or this reflection changed the discourse to a less interesting subject and employed her utmost assiduity and tenderness to make the time she stayed with her pass agreeably
A week being elapsed and no message coming from lady D— Henrietta began to apprehend that she should be disappointed of a place in which she expected more satisfaction than she had found in those she had hitherto been in when she was surprised with a visit from the countess of—
She flew to receive her with a respectful joy The lady tenderly pressed her hand—
I had business in the city said she and I took this opportunity to call on you—and how do you do my dear good girl pursued she have you any agreeable news to tell me has your family relented yet
I have no reason to think they have madam replied Henrietta
Shocking insensibility exclaimed the countess lifting up her eyes
you have been very ill used too by Mrs Autumn my sister tells me
Henrietta smiled but was silent
Well miss Courteney resumed the countess
will you come and live with me as my friend and companion I know your generous scorn of dependence but it is the unworthiness of the donor only that can make benefits sit heavy on a mind like yours there is often as much greatness of soul in receiving
as in conferring benefits and when true friendship is the motive for giving it is pride not generosity to refuse
Do me the justice to believe▪ madam replied Henrietta
that I receive this instance of your goodness with the deepest gratitude but there is—
I understand you interrupted the countess—
my son but I hope when he is married you will have no objection to living with me as my friend
The countess in speaking these words looked earnestly on Henrietta
No certainly madam cried she eagerly I shall think myself happy in living with you in any situation
I know not what to think of my sons conduct in this affair
resumed the countess
every thing is settled between my lord and the young ladys father but he still finds pre•tences to delay the match
Her eyes as sh• pronounced these words seemed to demand a explanation of Henrietta
I am afraid madam replied she that have been partly the cause of these delays
That is candidly said interrupted t• countess have you seen my son lately
I have madam answered Henrietta
but your ladyship may be entirely easy
Easy repeated the countess
why do you imagine that I am so insensible of your merit—but you know my good girl lord B— is in honour engaged to miss Cordwain
His lordships partiality for me said Henrietta
has induced him to carry this matter further than as he is circumstanced I think he should have done He has caused my uncle to be applied to but this has produced nothing madam I told lord B— upon what conditions my aunt had offered to settle her estate upon me and his lordship is convinced that I cannot comply with them My resolution is fixed my lord B— knows it is so and you have nothing to fear madam from any imprudence on his side or any ungenerosity on mine I ventured to promise that I would deserve the confidence you was pleased to place in me on this occasion and I hope I have and shall continue to deserve it
Notwithstanding the delicate manner in which Henrietta stated the affair between her and lord B— yet the countess discovered that her son had shewn more prudence than generosity or
even love in his behaviour and by a strange contradiction in the human heart she at once approved and condemned was pleased with yet ashamed of his conduct but charmed with Henriettas noble disinterestedness her candour and sincerity she embraced her with the tenderness of a mother and perhaps with the more tenderness because she was not likely she should not be her mother
I am impatient said she till I can have you with me that I may have it in my power to shew you how greatly I both love and esteem you
Henrietta thanked her with great politeness and then told her of lady D—s intentions to recommend her to a young lady a relation of hers
Oh miss Belmour you mean said the countess
my sister mentioned it to me she is an agreeable young woman has a very good fortune and is entirely mistress of herself She will be much better pleased to receive you in the character of a companion that a servant when she knows your birth and merit
I will owe obligations of that kind to non but yourself madam
replied Henrietta
and I beg this young lady may know no mor•
of me than what is just necessary to recommend me to her good opinion as a servant
The countess contested this point with her for some time but finding her not to be dissuaded from her design Well said she kindly
you shall be indulged this once but remember I claim your promise to come to me when a certain objection is removed in the mean time we will settle you with miss Belmour in the way you chuse She will be with my sister tomorrow morning and if you come likewise lady D— will introduce you to her
Henrietta said she would not fail to attend lady D— Upon which the countess rose up kissed her at parting and desired she would look upon her as one of her most faithful friends
Our fair heroine had reason to be satisfied with the kind manner in which lady D— recommended her to miss Belmour as well as with the reception that young lady gave her She carried her home with her in her coach and behaved to her with an affability that Henrietta could no otherwise account for than by suppossing the countess had discovered her true name and circumstances to her— In this however she was mistaken her young mistress was in love she had occasion for a confidant Henriettas youth and gentleness promised her she
would be an indulgent one besides her good sense and the elegance of her person and behaviour so lessened the distance between the mistress and servant that her pride was not wounded by the familiarity with which she condescended to treat her as the necessary prelude to the confidence she was resolved to repose in her
Henrietta listened with complaisance to the overflowings of a heart tender by nature and wholly possessed as she thought by a deserving object but when miss Belmour in the course of frequent conversations on this exhaustless theme gave her to understand that this lover of whom she boasted was the husband of another lady from whom he had been parted several years surprise horror grief were so strongly impressed on her countenance that her lady be•gan to repent of a confession she had made it full confidence that her sentiments whatever they were must needs be approved by her ser•vant
But it being now useless as well as dangerou• to retract what she had said she was under • necessity of submitting to the mortifying •a• of defending her conduct to one whole duty well as interest she had a moment before co•ceived it to be to acquiesce in or rather appla• all she did
She began with telling Henrietta that Mr Campley had when very young been forced by an avaricious father to marry a woman whom he could not love and with whom he had been so miserable that a separation was agreed to by the relations on both sides
Henrietta sighed sympathetically at this account Miss Belmour encouraged by this mark of her sensibility proceeded with great fluency of language to expatiate on the resistless power of love her lovers sophistry had furnished her with arguments to prove that the marriage he had been forced into was not binding in the sight of heaven and that he was at liberty to bestow his affections elsewhere She treated marriage as a mere human institution adopted the sentiments of Eloisa talked of a union of hearts eternal constancy generous confidence—Henrietta heard her with patience but being out of breath at last she stopped and seemed to expect a reply
Our fair heroine with all the humility becoming her station but at the same time with all the ••••ness of virtue opposed the specious arguments she had urged with others which reason religion and the purity of her own sentiments suggested to her these however made very little impression on miss Belmour She yawned
smiled contemptuously and was several times ready to interrupt her with an authoritative air but refrained from the consideration that her woman was now by the participation of her secret become her companion if not something more
Henrietta despairing to rescue her unhappy mistress by motives of piety from the snares that were laid for her sought even to interest her passions in the cause of virtue
You depend madam pursued she upon your lovers constancy but what security can you have that he will be constant
What security interrupted miss Belmour roused to attention by so interesting a question his vows
These vows madam said Henrietta will expire with the passion that caused them he will be constant as long as he loves but how long he will love is the doubt
I am really vain enough to imagine replied miss Belmour bridling
that those few attractions I have received from nature since they have gained will fix his heart I am quite free from any apprehensions of that sort I can assure you
You have charms madam said Henrietta
that entitle you to a worthier conquest
than of a man who not having it in his power to marry you yet dishonourably seeks to ensnare your affections
It is natural to wish to be beloved by those we love
replied miss Belmour
I am convinced Mr Campley loves me
If he loved you sincerely madam said Henrietta
he would not make you unhappy true love never seeks the ruin of its object disinterestedness is the test of love try Mr Campleys by that
Mr Campley has no mean selfish designs upon my fortune
cried miss Belmour
His designs are mean and selfish in the highest degree
replied Henrietta
since he expects that to make him happy you should sacrifice your peace your honour and your reputation and should he succeed in these designs which heaven forbid the neglect he will soon treat you with will convince you that love when not founded on esteem cannot be lasting for the contempt which even libertines feel for those whom they have seduced is a proof of that secret homage which all men pay to virtue
If I thought Mr Campley would ever fail in the respect and adoration he pays me now
said miss Belmour I should hate him
The only way to preserve that respect madam
replied Henrietta
is not to allow him to encourage any presumptuous hopes if you wish to keep his heart engage his esteem he may one time or other perhaps be at liberty to offer you his hand
Ah Henrietta interrupted miss Belmour sighing
that time is very distant I fear but you have put strange thoughts into my head I have been to blame to suffer Mr Campley to talk to me so freely of his passion indeed I think he has been less respectful since I suffered him to perceive that I presered him to all the men I ever saw I own to you freely that it was my apprehensions of losing him that made me listen to his arguments for I thought if I reduced him to despair he would conquer his passion for me but what if the very means I have used to keep his heart should prove the cause of his slighting me—Oh you do not know what anxious uneasy doubts you have raised in my mind—However I am resolved to behave with more reserve to him for the future I will try whether his passion is strong enough to subsist of itself for you have convinced me that the hopes with which I have hitherto fed it have been less likely to nourish than to cloy
Henrietta would have been better pleased if sentiments more pure had suggested this design but it was a great point gained to prevail with her on any terms to discourage the addresses of a man whose love was a crime She flattered herself likewise that this unexpected severity in miss Belmour would produce an alteration in her unworthy lovers behaviour which might favour her views of exciting her resentment against him and in this she was not mistaken
Mr Campley thought fit to be offended at the new plan of conduct miss Belmour had laid down for herself and complained of it at first with that mixture of haughtiness and submission which a man who is sure he is beloved thinks he has a right to use but finding this had not the effect he desired he had recourse to a personated indifference in order to alarm her with the fear of losing him
Henrietta whom she acquainted with every change in his behaviour told her that this was the time to humble her imperious lover
You must either give him laws madam said she or be contented to receive them of him his aim was to degrade you to a mistress he will love you you see upon no other condition
I see it I see it plainly interrupted miss Belmour bursting into tears
where is now
that aweful love he professed for me when a look a smile was a sufficient reward for all his sufferings—Dear Henrietta tell me what I shall do to shew him how much I hate and despise him
Avoid him madam as much as possible replied Henrietta
When you happen to meet him in company suffer him not to speak to you apart and receive no letters from him persist in this conduct and you will convince him that you are resolved not to purchase the continuance of his affection by the sacrifice of your honour If he is capable of a sincere and generous passion he will esteem and reverence that virtue which opposes his desires and his esteem will strengthen his love
Yes cried miss Belmour
he shall find that he is not so sure of me as he has the presumption to imagine I will tell him so myself and see him again but it shall be only to declare that I will never see him more—Give me pen and ink my dear Henrietta I will appoint him a meeting at lady D—s this evening and while the company is engaged at cards I shall have an opportunity to tell him the resolution I have formed and doubt no but I will speak to him in the severest term
my resentment can suggest he shall know to his confusion that I am in earnest
Indeed madam said Henrietta
that is not the way to persuade him that you are in earnest let your actions speak for you shun him carefully and then he must be convinced that you do not feign
I have thought of a way to torment him said miss Belmour after a little pause
I will go to Paris Last year some ladies of my acquaintance proposed to me to go there with them and I had almost consented but the wretch who braves me so insolently now declared then that he could not support my absence and seemed so overwhelmed with grief that I put off my journey for that time but now were he to offer to stab himself at my feet it should not alter my purpose I will write to him this moment and let him know my design
Let me intreat you madam said Henrietta
not to do that go first and write to him afterwards—And yet I could recommend a better way of punishing this insolent lover
Tell me what better way cried miss Belmour eagerly
It is to marry madam replied Henrietta
chuse out of that crowd of lovers who address you him whom you think most deserving Marriage will secure your peace your honour and reputation and effectually punish the man who made the sacrifice of all these the necessary condition of his love for you
This expedient was not at all approved of by miss Belmour She declared she hated the whole sex for Mr Campleys sake and Henrietta had no difficulty to believe her however she prevailed with her to promise that she would keep her intended journey secret till she was just ready to depart that it might not seem as if she meant only to alarm her designing lover This promise she observed so ill that she declared that very day at lady D—s her intention to spend a few months in Paris Mr Campley who was there and who still kept up his assumed indifference instead of endeavouring to alter her purpose as she expected coldly congratulated her on the pleasures she would enjoy in that enchanting metropolis Miss Belmour came home ready to burst with rage and disappointment
I knew how it would be madam said Henrietta
if you talked of your design Mr
Campley thinks he sees through the artifice of it all you can do now is to hasten your departure
I am resolved Ill set out tomorrow morning
said miss Belmour
No matter for preparations pack up a few necessaries to take with us in the coach and leave directions for my trunks to be sent after When we come to Dover if there is not a packetboat ready to sail Ill hire one at any price I shall not be at rest till I have convinced this man I am really determined to avoid him
Henrietta kept up this spirit and after she had given proper directions to the housekeeper and sent orders for the coach to be ready early in the morning she busied herself in packing up her lady assisting in a violent flutter of spirits and wishing impatiently for the hour of departure
Our fair heroine had some objections to taking this journey herself but her concern for miss Belmour overruled them all She was not willing to leave unfinished the good work she had begun and she was apprehensive that if the young lady was left to the guidance of her own passions this sudden sally of resentment
would end in a reconciliation fatal to her virtue
She would have been glad to see the countess before she went but there was no time for this visit therefore she contented herself with writing to that lady and to her friend Mrs Willis The countess received the news of this journey with great pleasure because she hoped that absence would effectually cure her sons passion for Henrietta the consequences of which she was still apprehensive of notwithstanding he had shewn an extraordinary prudence in the conduct of it
But Mrs Willis was very uneasy lest any thing should happen that might make her repent the removing herself thus from all her friends and putting herself entirely in the power of a stranger Had there been time for it she would have endeavoured to dissuade Henrietta from going but recollecting that Mr Bale was in France and that they might possibly meet she resolved to write to the old gentleman and give him a full account of every thing relating to the situation of his fair persecuted ward not even omitting his sons doubtful behaviour with regard to her for she knew that if they met Henrietta would be
silent upon that article and yet it was necessary he should know it that he might be convinced her misfortunes were chiefly owing to his sons treachery and this consideration she hoped would produce something to her advantage
IN the mean time our fair travelle•• having regulated their affairs in the 〈◊〉 manner the extreme hurry they were in world admit set out for Dover in miss Belmours coach That young lady still agitated with the violence of her resentment which Henrietta took care should not abate and elated with the hope of reducing her lover to despair by thu• leaving him thought the horses went too slow for her impatience She wished for wings to convey her at once far from him and declare that she never desired to see him more y•• Henrietta observed that she frequently looked out of the windows with an air of anxious expectation
and would sigh when she drew in her head again as if she had been disappointed— Doubtless she had conceived hopes that her lover would follow her and considering this neglect as a new proof of his indifference it redoubled her rage and strengthened a resolution which reason and virtue had very little share in
This thought gave Henrietta great concern her conversion promised no great permanency since it was founded on such motives but all she could now do was to manage her passions for the time was not yet come to touch her heart by sentiments of piety and virtue
On their arrival at Dover they found the Calais packetboat ready to sail Miss Belmour who would fain have lingered at Dover a day was not much pleased with this circumstance but her pride was concerned not to betray any irresolution accordingly she embarked with a tolerable good grace and the wind continuing fair they soon landed at Calais
Miss Belmour having made the journey before was under no embarassment how to conduct herself The customary ceremonies at landing being over she proceeded to the inn she had formerly been at and having hired a postchaise for herself and Henrietta and a horse
for her servant she set out immediately after dinner and reached Boulogne that •••ing
As the chaise stopped at the inn they put up at two gentlemen alighted from their horses at the same time one of whom hearing they were English ladies advanced and respectfully offered them his hand to help them out Miss Belmour pleased with the graceful appearance of this stranger politely accepted his assistance which he likewise tendered to Henrietta whose charms at the first glance made a powerful impression on his heart
His eyes told her this so intelligibly that she was under some confusion yet she found in herself a kind of satisfaction at the attention with which he gazed on her and was now for the first time sensible to the pleasure of cha••ing but accustomed to watch carefully over the motions of her own mind she checked this ••ing vanity and a little ashamed of the folly she discovered in herself she hastily withdrew he• hand which he still held as not 〈◊〉 maste• enough of himself to part with it though she was already out of the chaise and think •• him by a graceful courtesy for his civility she followed miss Belmour into the room the land lady had conducted her to
The young gentleman stood gazing after her as long as she was in sight then turning to his friend who was giving some orders to their footmen
Oh Charles cried he with a look half serious half gay my fatal hour is come
What Ill warrant you said the other
you are shot through the heart with the glances of the younger of those ladies I observed how you gazed on her
Is she not a charming creature exclaimed the first
what features what a complexion what elegance in her whole form—I am sure she has wit I saw her soul in her eyes
Faith I am half concerned for you interrupted Charles with an affected seriousness
this will be an unfortunate encounter I am afraid
Can we not think of some method to introduce ourselves to them
cried the other without minding what he had said
I shall not rest till I find out who they are
What will it signify to you to know replied Charles
they are going to Paris and we to London
Why aye that is true said the other
we shall go different ways in the morning
and yet—what think you my dear Charles of going back to Paris for a few days and we shall have an opportunity of escorting these fair travellers—Come it will be but a frolick and I know you are no enemy to them
I dont like this frolick replied Charles
it has too serious an air sure you are strangly charmed with this girl—Just upon the point of seeing your father and your family after a long absence and so suddenly to resolve upon protracting your stay from them—I dont half like it I confess and this once my lord I must oppose your inclinations
Oh sir you are grave replied his lordship a little sullenly
you have a mind to exert the governor too but let me tell you that considering the equality of our years and the terms we have hitheto lived upon this wisdom is very unseasonable
The young lord having said this with some emotion hastily entered the house and calling to the innkeeper to shew him a room went away without taking any farther notice of his governor who stood musing for some time after he was gone and then followed him with an intention to bring him if possible to reason
Upon his entering the room he found his pupil leaning on a table with a discontented air He just raised his head to see who it was that came in and immediately resumed his former posture without speaking a word
The governor looked at him a moment in silence at last
This pensiveness said he and this causeless resentment are they not strong arguments against my complying with your proposal The impression this girl has made on your heart must needs be very great since it can make you already forget that friendship you have vowed for me and in which I placed so much happiness
It is you not I who seems to have forgot our mutual friendship
replied the young nobleman melted at those last words
Why did you my dear Charles lose the beloved friend and companion in the austere governor is not this strange affectation
Indeed my lord replied the governor
I should be unworthy the title of your friend if I was not attentive to your interest
Was there ever any thing so absurd interrupted his lordship
to make a serious affair of a little idle curiosity
Dont you make a serious affair of it replied the governor
and I shall be contented
Well then you consent to go back to Paris with me
said the pupil
If you are resolved to go answered the governor to be sure I will go with you
Now you are my friend again said the young lord hugging him
I promise you I will not stay long in Paris but we must be Freeman and Melvil again my dear Charle• —Ah how many pleasant adventures have we had under those names
If this proves of no greater consequence resumed the young governor
I shall not regret coming into your scheme but I confess I am alarmed at your eagerness to follow th• young woman She seems to have made n• slight impression on your heart there is danger in these sort of attachments how do you know how far this may lead you
What strange notions have entered you• head
said the young nobleman
it •• hardly worth while to make a serious answer to them but this you may depend upon th• I never will follow my inclinations in oppo••tion to the duty I owe my father And not what do you think will become of th••
dangerous attachment but added he smiling we must make our fellowtravellers a visit these inns are charming places for shortening the ceremonies of a first introduction
He rang the bell without waiting for his friends answer and one of his servants appearing he ordered him to present Mr Freemans and his compliments to the two English ladies with a request that they would permit them to wait upon them
Henrietta felt her heart flutter at this message •et her natural reserve made her wish miss Belmour would decline the visit of these young gentlemen However that lady returned a civil answer and permission for them to come
Henrietta sensible of an agitation which she had never known before would have chose not to have shared this visit but it was not possible to avoid it miss Belmour had obliged her 〈◊〉 throw off the character of a servant and to •ve with her upon the footing of a friend and companion to which Henrietta was in•uced to consent by the hope she had that his familiarity would furnish her with opportunities to guard her unhappy mistress against the evils into which her blind passion was hurrying her
To this mark of consideration and esteem miss Belmour added a most affectionate behaviour which entirely won the heart of the tender and grateful Henrietta for nothing so much resembles true friendship as those connexions which lovers form with persons whom they make the confidants of their passion
Thus circumstanced Henrietta was obliged to receive the compliments of Mr Melvil and his friend as well as her lady who soon after fell into a fit of musing that made it necessary for our fair heroine to keep up the conversation with the two gentlemen which she did with that sprightliness and vivacity so natural to her
The graces of her wit the easy elegance of her manners and the modest dignity of her deportment formed new chains for the heart of Melvil He looked on his friend with an exulting air his eyes challenged his admiration of the woman whose merit justified the sentiments he entertained for her
At parting he told the ladies that sin• he was going to Paris as well as they h• hoped they would allow him the pleasure of • scorting them and that he would regulate h• journey entirely by theirs
Henrietta who well remembered to have seen these travellers taking the very contrary route was a little surprised at this declaration but miss Belmour absorbed in her own reflections was wholly ignorant of that circumstance and considering this offer in no other light than that of general politeness she received it with her usual complaisance
The youth and beauty of the two ladies made their apparent independent situation a matter of curiosity to Mr Freeman as well as the profound melancholy in which one of them seemed buried
Melvil was little concerned in these enqui•ies all his thoughts were taken up with the perfections he found in her who had charmed him and he was much less solicitous to discover who she was than how to make himself agreeable to her He found she was not married by the other ladys giving her the title of miss when she spoke to her and he was perfectly satisfied with this knowledge Conscious of the ardor with which he already loved this fair stranger he was apprehensive of awakening the fears of his friend by dwelling too long on her praises but he received the testimony which Freeman could not help giving to her merit with such an undisguised
transport as drew from him some serious admonitions which he rallied off with a sprightly air and then changed the discourse to a less interesting subject
THO miss Belmours melancholy ha• hindered her from taking any great sha• in the conversation during this visit yet he mind was still free enough to observe tha• Henrietta had made an impression upon the heart of Mr Melvil She congratulated he• smiling upon her conquest nor did her railery even spare her for Henrietta who fo• a full hour had appeared animated with a extraordinary vivacity became all on a sudd• pensive and silent This change exactly commenced at the time Mr Melvil went away but she did not perceive it herself and started as from a dream when miss Belmour reproach her with it
Concerned that she had given room for suspicion of this nature she began as soon
she was alone to examine her own heart miss Belmour had praised the personal graces of Mr Melvil and it was but justice to own that he was eminently handsome but was she weak enough to be dazzled with the beauty of a man No certainly his countenance pleased her because it was a picture of his mind candor sweetness benevolence shined in every feature the politeness of his address his gentle manners that air so noble yet so peculiarly soft and engaging his good sense and above all the justness and purity of his sentiments which she had time enough to discover during their conversation were not these qualities which a modest young woman might esteem and is love a necessary consequence of esteeming one of that sex Must she deny herself the pleasure of approving virtue and merit for fear of loving it too much It was thus she argued and soon dispelled those doubts which miss Belmours raillery had raised in her mind
While Henrietta under the notion of barely esteeming what was indeed truly worthy of esteem was insensibly giving way to more tender sentments Mr Melvil who loved with all the tenderness and ardor of a first passion as his really was burned with impatience
for the hour when they were to join the fair travellers Freeman directed his attention to miss Belmour which gave the young lover an opportunity of employing his whole care and assiduity about his mistress who ascribed all to his natural politeness and remained in a perfect tranquility as well with regard to his sentiments as her own Miss Belmours experience however soon let her into the secret of their hearts Melvils passion was indeed apparent enough notwithstanding the pains he was at to conceal it thro fear of his friends troublesome remonstrances but Henriettas tho hid from herself was open to miss Belmours discerning eyes and she exulted in the discovery
This rigid censurer of her conduct this inflexibly virtuous maid was entangled in the snares of love She perceived that she herself was ignorant of her own danger and she was resolved not to draw her out of this false security by any unseasonable railleries for however useful the strict principles of Henrietta had been to her yet she could not 〈◊〉 the superiority they gave her and she rejo•••d in the hope that a passion perhaps as unfortunate placed as her own would reduce 〈◊〉 to a equality with her
Their journey now drew near a period Melvil trembled at the thoughts of parting he had indeed laid the foundation of an intimacy with the two ladies which would give him a right to visit them in Paris but he had been used to see the object of his passion continually from the first moment of his acquaintance with her and altho they never separated till the evening yet he thought the time amazingly long till they met again How then would he be able to support an absence of two or three days which decorum would oblige him to make the interval of his visits besides she was still ignorant of the sentiments she had inspired him with Hitherto he had never found an opportunity of speaking to her alone but if one should offer how could he declare himself to a woman for whom he felt as much respect as love yet one whose birth he was ignorant of who seemed to be in a dependent situation whom he could not think of marrying and whom he durst not wish to seduce
The difficulties he could not remove he endeavoured to banish from his thoughts and without considering what must be the event of the passion he was thus indulging he for the present confined all his wishes to the pleasure of seeing her
Miss Belmour had often wondered that this young lover shewed so little solicitude to make opportunities of speaking to his mistress in private She could not impute this behaviour to want of ardor every look he gave her was expressive of the tenderness his soul was filled with it was then respect it was awe it was fear of offending that laid him under this restraint How glorious this for Henrietta how humiliating for her who had scarce escaped falling a sacrifice to the dishonourable attempts of her lover Was she then less capable of inspiring a respectful passion than her woman or did her charms act more powerfully on the heart she had subdued than those of Henrietta This question her selflove easily decided and from the same sentiment she was persuaded that Henrietta with all her boasted virtue would defend herself as weakly against the lover her inclinations declared for as the had done Her present triumph she thought was 〈◊〉 oweing to her own strength than her lovers weakness who had not yet made a formal attack upon her heart curiosity to know what effect the declaration of his passion would have made her resolve to give him an opportunity of speaking to her in private They were now within a days journey of Paris On their arrival at
the house where they were to dine Mr Freeman as usual went to give orders for their entertainment and left Melvil with the two ladies Miss Belmour pretending that she had a mind for some particular dish ran after him and kept him in conversation that he might not interrupt the lovers who being now for the first time alone together were both equally embarrassed
Henrietta cast down her eyes surprised at the confusion in which she found herself and shocked at the intelligence this new emotion gave her of the true state of her heart Mr Melvil approached her trembling he could not resolve to lose so favourable an opportunity of declaring his sentiments to her but the natural goodness and rectitude of his mind suggesting to him that it was a kind of fraud to seek encouragement of a passion the design of which he was not himself able to answer for he remained a few moments in suspence
This silence increased Henriettas embarrassment but suddenly reflecting upon the advantage it gave Mr Melvil over her she turned her eyes towards him with a look in which she endeavoured to throw as much indifference as possible but which nevertheless had an unusual coldness in it so that Melvil partly
withheld by his extreme delicacy and partly by the awe which this severe glance inspired him with dropped for that time all thoughts of declaring his passion and immediately entered into an indifferent conversation
Henrietta seemed as if relieved from a painful load her countenance resumed its former sweetness and she talked to him with her usual vivacity yet miss Belmour at her return saw some remains of her late uneasiness in her eyes she observed too that she spoke less to Mr Melvil and more to his friend than she did before that she studiously avoided the looks of the former and that her behaviour to him was less free and obliging than it used to be All this she looked upon as the play of coquetry and in Mr Melvils apparent melancholy she saw its purpose and effect
But Henrietta taught by what passed in her own heart during the few moments she was alone with Mr Melvil that she not only considered him as a lover but a 〈…〉 by his engaging qualities 〈…〉 to strengthen her prepossession in 〈…〉 by continuing to see and converse 〈…〉 Lord B—s behaviour had given 〈…〉 of the disinterestedness of men 〈…〉 at her own imprudence in so 〈…〉 the
humble station that Providence had placed her in as to entertain sentiments of tenderness for a man who from the inequality there was between them might think himself authorised to form expectations injurious to her honour tho her weakness was so lately known to herself yet she fancied it had been perceived by others before and that even Mr Melvil had discovered the preference with which she regarded him It was this thought which made her so suddenly alter her behaviour but as indifference is of all dispositions of the mind the hardest to feign Melvil imputed the apparent constraint in her manner to some disgust he had unhappily given her and miss Belmour to the artifice of a coquet
Henrietta who was far from imagining she overacted her part continued during the whole time they were at dinner to avoid her lovers looks so carefully that he had no opportunity to make her comprehend by them how much he was concerned at her extraordinary coldness However she could not without affectation refuse him her hand when they left the inn but they followed Mr Freeman and miss Belmour so close that it was not possible for him to speak to her without being overheard and he in vain sought her eyes they
were always directed another way He sighed when he helped her into the chaise and if she had not turned her face from him that moment the blush with which it was overspread would have shewn him that she took but too much notice of that sigh
You are melancholy Henrietta said miss Belmour after looking at her in silence for a long time attentive to the motions of her mind which might be easily read in her countenance
Am I madam replied she with a sigh half suppressed and a gentle smile
Yes indeed are you resumed miss Belmour mimicking the languid accent in which she spoke
and I dont remember that I ever saw you so before
And yet I have many causes for melancholy madam
replied Henrietta whose heart was full and she eagerly grasped at this opportunity to relieve herself by tears tears which she supposed she gave to the remembrance of her misfortunes without asking herself why that remembrance was more poignant now than before
Ah Henrietta said miss Belmour shaking her head
your heart has undergone a great change within these few days— You are ••
love my dear
Is it possible madam cried Henrietta hastily her fair face all crimsoned over
that you have discovered— Do you think that— Then to be sure Mr Melvil
— She stopped abruptly and cast down her eyes the mention of that name seemed to lead her to a consciousness that she had betrayed herself
Miss Belmour was affected with her beautiful simplicity
Dont be ashamed my dear Henrietta
said she taking her hand
to speak freely to me From me added she sighing you may be sure of indulgence
No madam no interrupted Henrietta with great earnestness
I would not seek indulgence for my weaknesses but I conjure you madam
pursued she with tears that in spite of her endeavours would force their way
suffer me to return to that humble station from which your partial kindness raised me— You have made me forget I was a servant— It does not become me to view with sensibility the merit of persons so greatly above me But you shall find madam that I will repair this error and that my conduct shall be such as may render me not unworthy your esteem
Notwithstanding the delicate turn which Henrietta gave to a declaration which shewed she was determined early to conquer her passion yet miss Belmour considered it as a triumph over her who had not been capable of acting with equal prudence
It is happy for you said she coldly that you need no assistance to help you to keep your passions in subjection but I owe you too many obligations for the good counsel you have given me to permit you to appear in any other character than that of my friend
Henriettas mind was in so much agitation that she did not take in the full sense of this answer but struck with the obliging purport of the last words of it she expressed her gratitude in terms full of tenderness and respect
The sight of Paris drew them both out of a long silence which had succeeded a conversation with which neither had been pleased Henrietta because it had discovered so much weakness on her side miss Belmour because it had shewn so little
Their chaise as miss Belmour h•• directed stopped at the house of her banker in P•is Th•• two gentlemen were already at the side of it Mr Melvil as if he was afraid Henrietta would
refuse him her hand seized it with trembling haste and as he led her into the house ventured to press it with his lips unperceived by any one else Henrietta imputing this boldness to the discovery he had made of her sentiments pulled her hand away hastily giving him a look at the same time that expressed her resentment but all her anger could not prevent her from being affected with the soft languor that appeared in his face and the submissive manner in which he had yielded to the effort she made to withdraw her hand
Miss Belmour at parting told them she hoped to see them again in a day or two when she should be settled Her Parisian friend soon procured her convenient lodgings and at her desire recommended to her a Femme de Chambre among the other servants he provided her which Henrietta in vain opposed but fixed in her design to avoid Mr Melvil she took care to be seldom in the way when he came
Miss Belmour blamed her for this conduct
You will make the man think you love him and are afraid of him said she by flying him
If I loved him madam replied Henrietta blushing
is it not prudence to avoid him
Why I dont know said miss Belmour
Mr Melvil certainly loves you and whatever inequality there may be in your conditions yet love is a great leveller he may possibly intend to marry you
It is not fit I should suppose he has any such design madam
resumed Henrietta
since it is highly improbable and I will not expose myself to the danger of being deceived I have somewhere read added she smiling that in love flight is victory and this way at least I shall be sure to conquer
Miss Belmour who knew how difficult it was to be in love and be wise laughed at a resolution which she did not think it would be always in her power to maintain Poor Henrietta who had so artlessly laid open her heart was often exposed to the most poignant raillery from her but at length she was delivered from this kind of persecution by a surprising alteration in miss Belmour herself
This young lady who had fled from her lover rather with a hope of stimulating his passion than of subduing her own though she endeavoured to impose upon herself in believing the latter to be the true motive of her conduct fell into a most violent despair when she found
that far from following her he did not even seek a reconciliation by writing to her Sick of herself the world and tired of her existence she mistook the agitations of a heart tortured by jealousy disappointment and the pangs of slighted love for the motions of grace and the genuine marks of repentance She neglected her dress took no pleasure in any amusement avoided company and spent whole hours in her closet where she wept and prayed by turns
She told Henrietta that the world and all its pleasures were grown insipid to her that her whole soul was filled with divine love and that the thoughts and exercises of religion made up all her happiness She then passionately regretted that there were no religious communities among the protestants where a mind that was weaned from this sublunary world and all its vanities might freely indulge its pious contemplations and devote itself entirely to Heaven Oh how happy are the nuns she exclaimed
how I envy them Sure nothing can be more delightful when persons are truly pious than to live in a religious society excluded from all commerce with a world they must certainly despise I think I should be perfectly happy if I was in a cloister
Henrietta congratulated her upon her new sentiments but endeavoured to prove that there was more merit in passing through life with innocence and in rightly performing 〈…〉 than in flying to the gloomy solitude 〈◊〉••ister where virtue is secured by bolts and ••rs and the exercises of religion performed as a penance She recommended to her the study of the scriptures and put some practical treatises of religion written by the best authors on that subject into her hands but the zeal of this new convert was so flaming that nothing would serve her but a total retirement from the world and she made such frequent visits to a convent where a friend of hers had lately taken the veil that Henrietta was apprehensive the nuns would discover the true state of her mind and take advantage of her passions to pervert he• principles and secure her to themselves
While these whims possessed her she was so inaccessible to all visiters that Mr Melvil could with difficulty get admittance Freeman saw the progress of his passion with great uneasiness and finding that he could not be prevailed upon to leave Paris resolved to write to his father and give him a hint of the dangerous attach•ment his son had formed that he might se•
him a peremptory command to return to England but before he could execute this design Melvil to his great surprise told him that he would leave Paris in two days The poor youth expected his friend would have expressed some joy at this news and being disappointed at his receiving with indifference what had cost him so many pangs to resolve upon
You make me no compliments said he with a tender smile
upon the conquest I have gained over my inclinations do you think I can banish myself from miss Benson without concern
I am sure I cannot hear you speak in this manner without concern
replied Freeman
Is it fit for a young man of your rank to entertain a serious liking for a woman to whose birth and character you are an absolute stranger
There is not a man in the world resumed Melvil eagerly
who need to blush for loving miss Benson her person beautiful as it is is the least of her charms that mingled sweetness and dignity in her manners that graceful modesty which distinguishes every word and action of hers exalt her above all the women I have ever seen You have
heard her talk and you could not help owning that you thought her very sensible
Well but what is all this to the purpose interrupted Freeman
what signifies attributing such goddesslike perfections to an obscure girl whom if you were at liberty to dispose of yourself you would not I suppose be so mad as to marry your fortune would enable you to make other proposals less unworthy of yourself though advantageous enough for a young woman in her dependent situation
May I perish replied Melvil with some emotion
if I would degrade such excellence to a mistress but if I were capable of such a design her virtue I am sure is incorruptible Have you not observed with what care she shuns me She knows I love her but she knows not with what purity I love her and conscious of her situation she is afraid I should take advantage of it to declare myself in a manner that would wound her delicacy— Charming creature how I love her— Indeed my dear Freeman it is time to be gone
I see it plainly replied Freeman
you are grown quite romantick— We will set ou• tomorrow if you please for with the strang•
notions you have entertained I think you ought not to trust yourself here any longer
The lover consented with a sigh but at the same time put his friend in mind that civility obliged them to go and take leave of the ladies Freeman could not reasonably oppose his making this visit and after he had given proper directions to the servants for their journey the next day he accompanied him to miss Belmours lodgings
THEY found the two ladies together Henrietta could not without affectation avoid her lover that day as she was in the room when he came in and he who had not been so fortunate for several days before found so much delight in looking at her and hearing her speak that he forgot he came to pay a farewel visit which Mr Freeman observing took care to mention their design of leaving Paris the next day
Melvils gaiety was immediately overcast Henrietta turned pale Freeman was attentive to his friends emotions and only miss Belmour had freedom of mind enough lest to speak She said some civil things upon the occasion which Freeman answered for Melvil continued silent with his eyes fixed upon Henrietta who had bent hers towards the ground conscious of the emotion with which she had heard the news of their intended departure she durst no• look up lest the person from whom she was most solicitous to hide her concern should read it 〈◊〉 plainly in her countenance
Recovering herself at length upon miss Belmours taking occasion to thank them anew fo• the civilities she had received from them during their journey from Calais she added a few word• to her compliment but in doing so her eye slightly glanced over Mr Melvil and directed their looks full upon his friend
The conversation was dull enough during tw• hours that they stayed and Freem••〈…〉 the young gentleman wanted resolution to •• an end to the visit rose up first Mr Melvil di• so likewise though with apparent reluctance• and having saluted miss Belmour approache• Henrietta trembling She turned pale and 〈◊〉 successively a soft sigh stole from her Melv••
was in too much emotion to observe hers he saluted her with an air of solemn respect but as she retired a step back a sudden impulse which he could not resist made him take her hand he pressed it to his lips with passionate tenderness and sighing quitted the room with the utmost precipitation
Henriettas eyes overflowed she made haste to wipe them before miss Belmour who attended the gentlemen as far as the door of her antichamber returned
Ah my poor Henrietta said that young lady who perceived she had been weeping
I pity you—What sordid wretches are these men Melvil loves you and yet he is able to leave you nay I am persuaded he has discovered your tenderness for him—What monstrous ingratitude you ought to hate him my dear
You bid me hate him madam replied Henrietta smiling
yet say every thing that can confirm me in a favourable opinion of him If he loves me and has seen any weakness in me he gives the best proof of his love in not seeking to take advantage of that weakness
Miss Belmour who thought this a strange way •f reasoning answered no otherwise than by a •ignificant smile which seemed to say she was re•olved to justify him at any rate while Henrietta
finding in her lovers behaviour a delicac• which agreeably flattered her esteem of him che•rished his remembrance with a tender grief an perhaps for the first rime repined at her un•happy fortune which had placed such a d••• between them
As soon as the two gentlemen and left the lodgings Melvil who found h••self ver• lowspirited proposed to his friend to spen• the evening at a noted Hotel with som• young Englishmen of fashion who were newl• arrived Freeman consented but observed wit• uneasiness that his pupil who till then ha• been remarkably abstemious pushed about th• bottle with great velocity and could not be per•suaded to go home till the night was far ad•vanced
Mr Freeman saw him in bed and then retire to his own chamber full of apprehensions le• this sudden intemperance should have any •• effect on his health As soon as it was light I went to his bedside and found him with all th• symptoms of a feverish disorder upon him which the agitations of his mind had contribute more perhaps than the liquor of which he •• drank so freely
All thoughts of their journey were now lai• aside physicians were sent for who pronounc•
••at he was dangerously ill Freeman full of •nxiety sat close to his bed holding one of his ••ning hands tenderly pressed between his He •eard him sigh frequently and from thence took •ccasion to ask him if any secret uneasiness oc••sioned his indisposition
The young gentleman attributed his illness ••tirely to the debauch he had made the night •fore but his fever increasing he grew deli••ous and then the name of miss Benson was •ontinually in his mouth
Freeman judging by these ravings of the deep ••pression this young woman had made on the •eart of his pupil blamed himself for so obsti••tely opposing his passion and judging from •enriettas situation that she would not refuse to ••en to such proposals as his fortune enabled him 〈◊〉 make her he resolved to attempt something 〈◊〉 his friends favour
His curiosity having led him to make some en••ries concerning miss Belmour of several per••• that had lately arrived from England he •nd she had but a doubtful character her con••cions with Mr Campley having exposed her to ••at censure of her companion he could learn ••thing but concluding from the friendship •re appeared to be between them that she was 〈◊〉 confidant in this amour he flattered himself
that she would not be a very difficult conquest
He shut his eyes upon all that was wrong in this proceeding and considering nothing but the interest of his friend he thought it less dangerous to give him a mistress than to trust him to the fantastic power of his passion which might hurry him on to a clandestine marriage
The young gentleman was in a few days entirely out of danger from the fever but his sighs and the pensive air of his countenance shewe• that his mind was not at ease
If you were able to go abroad said Freeman to him
we would visit our English ladi•• once more before we leave Paris They imagine we are in London by this time and w• be strangely surprised to see us again
Then they do not know I have been ill• replied Mr Melvil
Not yet said Freeman but if you w•
they should know I will wait on them this a•ternoon and tell them what has kept us 〈◊〉 Paris so much longer than we intended
Melvil affected to receive this proposal w• indifference but his friend observed that 〈◊〉 was more chearful than before and doubted 〈◊〉 but he expected the news of his illness w• have some effect on Henrietta
He went at the usual hour and was immediately admitted you are in Paris still then exclaimed miss Belmour in a joyful accent as soon as Freeman entered her apartment
I am excessively glad of it I hope your agreeable friend is with you
Freeman a little disappointed at not seeing Henrietta with her answered coldly that Mr Melvil had been indisposed which obliged them to delay their journey
I fancy said miss Belmour with an arch •et
that the air of Paris is mighty necessary for your friend at this time you are in the wrong to hurry him away
You have a great deal of penetration madam
replied Mr Freeman smiling
you have guessed the cause of his illness I believe
I believe I have resumed miss Belmour
and perhaps I could tell him something that might contribute to forward his recovery
Freeman began now to think his scheme was 〈◊〉 a hopeful way
To be sincere with you madam
said he with a graver look and •cent
Mr Melvil is desperately in love with miss Benson
Poor man cried miss Belmour laughing
•he is to be pitied truly for miss Benson is most desperately in love with him likewise
How happy would this news make him exclaimed Freeman
Am I madam at liberty to tell him
Certainly replied miss Belmour
I told you for that purpose and now what do you think of my frankness
I adore you for it madam said Freeman taking her hand which encouraged by her behaviour he kissed with great liberty Ah pursued he looking at her tenderly
what additional charms does kindness give to beauty
I hear miss Benson on the stairs said mis• Belmour withdrawing her hand
I will give you an opportunity to plead your friends cause remember what I have told you and dont be discouraged by a little affectation
She stopped upon Henriettas entrance wh• started at the sight of Mr Freeman and immediately after her fair face was covered wit• blushes
You see we have not lost our good friend yet
said miss Belmour Henrietta on•• smiled I must desire you my dear pursu•• that young lady
to entertain Mr Freeman▪ I ordered some tradespeople to attend 〈◊〉 about this time
She hurried out of the room when she had said this not without some confusion for the part she had acted to account for which it is necessary the reader should know that the mind of this young lady had undergone another revolution within the few days of Mr Melvils illness
A letter from her lover filled with tender complaints and new assurances of everlasting fidelity had banished all thoughts of devotion and a convent She had answered it immediately without communicating it to Henrietta her transport at finding herself still beloved and the fear of disgusting him by any new coldness hurried her on to the most fatal resolutions She invited him to come to Paris to her and not doubting but he would instantly obey her summons she was now only solicitous how to reconcile Henrietta to her conduct and oblige her to keep her secret
The unexpected news of Mr Melvils being still in Paris and Mr Freemans acknowledgment of his friends passion for Henrietta answered all her views She imputed the reserve Henrietta had been enabled to maintain less to her own virtue than to the unenterprising temper of her lover and was persuaded that the discovery she had made of her tenderness for him
would put the affair upon such a footing as to make her less rigid in her remonstrances with respect to Mr Campley
FREEMAN though persuaded that miss Belmour was a woman of intrigue and by consequence entertaining no elevated idea of her companion yet found himself so awed by the modesty that shone in her countenance and the dignity of her person and manner that he was at some loss how to introduce the subject which had brought him thither Henrietta however innocently led him to it by expressing her surprise to see him still in Paris
You say nothing of my friend madam said Freeman
and this indifference with regard to him is a very bad omen
I hope Mr Melvil is well said Henrietta gravely without seeming to take any notice o• the strange speech he had made
He is better than he was three or four day• ago
replied Freeman
when his phys•cians despaired of his life
Bless me cried Henrietta with an emotion she could not suppress
has Mr Melvil been so ill then I am extremely concerned to hear it
You would no doubt said Freeman
be more concerned if you knew you were the cause
This kind of raillery Mr Freeman replied Henrietta a little confused
is not at all agreeable to me I assure you
By Heaven I am serious resumed Freeman
my friend loves you with the utmost ardor I am a witness to the birth and progress of his passion and to his fruitless endeavours to conquer it The effort he made to leave Paris has almost cost him his life he was taken ill the evening before our intended departure Oh miss Benson had you heard with what tenderness he called upon your name when the violence of his fever had deprived him of his senses I am sure you must have pitied him
Freeman perceived by the changes in Henriettas countenance that she did not hear him without emotion He paused in expectation of some pretty affected answer that would give hope while it seemed to destroy it but Henrietta
with a composed look and accent replied
If I am to believe this account of your friends illness not exaggerated permit me to ask you sir what is your design by making me acquainted with his sentiments and what you expect from me upon this occasion
Freeman was a little disconcerted by this speech and at the manner in which she delivered it but relying on the intelligence he had received from miss Belmour
I expect you will have compassion on my friend said he and give him an opportunity to declare to you himself the passion you have inspired him with
I will be very free with you Mr Freeman
replied Henrietta
your ready concurrence with your friend in the liking you say he has entertained for me is not consistent with your good sense and prudence Mr Melvil is a young man of rank and fortune I am poor and dependent my birth perhaps greatly inferior to his Will his parents think you approve of such a choice
What has parents to do with a tender engagement
interrupted Freeman
an engagement in which the heart only 〈◊〉 consulted
Were my heart ever so well disposed in favour of your friend
resumed Henrietta not willing to understand him
I would not receive his addresses without the sanction of his parents consent
Freeman could hardly help smiling at this formal declaration and supposing that the best way to drive these strange notions out of her head was to acquaint her with Melvils quality which he likewise expected would have no small influence over her
It is not fit said he that you should be any longer ignorant of the rank of him whom your charms have subjected Melvil is not the name of my friend he is the heir of an illustrious title and a great estate he loves you he will make your fortune do not throw away this opportunity of freeing yourself from poverty and dependance nor let a romantic notion of virtue deprive you of the advantages that are offered you
Hold sir interrupted Henrietta rising from her chair
this insult is too plain I ought not to have listened to you so long
She spoke this with tolerable composure but finding her tears begin to flow she turned aside to conceal them and hastily wiping her eyes
she looked on him again with a kind of calm disdain
I know not said she what weakness you have discovered in my behaviour to encourage you to make me such shocking proposal but I may venture to tell you though I am not the mistress of this apartment that the doors of it shall never be open to you again
She was hurrying out of the room when she had spoke this leaving Freeman in so much confusion that he knew not what to say to her when miss Belmour entered with a letter in her hand
Do you know a gentleman of the name of Bale said she to Henrietta who is at present at Montpelier
I do madam replied she looking eagerly at the letter
Then this letter is for you I suppose said miss Belmour
it was inclosed in anothe• to me and directed to my bankers 〈◊〉 your name Courteney you see the superscription is for miss Courteney
The letter is certainly for me madam▪ said Henrietta blushing
Oh then replied miss Belmour smiling and giving it to her
I have discovered a secret I find
Henrietta retired immediately and miss Belmour approached Mr Freeman who stood leaning over his chair with his eyes fixed on the ground
What is the matter with you said she you look excessively pale
Where is miss Benson madam said he starting out of his revery at the sound of her voice
She is in her own chamber I believe replied miss Belmour
but did you take notice of what passed about the letter I delivered it to her before you on purpose you see she in a manner owned that Courteney is her true name is not this strange
I must beg leave to speak to her again said he interrupting her and making towards the door which way pray madam
Miss Belmour followed him surprised at the agitation he appeared to be in and pointing to a room just opposite you will find her there said she
Freeman opened the door without any ceremony Henrietta who was reading her letter
looked up at the noise he made in entering
this is extremely rude sir said she I desire you will instantly be gone and trouble me no more
But apprehensive that he would not quit her so easily she rushed by him and was running to the room in which she had left miss Belmour he took hold of her hand to prevent her leaving him and she was upon the point of expressing her resentment at the insolence of this treatment in harsher terms than any she had yet used when she saw tears gush in great abundance from his eyes Me••• at this sight she stood still but endeavoured to disengage her hand looking at him earnestly and in the utmost astonishment
O my sister cried he at last bursting into a fresh flood of tears
my dear dear sister
—He was not able to utter a word more but led her gently back to her chamber which she permitted trembling confused and full of anxious expectation
How strangely you look upon me said he
do you doubt whether I am your brother
I know not what to think replied she shrinking from his embrace for he had folded his arms about her
Dear girl cried he
how amiable is this sweet reserve—these modest doubts— but it is certain I am your brother my Henrietta is it possible your memory retains no traces of my features in yours methinks I see a lively resemblance of my dear mother How dull was I that I did not discover it before but how could I expect to meet you in France in such a situation and under a disguised name Oh my dear sister these circumstances distract me— Good Heaven what a part have I acted— I perceive you are still perplexed
pursued he after a little pause and taking a miniature picture out of his pocket
You will certainly be able to recollect your mothers picture said he which she gave me at parting
Henrietta looked at the picture kissed it and then threw herself in tears upon her brothers neck—
Forgive my doubts said she it is many years since I have seen you we were children when we parted but now I am convinced you are my brother my heart tells me so without this dear testimony
pursued she kissing again the picture of her mother which she still held then suddenly clasping her hands together and lifting up her fine eyes which were swimming in tears
I thank thee
my God said she for restoring to me my brother
and turning again to him with an affectionate look
a few moments ago said she I thought myself very unhappy but now you will be a friend and protector to me
He tenderly kissed her cheek—
What a wretch have I been
said he sighing—
Indeed my dear sister I never shall forgive myself for having ignorantly practised on your virtue
Oh that my brother replied Henrietta
would be taught by this accident never more to form designs against innocence and in cases like mine to consider every virtuous young woman as a sister
Mr Courteney for so we shall now call him was extremely moved at these words He gazed at her some moments with mingled tenderness and delight but all on a sudden as if struck with some painful reflection
Henrietta said he with a look and accent greatly altered from his former sweetness
why came you to France and how has it happened that you are so intimately connected with thi• woman this miss Belmour
Why do you know any harm of mis• Belmour
said Henrietta frighted at h•• sternness
You dont answer my question replied he peevishly
Alas my dear brother said Henrietta
I have a long and melancholy story to tell you I have been reduced to great distress my aunt with whom you supposed me so happily settled has treated me unkindly I must confess indeed I have not been wholly free from blame but you shall know all some other time As for miss Belmour I was recommended to her— I would not shock you brother but I have been obliged to go to service and I was recommended to miss Belmour by two ladies of quality her near relations
Mr Courteney sighed deeply at this account and remained for several moments silent at length recovering himself
Miss Belmour it seems said he did not always know your real name—You appear to be on the footing of a companion
Miss Belmour was pleased to take a liking to me
said Henrietta
and though ignorant of my birth would not suffer me to continue with her in the character of a servant —I have been greatly obliged to her
Yes you are obliged to her interrupted Mr Courteney kindling into rage at the remembrance
of what had parted between them
infamous wretch she has done her part towards betraying you to ruin You have been very imprudent Henrietta you have talked to her of Mr Melvil too freely she believes you are in love with him and told me so to encourage my attempts upon you
Henrietta blushed at the mention of Mr Melvil and presently after burst into tears at this discovery of miss Belmours baseness and ingratitude but uttered not a word of complaint or resentment
I will not suffer you to remain any longer with her
resumed Mr Courteney
I will go directly and provide you lodgings in the house of a worthy English family I suppose you can have no objection to this proposal
Why do you look and speak so coldly my dear brother
said Henrietta
to be sure I can have no objection dispose of me as you please you are in the place of my father I will obey you as such
Forgive me my dear said he tenderly pressing her hand
my temper is warm I have spoke to you harshly indeed I am greatly alarmed at the disagreeable circumstances I find you in you have been to blame
you own Alas my dear sister what have you done to be thus abandoned by your aunt I shall be on the rack till I have heard all your story but this is not a proper place— Take a civil leave of miss Belmour but do not acquaint her that you have discovered your brother for I know not yet what measures I shall take I will call for you in less than an hour in a coach
Henrietta promised to be ready he took a tender leave of her and departed
OUR fair heroine continued some time alone in her chamber so transported at this unexpected meeting with her brother that she sometimes doubted whether her happiness was real and whether all that had part was not an illusion of her fancy When her spirits were a little composed she began to consider what reason she should give miss Belmour for quitting her so suddenly she rightly judged that the secrecy her brother had recommended to her proceeded
from his embarrassment with regard to Mr Melvil and she resolved however strange her going away might appear to miss Belmour to follow his directions punctually
The treachery this young lady had been guilty of towards her excited less resentment than grief for the conviction it brought her that her principles were not changed Several circumstances now rushed upon her memory which served to convince her she was relapsing into her former indiscretions and she doubted not but miss Belmour would be rejoiced to be delivered from her presence This thought gave her courage to go to her immediately and acquaint her with her intention
A strange alteration has happened in my affairs madam
said she entering her apartment within this hour
That letter has brought you some good news I suppose
said miss Belmour coldly
It came from a dear and worthy friend madam
replied Henrietta
and I have indeed heard some good news which I little expected but I am obliged to leave you and so suddenly that I am afraid you will thin• me ungrateful for your kindness in submitting to this necessity
Pray make no apologies interrupted miss Belmour with great indifference
you are entirely at your own liberty
Henrietta who thought she had reason for this behaviour was studying for some answer which without revealing the secret motive of her conduct might tend in some measure to excuse it when a servant introduced a gentleman into the room who though she had seen but once she knew immediately to be Mr Campley She turned eagerly to observe how miss Belmour was affected by this visit and discovering no signs of surprise or anger in her countenance but an excess of joy and satisfaction she concluded this meeting was concerted and retired immediately in great concern to her own room
Here while she waited her brothers return she employed herself in writing to miss Belmour In this letter she repeated what she had often urged before to guard her against the base designs of her lover she recalled to her remembrance the resolution she had made and the vows with which she had sealed it never more to listen to his destructive addresses and conjured her by every motive of religion honour and virtue to banish from her sight a man whose only aim was to ruin her
She had scarce finished her letter when a servant came to tell her that some company waited for her in a coach She made haste to seal it and gave it to miss Belmours maid with orders to deliver it to her lady At the door she found her brother who helped her into the coach and came in after her He asked her smiling how she had parted with miss Belmour
Henrietta told him she had left her with company
It is indifferent to me what company she sees now you are not with her
said he
but my heart will not be at rest till I hear all your story sister
Henrietta promised to satisfy him when they were arrived at her new lodgings
I am also impatient said she to know your adventures why you called yourself Freeman and what was the cause of your not writing to me for so many months past
To say the truth my dear sister said he I have been guilty of a little neglect in no• writing to you oftener however some of my letters must certainly have miscarried for wrote to you both from Brussels and Genoa and I dont remember I had any answer Th• account you gave me of Mr Bal•s kindne• in taking upon him the office of your guardian
and your happy settlement with lady Meadows made me perfectly easy with regard to you I had informed you that I was appointed governor to the marquis of — this young nobleman had contracted a friendship with me during his stay at Leyden where his governor dying he wrote to his father the duke of— in such pressing terms in my favour which joined to the knowledge of my birth and very high recommendations from the university had so much weight with him that his grace notwithstanding my youth appointed me governor to his son with a salary of five hundred pounds a year I have endeavoured to acquit myself faithfully of this trust my pupil and I have always lived together like brothers and I flatter myself his father will have no cause to repent his having consigned him to my care
But why did you take the names of Melvil and Freeman
interrupted Henrietta
The marquis replied Mr Courteney
had an inclination to travel without the parade of quality that he might as he wrote to his father make nearer and more useful observations upon men and manners and being indulged in this scheme we have travelled thro France and Italy under those
names and with a very small equipage And now Henrietta that you know the quality of my friend I expect you will not entertain any ridiculous hopes from the liking he has expressed for you I will do him the justice to own that he never formed any dishonourable designs upon you The character of the woman you lived with encouraged me to make you some shocking proposals You behaved very properly but my dear sister no words can express my anguish and confusion when I heard you own the name of Courteney and your connexions with Mr Bale— Good Heaven what did I not suffer at that moment— What a wretch did I seem in my own eyes
Let not this cruel remembrance disturb you now my dear brother
said Henrietta
I am so happy in finding you that I forget all my past uneasinesses
Her looks bore delightful witness to the truth of what she said Joy sparkled in her charm•ing eyes heightened the rosy bloom of he• complexion and animated her whole air but clearly as she loved her brother the assurance he gave her that her lover had no part in th• dishonourable proposals he had made her was
circumstance that greatly increased her satisfaction in this meeting
Mr Courteney looked at her with admiration and delight while a tender sense of the misfortunes she had been exposed to almost melted him into tears As soon as the coach stopped he told her that the master of the house they were going into was a very worthy man with whom he was intimately acquainted and whose prudence he could depend upon
His wife pursued he is a virtuous sensible woman I know no family so proper to place you in as this and it was extremely lucky that I thought of them upon this occasion for it was not fit you should stay with miss Belmour and in so short a time it was difficult to dispose of you properly
As soon as they alighted Mrs Knight came to receive Henrietta and presented her husband to her Both seemed greatly charmed with her appearance and politely thanked Mr Courteney for bringing them so agreeable a guest
After a few compliments they withdrew supposing the brother and sister would be glad of an opportunity to converse together in private Mr Courteney immediately drew his chair near his sisters and with a look of impatience demanded the account she had promised him
Henrietta blushed and begged him not to judge her errors too severely She then gave him a candid relation of all that had happened to her from her mothers death till the time she met him at the inn concealing nothing from him but miss Belmours passion for Mr Campley
Mr Courteney was variously affected during the course of her little story He often changed countenance but would not interrupt her He observed with pleasure that she laid no stress upon any part of her conduct which might with justice challenge esteem and admiration but appeared nicely conscious of every little imprudence and when she had ended waited for his reply with an anxiety that shewed she rather expected censure than praise
My dear Henrietta said Mr Courteney at length with tears in his eyes
you have acted nobly you cannot imagine how much your sufferings endear you to me since you have behaved under them with such becoming fortitude
How happy you make me cried Henrietta
by your approbation— Indeed I wa• afraid you would have chidden me sever•l• for leaving my aunt in the manner I did
It was a rash step replied Mr Courteney
but your subsequent conduct has effaced it and I see not how you could have otherwise avoided being in the power of that viliainpriest
After some farther conversation on different parts of her story he looked at his watch how fast the minutes fly said he smiling
My dear Henrietta I must leave you now yet I have a thousand things to say to you but I will see you tomorrow morning You will be very happy continued he with Mrs Knight and I shall have no scruple to trust you to her care till I have conducted the marquis to London we shall go in a day or two and after I have delivered my charge safe to his father I will come back to Paris and fetch you
Henrietta turned pale at these words
then we are to part again soon
said she in a melancholy accent
It would be highly improper for you replied he to take this journey with us on several accounts I shall be concerned to leave you but it must be so
Could you not stay till Mr Bale comes interrupted Henrietta and taking his letter out •f her pocket
see here how affectionately he
writes to me added she he proposes to be in Paris in three weeks and insists upon my going to England with him
Mr Courteney read the letter with great pleasure Mr Bale addressed her in it by the tender name of daughter and assured her that he would in every respect act like a father towards her He praised her conduct in terms of the highest admiration and begged her not to be uneasy at her aunts desertion of her since it was in his power to make her easy and he was resolved to do so
This letter said Mr Courteney after a pause
will make some little alteration in my plan I had resolved not to take any notice to the marquis that I had discovered you to be my sister but to make some excuse for your disappearing however I see it will be necessary to wait for Mr Bale I congratulate you my dear Henrietta on the friendship o• so worthy a man
But will you stay till he comes to Paris• interrupted the tender anxious Henrietta
May I depend upon your prudence sister• said Mr Courteney
It is possible the ma•quis may talk to you of love if you give hi• the least encouragement you will forfeit 〈◊〉 esteem for ever it shall never be said th•
I took advantage of his youth to draw him into a marriage with my sister
Oh do not suspect me of such meanness said Henrietta blushing
if the marquis was a thousand times more amiable than he is and were I ever so much prejudiced in his favour I have too just a sense of what I owe to my birth to your honour and my own to admit of a clandestine address— You may be entirely easy upon this article
I am satisfied replied Mr Courteney tenderly pressing her hand
and now my dear Henrietta adieu for this evening
Dont fail to come tomorrow said she following him to the door He smiled assentingly and having taken leave of Mrs Knight who met him as he was going in search of her he hurried home to his pupil by whom he was expected with extreme impatience
THE marquis as soon as he entered his chamber perceived that something extraordinary had happened to him
Sure said he smiling you have met with some strange adventure Freeman you look pleased and yet there is a thoughtful air in your countenance
I have had an adventure indeed replie• Mr Courteney entering abruptly into an affai• which could not be concealed from him
〈◊〉 have met with my sister here in Paris
Your sister repeated the marquis
yo• did not expect her did you
No faith replied Mr Courteney
n• did I know her when I saw her
That is not surprising said the marquis
she was very young when you parted I ha• heard you say I hope you will allow me 〈◊〉 pay my respects to her but added he i• patiently how does miss Belmour and 〈◊〉 fair friend
Her fair friend as you are pleased to call her replied Mr Courteney is my sister whom for so many weeks I have seen almost every day without knowing her
Is it possible cried the marquis surprised miss Benson your sister Sure you are not in earnest
Indeed I am said Mr Courteney I discovered her by the oddest accident miss Belmour herself did not know who she was but while I was there she brought her a letter which had been inclosed to her it was directed for miss Courteney and came from Mr Bale my sisters guardian she owned the name and by that means I found out my sister I see you are astonished added Mr Courteney poor Henrietta has told me all her story the repetition would be tedious but—
How can you think so interrupted the marquis eagerly
can you doubt that I am extremely interested in every thing that concerns you
Excuse me my dear marquis said Mr Courteney I really cannot enter into particulars just now— Fortune still persecutes my dear father in his children I thought my sister was happily settled with her aunt lady
Meadows who has no child and adopted her but the old lady being a rigid Roman catholic pressed her very much to change her religion and was at last so strangely influenced by an artful priest who is her chaplain that she had formed a design to send my sister under the conduct of this fellow to be shut up in a nunnery The poor girl who was as I can collect by her account extremely apprehensive of being so entirely in the power of this sly priest had no way to avoid this misfortune but by leaving her aunt privately who absolutely refused to be reconciled to her on any other condition than her changing her religion Thus deserted her guardian being abroad and having nothing to expect from her relations she chose to go to service and was recommended to miss Belmour by the countess of — her kinswoman
What a wretch must your uncle be said the marquis with tears in his eyes
to permit such excellence—
He stopped a moment then suddenly grasping his hand
O• my dear Freeman pursued he you have it in your power to make me happy— You know how ardently I love your charming sister—
This I was apprehensive of interrupted Mr Courteney
I beg my lord that you will banish these thoughts
What cried the marquis hastily
have you any objection to my passion for your sister
Indeed I have and a very strong one replied Mr Courteney
and that is the certainty of the duke your fathers disapprobation of it
It is possible indeed said the marquis after a little pause
that in the choice of a wife for me my father will be influenced by the same motives that most fathers are he will expect a large fortune with the person I marry therefore my dear Charles you see the necessity there is for not consulting him in this case
Sure you forget my lord interrupted Mr Courteney coolly
what you once declared that you would never enter into an engagement of this kind contrary to the dukes inclinations
I remember I said so replied the marquis and were I to make a choice which he could reasonably object to certainly it would be wrong very wrong to disobey him but if the want of a fortune can make my father
disapprove of my affection for a young lady of miss Courteneys birth and merit must I be governed by such sordid motives
The marquis went on to prove by a great many arguments common enough on such occasions that in the article of marriage a parent had no right to lay any restraint upon the •uch nations of his child Mr Courteney did not think proper to enter into a dispute with him upon this subject the patience with which he listened to him made the young nobleman conclude he was not unwilling to come into his measures
My dear Charles added he after a short pause will you not be my advocate with your charming sister I die with impatience to throw myself at her feet and offer her my heart and hand
You cannot doubt my lord said Mr Courteney but that I think my sister highly honoured by the esteem you express for her but she would be very unworthy of it if she was capable of admitting your addresses either unknown to your father or in opposition to his will I may venture to answer for her that she will not by so unjustifiable a conduct expose her brother to censure and it gives me great concern to find you are no better
acquainted with my sentiments than to imagine I will so basely betray the trust the duke has reposed in me and be accessary to your disposing of yourself in a manner which I am very sure he will not approve
Then I am to expect nothing from your friendship on this occasion Mr Courteney
replied the marquis with an air of displeasure
you are determined to raise difficulties to my design instead of removing them is this acting like a man whom I have loved like a brother and whom it would be my highest happiness to call so
To call you brother with your fathers consent my lord said Mr Courteney is an honour I cannot hope for and which without it I do not wish
As noble and disinterested as you imagine this conduct to be said the marquis rising it will have another name perhaps with persons less romantic in their notions than you are However sir you are no more than the brother of miss Courteney if I am happy enough to prevail with her to receive my addresses I shall not think your consent necessary
He passed by him with a cool bow as he pronounced these words and retired to his own chamber
MR Courteney saw plainly that by refusing to comply with his pupils desires he should entirely lose his friendship but in a case where his honour was so greatly concerned this consideration had no weight with him and although he had a high opinion of his sisters candor and integrity yet the intimation miss Belmour had given him of her regard for Mr Melvil made him apprehensive that she might be prevailed upon to listen to the vows of the marquis of— He resolved therefore to keep the place of her abode a secret for he knew he could depend upon the prudence of Mr Knight and his wife and to use his utmost endeavours to hasten the young lords departure from France
The marquis mean time was forming very different designs It is so rare a thing for a man in love to be either reasonable or just on occasions where the interest of his passion is concerned that it is not surprising the marquis
should impute his governors conduct with regard to his sister to peevishness and caprice and think himself extremely ill used by his not accepting his offers He conceived miss Courteney to be equally injured by the opposition her brother made to the advancement of her fortune and flattering himself that if his person was not disagreeable to her he should soon overcome any scruples Mr Courteney might have suggested on account of the duke his fathers disapprobation he determined to consult him no further in the affair but to address himself directly to her
He spent part of the night in writing a letter to her in which he declared his passion in the most tender and respectful terms and begged she would allow him to wait upon her The remaining hours were not spent in sleep but in impatient longings for the morning which was to confirm or destroy his hopes As soon as it was light he rose and walked about his room He read over the letter he had written he thought it but poorly expressed the ardor of his love he sat down and wrote another which he liked still less and had recourse again to the first after adding a postscript in which he earnestly repeated his request to be indulged with a few moments private discourse with her
He sealed up his letter and directed it for miss Courteney Her brother had not mentioned to him his having removed her from miss Belmour he supposed she was still with her but a doubt occurring to him whether she was willing to assume her real name yet he thought it best to put it in another cover superscribed for miss Benson
It was still too early to send to a ladys lodgings he counted the hours with anxious impatience and at length rung his bell for his servant As soon as he appeared he gave him the letter recommending secrecy and charging him not to return without an answer
The valet when he came back brought him word that miss Benson was gone and this was all the intelligence he could get Miss Belmours woman indeed had added with a sneer that she went off with Mr Freeman and it was strange that his friend Mr Melvil should not know where she was This part of the message the fellow prudently suppressed for he judged the business to be an amour and that the young gentlemen were rivals and he was afraid of making mischief
The marquis however easily guessed that this sudden removal of miss Courteney was her brothers act he dismissed his servant and
beginning now to be sensible how much it was in his governors power to traverse his designs and how obstinately he was bent upon doing so he resigned himself up to the most violent transports of rage and during a few moments all his thoughts ran upon revenge
Mr Courteney came into his chamber while he was under these agitations and seeing him walking about with a furious pace
For Heavens sake my lord said he what is the matter with you
The marquis turned short upon him and with a voice broken with passion exclaimed May I perish Courteney if I forgive you
Mr Courteney who supposed this resentment was the consequence of their conversation the night before replied calmly
You are angry my lord—This is no time to talk
He was going out of the room but the marquis hastily stepping between him and the door shut it with great violence
If it is not your time to talk sir it is mine said he
Very well my lord replied Mr Courtney with a composed look and accent
I am ready to hear you
The young nobleman continued to walk in a fullen silence as if resolved to be angry and
knew not well what cause to assign for it when suddenly stopping
I insist upon your telling me sir said he why you have secreted your sister Do you suspect I have dishonourable designs upon her
Dishonourable designs upon my sister repeated Mr Courteney kindling at the expression
my lord no man while I have life shall incur such a suspicion with impunity
This spirit becomes one of your birth replied the marquis
but let me tell you Mr Courteney your conduct is not altogether consistent why must your sister be hurried no body knows whither and concealed with such wonderful caution
Are you sure this is the case my lord said Mr Courteney
Yes very sure answered the marquis hastily
Since it was not I who gave your lordship this information
resumed Mr Courteney
you must have taken some trouble to come to the knowledge of it and the motive that set you upon these enquiries sufficiently justifies my caution with regard to my sister
Then I am not worthy it seems to pay my addresses so your sister
said the marquis peevishly
Indeed my lord this is a very childish speech
replied Mr Courteney
you know your addresses would do honour to any woman but the depressed state of my sisters fortune leaves her no right to expect a man of your quality for a husband and she has too just a pride to submit to make a clandestine marriage nor will I be branded with the imputation of having seduced my pupil into a marriage with my sister
What have you to do with the affair at all replied the marquis eagerly
leave miss Courteney to act as she thinks proper you need not make yourself answerable for my conduct on this occasion I loved her before I knew her to be your sister cannot your romantic honour satisfy itself with being passive in this business
I should but ill perform my engagements to your father my lord
interrupted Mr Courteney
if I did not use my utmost endeavours to prevent you from displeasing him in a matter of so great importance as your marriage
How are you sure my father will be displeased
said the marquis
miss Courteneys merit will justify my choice
Put it upon that issue replied Mr Courteney ask his consent
Well sir I will ask his consent resumed the marquis
and now am I at liberty to visit your sister
If you intend my lord to be governed by the dukes advice said Mr Courteney you will certainly be contented to wait his answer and you cannot suppose that knowing your sentiments so well as I do I will permit my sister to receive your visits while we are ignorant of the dukes intentions
The marquis lost all patience at this unreasonable obstinacy as he conceived it
I renounce your friendship from this moment said he for ever and had you not a sister I would resent this behaviour in another manner
He flung out of the room when he had said this and shutting himself up in his study gave his valet orders to allow no body to disturb him
Mr Courteney was not so much offended at the harshness of his language as to hinder him from feeling great concern for the uneasy state
of his mind and notwithstanding his own temper was vehement enough yet he was able to make some allowances for the transports of a young man who saw himself so resolutely opposed in a point he had set his heart upon but despairing to pacify his pupil without entering into his design he determined to place his sister effectually out of his reach and then if he could not prevail upon him to return to England nothing remained but to make the duke his father acquainted with the whole affair
He waited some time in expectation that the marquis would come down to breakfast as usual but finding that he had ordered his chocolate to be brought to him in his study he went to visit his sister as he had promised
The marquis heard him as he passed by his door call for his hat and sword and his valet entering a moment afterwards with the chocolate he asked him if Mr Freeman was gone out Being answered that he was it suddenly came into his head that he was going to see his sister
Follow him instantly said he to the fellow and bring me word to what place he goes and here is something to purchase your secrecy and diligence
The fight of two Louis d ors which the marquis gave him left the valet no inclination to be discreet any longer He ran out of the room with officious haste fully determined to execute his commission with the utmost exactness When he got into the street he perceived Mr Courteney walking leisurely on he followed him at a distance took particular notice of the house he entered and after waiting a few moments to see whether he came out again he went back to the marquis with his intelligence
The young lover did not doubt but he had discovered his mistresss abode and in the joy this thought gave him he bestowed many praises on his valets ingenuity together with a reward of two Louis d ors more which he liked still better He then ordered him to give directions for his chariot to be got ready while he assisted him to dress His looks discovered such an excess of satisfaction that the valet under no apprehensions that what he had done would produce any disagreeable consequences entered with vast delight upon his new post of confidant to his master The marquis ordered him to stay at home till Mr Freeman came in and then immediately to come to him at the Hotel de —
WHILE Henrietta thus innocently sowed the seeds of discord between the two friends she herself enjoyed a perfect composure of mind and indulged the most pleasing reflections on the happy change of her fortune
She was no longer in the humiliating condition of a servant or what to her was far more mortifying a dependant upon the bounty of another an unknown wanderer without friends or protectors She was now under the care of a brother whom she tenderly loved whose merit could not fail of distinguishing him and of forcing that respect and consideration due to a noble birth and which he though in a deprest fortune so nobly supported
She was assured that her guardian was not only free from any unfavourable prejudices on account of her aunts desertion of her but that she might expect all the tender offices of a parent from him and what afforded the nice sensibility of her soul a more delicate satisfaction than all this
the only man in the world whom she was capable of regarding with a preference to the rest of his sex though in so elevated a rank had loved her in indigence and obscurity with honour and justified the tender sentiments she entertained for him
Her smiles when she saw her brother appear and the gaiety of her behaviour convinced him her mind was at ease but his features still retained that impression of chagrin he had so lately felt from the marquiss causeless rage and there was a solemnity in his manner that in an instant changed the innocent chearfulness of Henrietta into anxiety and concern
The presence of Mrs Knight was a restraint upon them both She perceived it and as soon as the teatable was removed for the ladies were at breakfast when Mr Courteney came in she retired and left them at liberty
The moment she was gone Henrietta eagerly asked him if any thing had happened to give him uneasiness since she saw him
Yes replied he abruptly the marquis and I have quarrelled
Quarrelled repeated Henrietta trembling and pale as death
have you quarelled
Mr Courteney who observed her emotion continued to look at her so earnestly that she blushed and cast down her eyes
You seem greatly affected with this accident said he at last I wish I had not mentioned it to you
Could you suppose said Henrietta in an accent which had at least as much of grief as tenderness in it
that I could hear with indifference what must necessarily be very afflicting to you
Your indifference perhaps on this occasion said Mr Courteney would be more welcome to me than the concern I see you under
Henrietta having pondered a little on the meaning of these words replied in a firmer tone
place some confidence in me brother you will find I shall deserve it
My dear Henrietta resumed Mr Courteney affected with the manner in which she spoke and her expressive look
you ought to forgive my doubts when you reflect on what miss Belmour told me the merit of my noble pupil has made an impression on your heart but your marriage with him sister will bring everlasting infamy upon me
Have I not already declared my resolution to you upon this head
replied Henrietta
The marquis loves you resumed Mr Courteney
he is rash and inconsiderate he has no hope and indeed it would be strange if he had that the duke his father will consent to such an unequal match yet he presses me to introduce him to you as a lover and to favour his designs of marrying you privately You may easily imagine what answer I gave him the consequence is that he has declared himself my enemy We are upon very bad terms But this is not my greatest concern the marquis if he can get access to you will teaze you with solicitations and disposed as you are in his favour have I not cause to apprehend you will listen to him but too readily
Although I should confirm your suspicions said Henrietta with tears in her eyes
yet I must again repeat I am grieved at this difference between your pupil and you Nay I will own
pursued she avoiding with a sweet bashfulness the earnest looks of her brother
that I am not insensible of this young noblemans affection for me but after this candid confession you ought to believe me when I assure you that I will enter into no engagement with him without your approbation and to make you easy I will comply with
any measures you think proper to avoid his pursuits
I see I may rely upon you said Mr Courteney charmed with her amiable frankness
but my dear Henrietta I hope you will not allow this prepossession to take too deep root in your heart sure your good sense and the delicacy of your sentiments will hinder you from giving way to a hopeless passion
I beg you not to talk to me on this subject interrupted Henrietta tears in spite of her endeavours to restrain them flowing fast down her face
only tell me what you would have me do to avoid the marquis have you formed any plan Doubt not of my readiness to comply with it
Have you any objections to boarding in a convent till Mr Bale comes
said Mr Courteney
No replied Henrietta half smiling for I cannot suspect you have a design upon my religion as my aunt had and mean to confine me all my life
No really resumed Mr Courteney smiling likewise
but it will be more difficult for the marquis to get access to you in a convent than here and as it is probable enough that this affair will make some noise it will
be more for your reputation to have it known that you lived in such a respectable society where there were so many witnesses of your conduct and such exact regularity required than in private lodgings where you were accountable to no body for your actions
Then you intend to leave me before Mr Bale comes
said Henrietta sighing
To be sure replied Mr Courteney I will force the marquis away if possible and if I find all my remonstrances ineffectual the duke must interpose his authority
You intend to write to him then said Henrietta
Certainly replied he dont you think I ought to do so sister
Indeed I do answered she
I am glad of it resumed Mr Courteney yet this procedure will embroil me more with the marquis but I see no help for it unless Mr Bale should happen to come sooner than we expect and take you with him to England I hope to prevail upon my pupil to have Paris in two or three days and if I have not the satisfaction to leave you under Mr Bales care convent is the fittest place for you to retire to
Henrietta having reflected on her brothers proposal found it so reasonable and so much t•
the advantage of her reputation that she readily yielded to put it in immediate execution
Mrs Knight being desired to return Mr Courteney told her their design and requested her assistance She expressed some concern at being so soon to lose her agreeable guest but undertook to transact the affair and it was resolved that she should go that day and procure the young lady to be admitted as a pensioner in the Augustine nunnery of English ladies in Paris
Mr Courteney having promised his sister to come and conduct her to the convent the next day took leave of her highly satisfied with her docility and returned home He was surprised to hear that the marquis was gone abroad but having no suspicion of his intention to visit Henrietta whose abode he concluded was still a secret to him he was only concerned left his health should suffer by venturing out before it was fully reestablished
The marquiss valet no sooner saw Mr Courteney return than he ran immediately to acquaint his master who set forwards with a beating heart to visit his mistress The valet had given so exact a direction that the coachman had no difficulty to find the house The marquis alighted the moment the door was opened and asking the servant for miss Courteney
was instantly introduced into a parlour where Henrietta was sitting alone Mrs Knight having just left her to go and execute her commission
The sight of the marquis threw her into the utmost confusion She rose however and received him with great respect he approached her bowing and made her a genteel compliment upon her happy meeting with her brother
Henrietta would not suffer this subject to be dwelt upon long left it should lead to circumstances too interesting She changed the conversation to indifferent matters and took care that it should not flag a moment so that the marquis partly embarrassed by that awe which always accompanies a sincere passion and partly by the prudent management of Henrietta found he had protracted his visit to a considerable length without drawing any advantage from it
Alarmed at the thoughts of losing an opportunity which the rigid and inflexible temper of his governor might prevent him from meeting with again he suddenly assumed courage • make her a declaration of his passion but 〈◊〉 terms the most tender and respectful and wi• an explicitness that became one of his rank a•
fortune to use towards a young lady in her delicate circumstances whom he would not for a moment leave in doubt of the sincerity of his professions and his firm resolution to adhere to them
Henrietta listened to him with a graceful modesty and when he earnestly pressed for her answer she assured him that she was very sensible of the honour he did her and should always think herself obliged to him for having entertained such favourable sentiments of her as could make him overlook the inequality there was between them As for the rest she referred him to her brother who she said was in the place of a father to her and by whose advice and direction she was determined to be governed entirely
The marquis would have had no reason to be dissatisfied with this answer if he had not known that he had nothing to expect from an application to her brother and the apprehension that she also knew it and therefore took this method to free herself from his importunities gave him so much concern that he turned pale and sighing fixed his eyes upon the ground His air his attitude his looks were all so moving so expressive of tenderness anxiety and grief that Henrietta durst not trust herself to
behold him lest he should turn his eyes towards her and discover in hers the too great interest she took in his uneasiness
Some moments passed in an affecting silence on both sides during which the marquis remained immoveably fixed in the same pensive posture till rouzed by the opening of the door and the appearance of Mr Courteney Henriettas face was in an instant covered with blushes the marquis seemed greatly embarrassed Mr Courteney shewed some surprise at first but recovering himself he spoke to his pupil with an easy air and relieved both him and his sister from their confusion by entering immediately into an indifferent conversation
The marquis drew a favourable omen from this behaviour his looks resumed their usual sweetness and vivacity and during a who• hour that they continued together nothing cou• be more spirited and lively than the discou• between three persons who had the most perfect tenderness for one another yet from the several circumstances were obliged mutually oppose and give pain
The marquis at length with apparent relu•tance put an end to his visit as did Mr Courteney likewise though he was 〈◊〉 d•s•
talking to his sister in private When they were in the chariot together the young lord was several times upon the point of pressing his governor again upon the subject of his love as he seemed to be less inclined than formerly to oppose him but he was restrained from entering into any explanation by his apprehension of destroying those hopes he had so lately began to entertain and of rendering his access to Henrietta more difficult for the future Mr Courteney also had his reasons for preventing any such explanation and industriously amused him with other discourse
The marquis could not help thinking it strange that he took no notice of the visit he had made his sister but as love is ever ready to flatter its own wishes he began to imagine that Mr Courteney had relaxed in the severity of his resolutions but knew not yet how to yield with a good grace he favoured his embarrassment therefore for the present and they passed the remaining part of the day in their usual company and diversions
When they came home at night the marquis desired to have an hours conversation with him but Mr Courteney complaining of a sudden headach excused himself and retired to his own chamber
The next morning before his pupil was up he repaired to Mrs Knights She told him that every thing was agreed on for the reception of the young lady and he had the satisfaction to find his sister making preparations for her removal without any appearance of discontent She acquainted him with what had passed in the conversation between the marquis and her
I have no doubt of his affection for you said Mr Courteney
we must leave the event of it to Providence and act so as that whatever happens we may not incur censure
As soon as breakfast was over Henrietta accompanied by Mrs Knight and her brother went in a coach to the convent where she was very civilly received by the prioress Mr Courteney promised to visit her soon and took leave of her to wait upon Mrs Knight home after which he returned to the marquis who had enquired for him several times
THE marquis when he saw him enter his chamber approached him with an obliging air and affectionately pressing his hand
May I hope my dear Courteney said he that you have overcome your fantastic scruples and that you will favour my pretensions to your charming sister I will make you no apology for stealing a visit to her you would I am sure have done the same in my situation Indeed Charles you must either resolve to give me miss Courteney or to see me miserable She referred me to you my happiness depends upon a single word of yours can you be so cruel to refuse me this instance of your friendship
You know my lord replied Mr Courteney
that there is not any thing you can desire of me consistent with my honour which I would refuse but unless I would make myself infamous I cannot yield to your marrying my sister without the dukes consent
Hear what I have to propose
continued he perceiving him to be in a violent emotion
let us return to England immediately You have often told me that the duke is a most tender father you are an only child it is possible he may be prevailed upon to yield to your desires if you tell him you cannot be happy without my sister Let us make the trial at least
I agree to it interrupted the marquis eagerly
provided you will promise me that if my father is so unreasonable as to refuse his consent you will no longer oppose my marriage I am of age it is fit that in a matter of such importance to the future happiness of my whole life I should be at liberty to follow my inclinations Speak Charles will you make me this promise
Indeed I will not my lord replied Mr Courteney you must not expect it
Detested obstinacy cried the marquis flinging his hand away which he had held till this moment
what a wretch am I to have my happiness depend upon the will of a capricious man who mikakes his romantic whims for honour But observe what I say Courteney
added he turning hastily towards him
you shall not hinder me from visiting your sister
nothing but her absolute commands shall prevent my seeing her
My sister said Mr Courteney will stay no longer in France than till Mr Bale to whose care her mother left her at her death returns from Montpelier he is to conduct her to England and she is gone to board in a convent till his arrival
Gone to a convent repeated the marquis this is your scheme I suppose
I hoped to prevail upon you said Mr Courteney
since you are quite recovered to leave Paris immediately and I thought a convent the properest place for my sister to reside in till her guardian comes
The marquis instantly running over in his thoughts the use that might be made of this intelligence replied that he had no inclination to leave Paris yet and broke off all farther conversation by quitting the room
In effect he had resolved to make an application to Mr Bale supposing that since he had not the same foundation for scruples as his governor he would readily listen to an offer so advantageous for his ward
Mr Courteney penetrated into his views and doubtful how Mr Bale would act and whether his sister having the sanction of his approbation
might not give way to the motions of he• own heart and encourage the addresses of the marquis he concluded it necessary to make the duke acquainted with the whole affair that 〈◊〉 might take such measures as he judged proper 〈◊〉 restrain his son from an action which might in• his displeasure
He wrote accordingly that day and having thus discharged his duty his mind was more at case
The marquis full of hope that his new scheme would be successful made no effort to see Henrietta for fear of raising suspicions in her brother but the coldness and reserve with which he treated him sufficiently shewed how much he resented his conduct
Henrietta was soon reconciled to a retirement in which she had full liberty to indulge her reflections for she was in love enough to find more satisfaction in being alone than in the gayest and most agreeable society Her brother did not fail to visit her every day he found her satisfied with her situation and in appearance no otherwise affected with his approaching departure which he gave her room to expect than what her tenderness for him might well allow of
In the mean time the duke of— having received Mr Courteneys letter was greatly pleased with the nobleness and generosity of his behaviour He wrote to him immediately in terms of the highest friendship and regard and acquainting him with the purport of his letter to his son recommended it to him to hasten his departure assuring him he had the firmest reliance upon his integrity and honour
The packet to avoid suspicion had been directed as usual to the marquis who was not surprised to find a letter in it for Mr Courteney to whom his father was accustomed to write often he sent it to him immediately and after reading his own he went to Mr Courteneys chamber holding it still in his hand
My father writes to me said he to leave Paris as soon as possible He does not expresly say that he is ill but from some hints in his letter I can collect that this is the cause of his extreme earnestness to see me You cannot imagine how much I am affected with this accident pursued he sighing I love my father I did not know how much I loved him till I feared his loss I am determined to set out tomorrow from Paris but I must see your sister first Courteney nor ought you
to refuse me the satisfaction of telling her that I depart with a firm resolution never to be but hers
Well my lord replied Mr Courteney after a little pause
we will go together and take leave of my sister
I was to blame said the marquis to expect any indulgence from you we will go together then since it must be so
He retired again to his own apartment to write to his father and in the mean time Mr Courteney gave the necessary orders for their journey the next morning
Henrietta had been prepared by a billet from her brother for the visit that was intended her The news of their departure had cost her some tears but when she was informed they waited for her in the parlour of the convent she appeared before them with all that soft composure and dignity of manners which never forsook her in the most trying situations
Mr Courteney watched the turn of his countenance when the marquis accosted her and was pleased to see it equally free from embarrassment and affectation and that notwithstanding all the expressive language of her lovers eyes she had so much command over
herself as to seem the least interested person in company
Politeness obliged the marquis to shorten his visit that the brother and sister might be at liberty to take a private leave of each other He rose from his seat and approached Henrietta with an air that left her no room to doubt of his intention to say something particular to her and now for the first time her looks betrayed some little confusion
I cannot go away madam said he without renewing the declaration I made you some days ago and I take this opportunity to assure you before your brother who knows the sincerity of my heart that my sentiments for you will ever be the same and if you do not forbid it I will carry away with me the dear hope of being able one day to merit your esteem
Henrietta courtefied in silence but her blushes and the soft confusion she was in seemed no unfavourable omen for the marquis he bowed respectfully and retired
Mr Courteney affecting not to perceive his sisters concern entered immediately after his pupils departure into other discourse He recommended it to her to improve her guardians esteem for her and assured her he would visit
lady Meadows and use his utmost endeavours to remove her prejudices and restore her to the place she formerly held in her affection at her desire likewise he promised to call upon Mrs Willis to whom she had been so greatly obliged He charged her to keep up no sort of intimacy with miss Belmour though she should seek it but permitted her in company with Mr Bale to pay her a farewel visit and indeed the conduct of that young lady since the arrival of Mr Campley justified these precautions
Henrietta promised to follow all his directions He said a thousand affectionate things to her and then desiring to see the prioress he tenderly recommended his sister to her care took a short leave and went home while Henrietta retired to her chamber to weep
The marquis was not visible till the next morning when he was informed that the postchaise was at the door His extreme melancholy during the whole journey gave his governor great concern but he in vain attempted to amuse him for though the marquis behaved to him with all imaginable respect yet he was so cold and reserved that he found it impossible to renew his former freedom with him
The duke of — had informed them that he should be at his countryseat and immediately upon their landing in England they repaired thither the duke received his son with the most tender transports and his governor with every mark of esteem and regard
The morning after their arrival he sent for Mr Courteney into his closet and thanked him in very affectionate terms for having so faithfully and honourably discharged his trust He politely avoided mentioning the affair of the young lords passion for his sister because she was his sister but said enough to convince him that he had the most grateful sense of his disinterested conduct upon that occasion He settled on him during his life the sum he had allowed him while he travelled with the marquis and offered him in the most cordial manner all his interest towards procuring him an establishment suitable to his birth
Mr Courteney received these instances of the dukes friendship for him with respect and gratitude but he was more touched with the old noblemans delicacy with regard to his sister than with all the favours conferred on himself
The interest of this sister whom he loved with the most tender affection made him hasten
his departure from the dukes seat that he might wait on his aunt who he had heard was in London The duke embraced him tenderly at parting and obliged him to promise that he would return as soon as possible The marquis lost all his reserve and coldness when he took leave of his governor his friend and what was more than all the brother of his adored Henrietta
You have used me unkindly said he in a low voice yet pressing him tenderly to his breast but I shall always love you
Mr Courteney let fall some tears but made no answer and immediately after mounting his horse he set out for London attended by his own servant and one of the dukes whom his grace had ordered to escort him
MR Courteney when he came within a short distance of London dismissed the dukes servant with compliments to his grace and the marquis and proceeded 〈◊〉 his journey It came into his head to alight 〈◊〉 the house of Mrs Willis from whom it was possible he might receive some intelligence that would be of use to him The good woman received him with great civility but when he told her his name she was in transports and enquired for her beloved miss Courteney with the tender anxiety of a mother
Mr Courteney told her that his sister would soon be in London with her guardian He took occasion to thank her for her friendly care of her which Henrietta had mentioned with the utmost gratitude and assured her he should always consider himself as highly obliged to her
How largely do I share in my dear miss Courteneys joy said she for so happy a meeting with her beloved brother Heaven will I doubt not shower its blessings on her
for sure if ever mortal deserved them she does O sir your sister is an angelic creature—
Mrs Willis indulging the tender effusions of her heart continued to expatiate on Henriettas virtues till Mr Courteney though not displeased to hear her interrupted her to ask some questions concerning his aunt
I was going to write to miss Courteney today sir replied she for I have great news to acquaint her with that vile priest who was the cause of all her uneasiness has at length shewn himself in his true colours The sanctified hypocrite was detected in an amour with lady Meadowss woman this affair has opened her eyes she thinks her niece has been greatly injured by the misrepresentations of this wretch whom she has discarded with infamy and the first proof she has given of her favourable disposition towards miss Courteney was her taking again her former woman whom she had dismissed on account of her attachment to the young lady I had this intelligence 〈◊〉 Mrs White herself for so your aunt woman sir is called She says she does not doubt but her lady will write to miss Courteney in the most tender manner and invite her home again
This news gave Mr Courteney great satisfaction he resolved not to delay a moment visiting his aunt his portmantua had been carried into a chamber by Mrs Williss directions and thither he retired to dress As soon as he was ready he got into a hackneycoach and fraught with a thousand kind wishes from this faithful friend of his sister he proceeded to the house of lady Meadows
He was so lucky as to find her at home and sent in his name without any hesitation The old lady in a violent flutter of spirits advanced as far as the door of her apartment to meet her nephew His graceful form and polite address prejudiced her instantly in his favour and she received him with all the tenderness he could have wished and with much more than he expected
Her first enquiries were for Henrietta Mr Courteney was pleased with this solicitude but he observed that during the course of their conversation her attention with regard to his sister decreased considerably He praised her with all the modesty yet with all the affection of a brother
Lady Meadows who had heard a very advantageous account of her niece from the countess her good friend assured him that she knew his sisters merit and had restored her to that tenderness
and esteem which some little errors of hers and some unjust suspicions of her own which had been artfully infused into her had robbed her of She expressed great satisfaction at hearing of her guardians kindness but her words I hope he will do something for her gave Mr Courteney great concern who from the first moment that he had heard Henrietta was likely to recover her favour had formed a scheme to make her and the marquis happy
Lady Meadows perceived that he was affected with that expression she therefore added that his sister might depend upon a welcome reception from her whenever she returned to England
Though there was nothing to object to the words of this declaration yet there was a great deal to the manner of it In the coldness with which she made it he saw the disappointment of his hopes In reality lady Meadows had begun to entertain a prodigious fondness for her nephew and Henrietta had now but the second place in her affection The longer she conversed with him the more this fondness increased Women are ever readier to discover merit in the other sex than their own Henrietta had as many amiable qualities as her brother but lady Meadows was not so sensible of
them and Mr Courteney made as great a progress in her affections in three hours as his sister had done in as many months
When he rose up to take his leave she declared with some vehemence that he must have no other home than her house
You have an aunt added she smiling tho you have no uncle nor any other relations
Mr Courteney reddened with indignation at the mention of his unworthy uncle but recovering himself he made her suitable acknowledgments for her kindness and at her desire immediately dispatched a messenger to Mrs Willis to acquaint her that he should not return and at the same time sent orders to his servant to bring his portmantua
Lady Meadows having given directions for an apartment to be prepared for Mr Courteney they passed the evening together with great satisfaction particularly on the part of the old lady who thought herself extremely happy in having so accomplished a youth for her nephew All her thoughts ran upon the pleasure she should have in shewing him to her friends and acquaintance and of piquing his unnatural uncle by openly professing her regard for him
More than a week after his arrival was spent in a continual succession of visits to all which
he attended her and so absolutely had he won her heart in that time that she determined on nothing less than the making him her sole heir Mr Courteney who was desirous of improving the favour he was in to his sisters advantage took all opportunities to revive his aunts affection for her so that to please him she expressed an impatience to see her He received letters from her and from the duke of — the same day Henrietta informed him that she had heard from Mr Bale and that she expected him in Paris in a few days that the affairs he had to settle there would detain him but a short time after which they were to set out immediately for England She added that the marquis had wrote to her and gave him a brief recapitulation of his letter which seemed to be dictated by the most ardent affection and the strictest principles of honour
The dukes letter contained only an earnest request to see him as soon as possible Lady Meadows was very unwilling to part with him though he assured her he would return in two or three days He spent part of the night in answering his sisters letter and set out the next morning in a postchaise for the duke• seat he reached it in the evening at support time
He found only the duke and his son at table in the countenance of the latter he observed a profound melancholy which sensibly affected him The duke received him with great kindness The marquis spoke little but seemed pleased to see him The next morning the duke sent for Mr Courteney into his closet
What shall I do with my son said he to him abruptly as soon as he entered
you see the way he is in he will certainly break my heart I made him a very advantageous proposal three days ago he tells me positively his heart is engaged yet he knows I am very desirous the match I mentioned to him should take place This is such an instance of obstinacy and disobedience as I know not how to pardon Little did I imagine that his return which I so passionately wished for would be productive of so much uneasiness to me
The duke paused here and looked earnestly at Mr Courteney who not knowing what it was he expected from him or to what aim his words were directed continued silent with his eyes fixed on the ground
I see you are concerned resumed the duke
for the trouble this unlucky affair gives me
Indeed I am my lord most sincerely replied Mr Courteney
Then I may depend upon your readiness to assist me in removing it said his grace hear what I have to propose—Your sister allowing for the warmth of an admirers imagination appears to me by my sons ••count of her to have a great deal of merit such a young lady cannot be without pretenders to her heart It would give me great pleasure to contribute to her establishment if you have a match in view for her let me know if I can forward it either by my purse or my interest I candidly confess to you that meer generosity is not my motive for making you this offer my sons passion is strengthened by hope when your sister is married I may find it less difficult to prevail upon him to yield me the obedience I require and which I have a right to expect—You do not answer me Mr Courteney
added his grace after a little pause
is there any thing disagreeable in this proposal
Thus pressed my lord replied Mr Courteney
it becomes me to speak with plainness and sincerity— I have no power over my sisters inclinations and no consideration whatever should oblige me to hurry her into a marriage which her own choice did not direct her to Besides I am not without suspicions that the merit of the marquis has made some impression on her heart and though she has sacrificed it to her honour and duty yet it will for some time no doubt render her deaf to any offer that could be made her I am very certain my lord that she will never encourage the addresses of the marquis without your graces consent but were she capable of acting differently from my hopes and expectations my honour is concerned to prevent it and I most solemnly assure your grace that my sister shall never be the wife of the marquis without your express approbation
The duke could not help being pleased with the candor and spirit of this reply
We must leave this affair then as we found it
said he
I am so well convinced of your integrity and honour that I rely upon you entirely to prevent any consequences that may be disagreeable to me
The duke that moment perceiving his son crossing the terrace opposite to his window desired Mr Courteney to join him
You have still great influence over the marquis said he try what your persuasions can do to make him alter his behaviour this obstinacy of his both afflicts and offends me
Mr Courteney bowed and quitted the dukes closet immediately The marquis when he saw him coming towards him stopped to wait for him
You have been closeted with my father said he to him smiling
may I know the subject of your conversation
I dare engage your lordship guesses replied Mr Courteney smiling likewise
I believe I do said the marquis the duke has been complaining of me for my disobedience has he not
His grace tells me he has made you a proposal my lord which you have rejected answered Mr Courteney and he is under great concern about it
Well I am sorry for his uneasines• interrupted the marquis
but there 〈◊〉 help for it
Ah my lord said Mr Courteney have I not cause to be very uneasy also I who know your motive for disobliging the duke in a point he seems to have so much at heart
You are mistaken resumed the marquis
I should act as I do tho I had never seen miss Courteney But tell me my dear Charles have you heard from your sister
I have my lord replied he
She is well I hope resumed the marquis sighing
She says nothing to the contrary answered Mr Courteney
but I find your lordship has wrote to her
Then she mentions me in her letter cried the marquis eagerly
I did indeed write to her but she would not favour me with an answer But dear Charles continued he have you not miss Courteneys letter about you let me see that part where I am mentioned Shew me only my name written by her dear hand you know not what pleasure it will give me to see it
Upon my honour I have not her letter here
said Mr Courteney
Why why my lord
pursued he in great concern
will you indulge this fatal passion for my sister
you must by this time be convinced that it can produce nothing but uneasiness to the duke yourself to me and even to her
To her repeated the marquis
O Charles your sister is wrapped up in indifference and reserve she has not the least sensibility for what I suffer upon her account
You are too generous my lord replied Mr Courteney to wish my sister should encourage any sentiments for you but those of respect and esteem It would be presumption in her to hope for the dukes approbation of your passion and were she too sensible of it she must be unhappy
It is enough for me to be unhappy resumed the marquis sighing
unhappy in the avarice of my father to whom I have laid open my whole heart The want of a fortune is all the objection he has to miss Courteney for he appeared charmed with her character and her birth he knows Unhappy too in a rigid friend who sacrifices me to the fantastic notions he has formed of honour O Charles little did I imagine once that you would have contributed all in your power to make me miserable
Indeed my lord replied Mr Courteney this reflection is cruel this very moment all my thoughts are employed on the means to make you happy
Now you are again my friend interrupted the marquis embracing him eagerly
will you then at last give me your charming sister All that duty can require I have performed I have implored my fathers consent he has had the cruelty to refuse it me and this on a motive so sordid that I am justifiable in following my inclinations without soliciting him any more
You mistake my intentions my lord interrupted Mr Courteney
no never expect that I will consent to your marrying my sister without the dukes approbation
What then did you mean said the marquis by the hopes you gave me just now
To prevail if possible upon the duke to consent to your marriage
replied Mr Courteney
The marquis sighed and cast down his eyes as if hopeless that this expedient would succeed but would not say any thing to divert him from his purpose yet he thought it strange that he should undertake a task which interested as he
was seemed less proper for him than any other person
MrCourteney guessed his thoughts but would not explain himself any farther In reality what the marquis had said of his fathers having no other objection to his choice but the want of a fortune confirmed him in his design of using the favour he was in with lady Meadows to the advantage of his sister and he was not without expectations of prevailing upon her by the prospect of so honourable a match for her niece to do as much for her as she had formerly promised in case she had married the old baronet
The marquis who beheld him earnestly perceived something was labouring in his mind and he began to entertain hopes of success tho he knew not on what reasonably to found them I cannot said Mr Courteney observing the tender solicitude with which he gazed on him
communicate to you the scheme I have formed to reconcile the duke to your wishes for reasons which will be obvious enough hereafter Only thus much I will say to satisfy you that I think it is highly probable I shall succeed but there is one condition which you must yield to and which I tell you
plainly is the price I set upon my endeavours to serve you in this affair
Name it interrupted the marquis eagerly
it must be a strange one indeed if I do not comply with it
You must give me a solemn promise my lord resumed Mr Courteney not to seek my sisters consent to a clandestine marriage if I should fail in my endeavours to procure the dukes approbation and you must make the same promise to his grace likewise— Nay my lord
pursued he observing that he hesitated
you risk nothing by entering into this engagement for I am bound by oath as well as by honour to prevent my sister from being yours upon any terms but the dukes express consent and depend upon it you will never gain hers but on the same condition
Well replied the marquis you have my promise and I will make the same declaration to my father it will be time enough to tell him if your scheme proves unsuccessful my fixed resolution never to marry at all if I do not marry miss Courteney
Mr Courteney had already gained so important a point that he did not think it necessary to combat this resolution at that time They
walked together into the house and the marquis conceiving that it might be of some advantage to Mr Courteneys scheme to take an early opportunity of making the promise he required of him the duke had that satisfaction in his next private conversation with his son and was charmed with this new instance of Mr Courteneys integrity
The marquis after having long puzzled himself with conjectures about the design Mr Courteney had formed at length concluded that he had some expectations from the earl of — his uncle in favour of his sister and he was so unfortunately circumstanced between his fathers avarice and Mr Courteneys strict principles of honour that he was reduced to wish earnestly for the success of an expedient which he would have disdained if he had been master of his own actions Mr Courteney at parting which was in a few days begged him to rely securely upon his friendship and to be mindful of the promise he had given him which the young lord again confirmed
MR Courteney found his short absence had rather endeared him to his aunt than lessened the ardor of her fondness encouraged by her behaviour he was several times upon the point of laying open to her the whole affair of his pupils passion for Henrietta and the difficulties which obstructed so advantageous a match difficulties which she could so easily remove but he hoped a great deal from the presence of Henrietta which it was highly probable would revive the old ladys tenderness for her and from the interposition of Mr Bale who it was not to be doubted would enter heartily into the interest of his ward for whom he expressed so tender an affection
While he waited in anxious expectation of a letter from his sister to acquaint him when she was to leave Paris with her guardian he was pleasingly surprised with a billet from Mr Bale himself requesting him to meet miss Courteney and him at the house of Mrs Willis where they were just arrived
Mr Courteney without communicating this news to lady Meadows hastened to see his beloved sister The moment he entered the room where she was sitting with her guardian and Mrs Willis she flew to receive him with a transport of joy He embraced her tenderly and Mr Bale advancing to salute him he in the politest manner thanked him for his generous care of Henrietta
Mr Bale was extremely pleased to hear that she might depend upon an affectionate reception from her aunt And now my child said he for so he tenderly affected to call her
since I have delivered you safe into the hand▪ of your brother I will leave you and a day or two hence I will visit you at your aunts and settle your affairs in a manner which I hope will not be disagreeable to you
Henrietta who from some past conversations with him well knew the kind purport of these words by a grateful look and a respectful courtesy expressed her acknowledgment Mr Courteney seeing him prepare to leave them begged he would favour him with a few moments private conversation Mr Bale readily consented upon which Mrs Willis shewed them into another room and returned to load
her dear miss Courteney with a thousand tender caresses
Mean time Mr Courteney gave the friendly guardian of his sister a brief account of the marquiss passion for her and the conduct he had observed in that affair He added that he believed it would be easy to engage the dukes consent to his sons marriage with Henrietta provided her aunt would act as generously towards her as she had formerly given her reason to expect
From several hints said he which lady Meadows has thrown out and from the great kindness she expresses for me I am apprehensive that she intends to transfer her bounty from my sister to me but as my circumstances though not affluent are easy and as I have nothing so much at heart as the happiness of my friend and my sister I will most chearfully relinquish in her favour all my expectations from lady Meadows The prospect of so advantageous a match will probably have some weight with her aunt and the mention of it will come with propriety from you sir as the guardian of Henrietta Lady Meadows will then explain herself clearly and we shall have an opportunity given us of pressing her to remove by her
generosity the only obstacle that obstructs my sisters advancement
Mr Bale was prodigiously affected with the uncommon nobleness of this proceeding He took the young gentlemans hand and giving it an affectionate shake
I shall love and honour you while I live said he for this generous proposal doubt not of my ready concurrence in every measure for your sisters advantage I love her as well as if she was my own daughter and the inconveniences she has suffered through the folly and imprudence of some of my family require that I should make her amends by doing every thing in my power to make her happy
I will wait upon lady MeadoWs pursued he
tomorrow in the afternoon and then we will talk over this affair
Mr Courteney told him he would prepare his aunt for the visit he intended her After which Mr Bale went away and he joined his sister and her friend A coach being ordered they took leave of Mrs Willis whom Henrietta promised to visit again very speedily Mr Courteney had some discourse with his sister as they went concerning the marquis but carefully avoided mentioning his design to her lest he should
raise hopes which might be unhappily disappointed
Henrietta was under some perturbation at the thoughts of appearing before her aunt whose displeasure against her and unjust suspicions all recurred to her memory but the reception the old lady gave her immediately effaced those impressions it was perfectly kind and affectionate without the least mixture of upbraiding or reproach
I had a mind to surprise you madam said Mr Courteney who with infinite pleasure beheld his sister so tenderly embraced by her aunt Lady Meadows assured him that he had surprised her very agreeably and again embracing Henrietta told her that her good friend the countess of — had been very lavish in her praise and had acquainted her with several circumstances of her conduct which had raised her highly in her opinion
I suppose you will not be very much grieved added the old lady smiling to hear that your former lover lord B— is married to the citizens daughter
No indeed madam replied Henrietta they seemed to be formed for each other
They are not very happy I hear said lady Meadows who having fallen upon the article of domestic news related a great number of anecdotes concerning her acquaintance some of which Henrietta had oftenheard before The old ladys fondness for talking at length gave way to her curiosity to hear every thing that had happened to her niece during their separation
Henrietta gratified it with discretion suppressing whatever might tend to revive disagreeable remembrances She was now put into possession of her former apartment and had an opportunity that night to congratulate her old friend Mrs White who assisted her to undress upon her being reinstated in the favour of her lady
THE next day Mr Courteney informed lady Meadows that Mr Bale intended to wait on her and hinted that he had a match to propose for Henrietta which he hoped she would approve
Lady Meadows who had already taken her resolution with regard to both brother and sister told him that she was very desirous of seeing her niece settled and that she was determined never to oppose her inclinations being convinced that her virtue and prudence were to be entirely depended upon
Mr Bale came according to his appointment and being soon after left alone with lady Meadows he acquainted her with the whole affair between the marquis of — and Henrietta as he had received it from Mr Courteney and observing that the old lady was dazzled with the prospect of her niece becoming a dutchess added that the want of a suitable fortune should not
hinder the advancement of Henrietta
for whatever you design for her madam said he I will double so great is my regard for her and admiration of her virtues
Lady Meadows with reason thought this a very generous proposal She complimented him upon it and stepping to her cabinet took out a box that contained her will and another deed which had been drawn up while Mr Courteney was in the country with the duke of — but were not yet executed She put these papers into Mr Bales hands and desired him to read them saying
you will there see sir what I intend to do for my nephew and his sister
Mr Bale opened the first which was the will He found she had constituted Mr Courteney her heir leaving him her whole estate charging it only with the sum of five thousand pounds to be paid his sister on the day of her marriage The other paper contained a settlement of three hundred pounds a year upon Mr Courteney during her life
Mr Bale who knew the young gentlemans sentiments proposed to lady Meadows to send for him and acquaint him with her intentions To this she readily agreed Mr Courteney
turned pale when he heard the moderate sum designed for his sister and after expressing his gratitude to lady Meadows for the favour she shewed him in terms the most respectful and affectionate he earnestly conjured her to let Henrietta be at least an equal sharer with him in her kindness He urged as a motive to her to comply the very advantageous match that was proposed to his sister He expatiated on the marquiss tender and faithful passion for her and touched with great delicacy upon the sentiments Henrietta could not avoid entertaining for a young nobleman who had loved her with honour even when ignorant of her birth and when she was under very humiliating circumstances
Lady Meadows interrupted him with the most flattering praises of his disinterestedness but declared that her resolution was unalterable Your sister will have ten thousand pounds said she
this is no despicable fortune and since there is so much love on the side of the marquis there is no doubt but it will be thought sufficient
Mr Bale explained the old ladys meaning by telling him what he proposed to do for miss Courteney and preventing the young gentlemans
acknowledgments
You have sufficiently shewn your regard for your sister said he and I am of opinion we ought not to press lady Meadows any more on this subject she has acted nobly by you both
The lady was extremely flattered by the praise Mr Bale gave her and to prevent any more solicitations from her nephew she signed the papers immediately which Mr Bale at her request witnessed
Mr Courteney said every thing that gratitude and politeness could suggest upon her presenting him the settlement yet there was an air of concern upon his countenance which Mr Bale observing took an opportunity to desire him in a whisper to meet him at a coffeehouse which he named to him that evening having something to say to him which he hoped would make all things easy
Mr Courteney promised to attend him He then begged lady Meadows not to let Henrietta know what had passed with regard to the marquis
At present said he she considers this marriage as impossible to be effected and so I would have her consider it till I am sure that the duke will make no objection to the fortune that is designed her
Lady
Meadows approved of his caution and Mr Bale was desired to visit her in her own apartment and acquaint her with the dispositions made by her aunt
Henrietta expressed the highest satisfaction at what had been done for her beloved brother and with the greatest sweetness acknowledged her obligations to her aunt for the provision she had made for her but when Mr Bale acquainted her with the addition he designed to make to the fortune her aunt would give her tears of tenderness and gratitude overspread her face and she could utter no more than
O sir how generous— how kind is this— how shall I repay such unexampled goodness—
Mr Bale interrupted her soft exclamations to lead her down stairs to her aunt to whom she paid her acknowledgments with inimitable grace and congratulated her brother with so sincere a joy that he who knew how much she was likely to lose by his good fortune was moved almost to tears
Mr Bale a short time afterwards took his leave and went to the coffeehouse where he had appointed Mr Courteney to meet him He was soon followed by the young gentleman
whose mind was under great agitations on his sisters account
One would hardly imagine said Mr Bale to him smiling
that you have just been declared heir to a good estate you look like one disappointed and unhappy
I am indeed disappointed sir replied Mr Courteney
I had laid a plan to make my sister and my friend happy but my aunts partiality has broke all my measures for the present
Then you intend said Mr Bale who had taken particular notice of his last words
to make some addition to your sisters fortune when the estate comes into your hands
Certainly sir replied Mr Courteney I should but ill deserve it if I did not
It must be confessed resumed Mr Bale that you are a very good brother
All that I can do for my sister sir said he will be but bare justice but your generosity t• her can never be enough admired
No more of that interrupted Mr Bale
I love your sister she is a worthy young woman I am grieved to think so noble a match for her should meet with any obstruction for
the want of a fortune What do you think the duke will expect
The lady he has proposed to his son sir said Mr Courteney
has twenty thousand pounds and it would have been my pride and happiness to have prevailed with my aunt to make my sisters fortune equal to that
Is it possible cried Mr Bale surprised
Why fifteen thousand pounds is at least one third of your aunts fortune
My sister said Mr Courteney
has a right to expect it The whole would have been hers but for some unlucky accidents and the strange partiality of lady Meadows for me All that I can now do is to let the marquis know that my sister will have ten thousand pounds paid on the day of her marriage and ten thousand more on the death of her aunt The duke loves money and I greatly doubt whether all his sons solicitations will make him relish this reversionary ten thousand pounds
We will not put it to the hazard interrupted Mr Bale
since you are determined to act thus generously by your sister I will lay down the money myself and all the security
I require is your bond for the repayment of it when your aunts estate comes into your possession
Mr Courteney was so overwhelmed with surprise joy and gratitude for this unexpected noble offer that during some moments he was unable to utter a word But this silence accompanied with looks the most expressive that can be imagined was more eloquent than any language could be Recovering himself at last he was beginning to pay the warmest acknowledgments but Mr Bale would not suffer him to proceed
I am impatient said he for the conclusion of this affair Write to your friend immediately and let him know that your sisters guardian will treat with the duke his father whenever he pleases
Mr Courteney at his reiterated request took leave of him and went home in order to communicate this joyful news to his friend Hearing that lady Meadows and his sister were engaged in company he went to his own apartment and wrote a short letter to the marquis in which he acquainted him that his sister being restored to the favour of her aunt he had it now in his power to assure him that if he continued
in the same sentiments towards her and could prevail with his grace to authorise them by his consent he was impowered by her aunt and her guardian to declare that her fortune would be twenty thousand pounds
Having sealed and dispatched this letter to the post he joined the company below stairs with looks so full of satisfaction and a behaviour animated with such extraordinary gaiety that lady Meadows was more than ever delighted with him concluding that the noble provision she had made for him was the source of his joy but Henrietta who knew her brother better and who besides saw something particular in those looks which he from time to time gave her felt strange flutterings in her gentle bosom hopes checked as soon as formed wishes suppressed as they rose In these perturbations she passed that night and the three following days
Mean time the marquis having received Mr Courteneys letter was so surprised at this sudden change in the fortune of Henrietta that he read it over several times before he could persuade himself what he saw was real His first emotions were all transport every obstacle to his marriage was now removed and he might
solicit his fathers consent with a certainty almost of not being denied Yet a sentiment of delicacy and tenderness made him regret that it was not in his power to convince Henrietta of the disinterestedness of his love and for some moments rendered him insensible of his present happiness
The duke came into his chamber while he was reading the letter the twentieth time and so intently that he did not perceive his entrance When suddenly raising his eyes and seeing his father who suspecting that this letter which he seemed to read with so much emotion came from his mistress was looking earnestly on him
O my lord cried he there is nothing wanting to make me perfectly happy but your consent to my marriage with miss Courteney See my lord what her brother writes her brother who till now has so obstinately opposed my passion
The duke took the letter out of his hands and having read it returned it to him again without speaking a word and walked to the other end of the room The marquis who saw nothing unfavourable in his looks followed him and throwing himself at his feet conjured him
not to oppose his happiness any longer The duke desired time to consider but his son would not give over his solicitations till he had obtained leave of him to visit miss Courteney and to declare that his addresses had the sanction of his consent
The happy marquis gave orders instantly for his postchaise to be got ready which his father at first did not oppose but after reflecting a little
Can you not rein in your impatience for a few days
said he to him
I intend to be in town next week I shall then have an opportunity of seeing the young lady and since you are so obstinately bent upon the match of talking to her aunt and her guardian
The marquis would not disoblige his father by making any objections to this little delay grievous as it was to him but retired to write to Mr Courteney whom he acquainted with the dukes intentions and anticipating the tender name of brother poured out his whole heart in the warmest expressions of love friendship joy and every soft emotion with which he was agitated
Mr Courteney having communicated this letter to Mr Bale he agreed that it was necessary to make lady Meadows acquainted with the steps they had taken in the affair She entered with a good grace into the generous designs of her nephew in favour of his sister
If I had done more for her said she to him smiling
you would not have had an opportunity of doing so much
Mr Courteney kissed her hand with a tender and respectful air
Go said she with a look that shewed she was highly pleased
go and tell your sister this good news and tell her also that I am impatient to embrace and congratulate her
Mr Courteney willingly obeyed her He went to Henriettas apartment and seeing her sitting pensive and melancholy he began to rally her upon her tenderness for the marquis She bore it with great sweetness but not without some surprise for her brother was used to be very delicate and reserved upon that subject By degrees he assumed a more serious tone and at length gave her to understand that the marquis was now permitted by his father to pay his addresses to her
Henrietta blushed and trembled from the moment her brother began to speak to her in a serious manner Her emotions increased as he proceeded yet she laboured to conceal them till Mr Courteney explaining to her what Mr Bale had done for her which necessarily included his own generous gift that innate delicacy which had forced her joy to be silent suffered her gratitude to shew itself in the most lively expressions Lady Meadows came into the room and gave a seasonable interruption to these tender effusions of her heart which Mr Courteney had listened to with a kind of painful pleasure She embraced her niece and congratulated her on her happy fortune
Miss Courteney who had now reason to expect a visit from the marquis was not much surprised a few days afterwards to see his equipage at the door After a few moments conversation with Mr Courteney he was introduced to lady Meadows who received him with great respect Henrietta blushed a little when he appeared but recovered herself and received the tender and respectful compliment he made her with her usual grace
A great deal of company coming in soon afterwards he found means to engage her apart for a quarter of an hour Their conversation
was such as might be expected between persons of their sense and politeness who loved each other with the utmost tenderness and now for the first time saw themselves at liberty to declare their sentiments Henrietta did not scruple to own to the man who had so nobly merited her esteem that her heart had received a most tender impression for him and this soft acknowledgment completed her lovers felicity
Mr Courteney waited upon the duke the next morning and had the pleasure to hear from his own mouth that he was entirely satisfied with his sons proceedings His grace visited lady Meadows the same day and was so charmed with Henrietta that he scarce discovered less impatience than his son for the conclusion of the marriage Every thing being agreed on between the duke and Mr Bale with regard to settlements the writings were drawn up with all convenient speed and a day appointed for the marriage
Lady Meadows though a Roman catholic allowed the ceremony to be performed at her house after which the newmarried pair with the old lady the duke Mr Bale and Mr Courteney set out for his graces country seat
The charming marchioness did not make her first public appearance in town till late in the ensuing winter when her beauty her sufferings her virtue and her good fortune were for a long time the subjects of conversation
Mr Courteney happy in the conscious integrity of his heart happy in the ardent affection of his sister and the marquis and the esteem of all who knew him was by the death of lady Meadows which happened a few months after his sisters marriage enabled to discharge his obligations to Mr Bale His generosity was not long unrewarded an opulent heiress fell desperately in love with him she was related to the duke who interested himself so warmly in the affair that the marriage was soon concluded
Lord B— as has been observed already lived very unhappy with his plebeian lady The sight of the charming Henrietta renewed his passion Tortured with remorse disappointment and despair he had recourse to the bottle and fell an early sacrifice to intemperance
Miss Woodby who had always a violent passion for a redcoat listened to the sighs
of a young cadet and married him in a week after their first acquaintance Her excuse for this precipitancy was that the lovely youth would certainly have stabbed himself if she had delayed his happiness any longer With part of her fortune he bought a commission and spent the rest in a few months After which he went abroad with his regiment leaving her in an obscure retirement to bewail his absence and sooth her lovesick heart with hopes that he would return more passionate than ever and lay all his laurels at her feet
Miss Belmour forsaken by her lover became a proselyte to the Roman catholic religion and retired to a convent where the nuns wrought her up to such a degree of enthusiasm that she settled her whole fortune upon the community and took the veil but soon afterwards repenting of this rash step she died of grief remorse and disappointment
Mrs Willis was generously rewarded by the marchioness for the many kind and faithful services she had received from her and Mr Bale who highly esteemed her for her behaviour to his beauteous ward settled her husband in such an advantageous way that in a few years he made a considerable fortune
The younger Mr Bale found in the incessant clamours of a jealous wife a sufficient punishment for his treacherous designs on Henrietta and it was not without great difficulty that he was restored to his fathers favour
Every branch of the Courteney family made frequent advances towards a reconciliation with the marchioness and her brother but generous as they were they had too just a sense of the indignities they had suffered from them to admit of it and in this steady resentment they had as it usually happens with successful persons the world on their side