THE WORKS OF SAMUEL RICHARDSON

Front matter

Google to make the world's books discoverable online.

It has survived long enough for the copyright to expire and the book to enter the public domain. A public domain book is one that was never subject

to copyright or whose legal copyright term has expired. Whether a book is in the public domain may vary country to country. Public domain books

LETTER I. MUs Lucy Selbyj to Lady G . Transactioos

during the stay of Sir Charles and Lady Grandison in Northamptonsldre. The bride seea company. Sir Charles visits Mr. Greville , and Mr. Orme. Tenants' jubilee at Selby-house • i — §

tiBTm If. Lady G , to Mii$ Litcy SeWy.—lAdy G

rallies Miss Selby for affecting to disclaim those talents she is mistress of, and requests another letter frovfi h^r 7 — 9

LsTTEft in. Miss Lucy Sdby, io Lady G — ^. The bride arid bridegi'oom return the visits. Ball at Shirley-manor. Departure of Sir Charles and Lady Grandison for Loudon settled : they are to be accomfianied by Mr. and Mrs. Selby, Mr. Deane, aind Miss Selby. Visit from the Italian family expected. Miss Selby expresses her joy that Lady Clementina is coming only as a visitor ; her reasons for thinking that Sir Chatrles could not have been happy with an Italian' wife. Brief, but affecting description of Mrs. Shirley's parting with her beloved grand-daughter 9 — 14

Letter IV. Lddy Grandismiy to Mrs* Shirley. — Jounial of Lady Grandison's proceedings^ in town. She pays a visit to

Lady L in her accouchement. • Christening performed

at church, by desire of Sir Charles. In his opinion, people tf ikBhion should consider tfaensdves as axai^ples t» tbcir viii CONTENTS.

PAGE

inferiors. Sir Charles visits Sir Harry Beauchamp, and Sir Hargrave Pollexfen; also Mrs. Oldham, and the Danby-

family 14—20

Letter V. Lady Graiidison, ta Mrs. Shirley, — Congratulations of Sir Charles to Lady Grandison on her entering Grandison-hall. Dr. Bartlett's manner of receiving her. The affectionate politeness Sir Charles shews to Lady Grandisonls friends. Mrs. Curzon, the house-keeper, introduced. Particular description of the house, park, and garden • • • SO — 29 Letter VI. Lcidy Gramlisouy to Mrs. Shirley. — Further account of Lady Grandison's establishment 30 — 32

Letter VII. Lady Grandison, to Mrs, Shirley, — Lady Grandison appears at tlie parish-church. Amiable character of the late Lady Grandison emulated by the present. The picture-gallery described : here Lady Grandison is madeacquainted with Sir Charles's ancestors. Arrival of Lady Mansfield and . family.. Death of Sir Harry Beauchamp. Methods of family devotion 33 — 45

Letter VIII. Lady Grandisonf to Mrs, Shirley. — Female servants presented to Lady Grandison by Mrs. Curzon. Servants' library described. Method of supplying the poor with medicines by an honest apothecary. Accidents provided for by retaining a skilful surgeon. Lady Grandison gratefully owns her happiness ; saying, In heaven only it can be surpassed. Dr. Bartlett's account of tliq economy and. discernment of Sir Cliarles : his dealinp with tradespeople and master-workmen • • • • 45 — 53

Letter IX. Lady Grandison, to Mrs^ Shirley. — Lady Beauchamp requests the presence of Sir.Chai'le& at the opening of the wiU • • 53—56

Letter X. Lady Grandison, to Mrs, Shirky, — Solemn address to the Almighty, in a paper foqnd under Sir Charlei^'s common-prayerrbook 56 — ^59

Letter XI. Lady Grandison, to Mrs, Shirley. — Sir Charles returns to Grandison-hall, after having settled every thing to the satisfaction of Lady Beauchamp and her son-in-law, whom he invites to Grandison-hall. Lady Grandison's , supposed speech to Sir Charles, reprehendmg the conduct . of Lady G — — i intended to surpri&e that iady in her turn. ^

CONTEMtS. ix

VkGM

Arrival of Sir Rowland Meredith and Mr. Fowler. Sir Rowland proposei a nwlch between his neirfiew and Mits Lucy Sclby 59—^9

Letter XII. Ladf GnmdiMn^ to Mn, Shirley^-^iT Charles receives a letter from Mr. Lowther, with intelligence from Bologna. Lady Grandison's great solicitude for Lady Cle^ mentina^ from the contents of the letter. Conversation between Lady Grandison and Miss Jervois, on observing that young lady earnestly looking at Sir Charles • • 70 — 77

Letter XIII. Lady Gnrndtson, to Mrs. iS%tr%.— Sir Charles and Lady Grandison pay a visit to Mansfield-house : their happiness, on beholding so worthy a family restored to affluenee. Debate between Lady Grandison and Miss Lucy Selby concerning Mr. Grevilie, who has waited on Mrs. Shirley to propose himself as a candidate for Miss Lucy's favour • • 78 — &$

Letter XIV. Lady Grtrndigon, to Mrs. Shirley, — ^Arrival of Mr. Lowther, and his account of Lady Clementina's leaving

^ Italy. Sir Charles is greatly concerned at her having been harshly treated by her friends. Lady Grandison's noble commiseration for the lovely sufferer's woes. Sir Charles accounts ' for his conduct to • Lady Qementina's family, and for accelerating his deelaration to herself 85-— 9f

Latter XV. Lady Grandhon^ - to Mrs, Shirley. — Another conversation between Lady Grandison and Miss Jervois on that young lady's love-malady havm^^ been mentioned to Dv. Bartlett, not as relating to herself, but as to some other person : the. Doctor's advice and opinion on that subject. Miss Jervois, at her own request, is permitted to reside with Mrs. Shirley and Mrs. Selby, in Northamptonshire • • • • 94 — lOt

Letter XVI. Lady Grandison^ to Ladies L atid G .

Enclosing a letter from Jeronymo lOf

Letter XVII. Jeronymo delta Porretta^ to Sir Charles Gran» dison, — Lady Clementina obtains the consent of her friends to take an excursion for a month previously to her marrying the Count of Belvedere : during that period she eludes her domestics, and flies to England* Her letter to Mrs. Beaumont, and the distraction of her fiiendit on the occasion 109 — 115

Letter XVIII. Lady Grandison^ to Ladies L and G-p — •

^ Oh the receipt of Jeronymo'* letter. Lady Grandison

^ CONTENTS,.

PAQt entreats Sir Charles to hasten to town, ani give Ledy Cietnentiiia his protection n 3 — ^1?

Letter XIX. Sir Charles, to Lady GrandiMn. — On hia arrival in town finds a letter addressed to him by Lady Clementina 1!20, 121

Letter XX. Lady Clement'maf te Sir Charles Grandvton, — She acknowledges tiie rashness of the step she has taken, but appears raroblinj* and anconne<:ted : her inqniries after her own family, and the whole l^tter^ truly affecting 121 — 127

Letter XXI. Sir CliarleSy fo Lady Grandison — Enclosing Lady Clemcntina^s letter, and copies of bis own to that lady / • • • 12^

LETtER XXII. Sir Charles Grandismy to Lady Clementina. — Sir Charles requests the ifavour of an intenriew, ;knd infortais her that he has news from Italy 129| 139

Letter XXIII. Lady Clementma, to Sir Charles Gfandisotu —

' She expresses her desire of seeing Sir Charles ;,6nt entreats him first to use his influence for the^-dis<5ontinuance of the Count of Belvedere's addresses to her, and procure forgiveness for herself and Laura 130, 131

Letter XXIV. Sir Charles Graniduon, to Lady Clementina, — He promises compliance with every request in the foregoing letter 131, 132

Letter XXV. Lady Clementina^ to Sir Charles Grandison — Consenting to an interview 132, 13*

LETtER XXVI. Sir^ Charles, to Lady Grandison^ — Particulars of a very affecting conversation between Sir Charles and ' Lady Clementina, .who pleads the cniel necessity that compelled her to act in a manner for which her heart condemns her : she congratulates Sir Charles on his marriage, and is desirous of being presented to his lady as soon as her frame of mind will enable her to bear the interview. Sir Charles

prevails on her to accept of apartments at Lady L ^*8.

Lord and Lady G are introduced to Lady Clementina 133—143

Letter XXVII. Sir Charles, to Lady Grandison, — Sir Edward Beauchamp infbrms Sir Charles of his attachment to Miss Jervois, and requests he will countenance his addresses. Sir Charles mentions his objections to early marriages : he refers Sir Edward to his lady. Sir Charles's solicitude for the happiness of Lord and La4y Ct 144 — 14f

CONTENTS. yd

I4ETTER XXVin. Sir Chm-les, to Lady Gnndison.— The Porxetta-family are daily expected, and every arrangement made for their reception. Sir Charles is anxious to inform Lady Clementina of the arrival of her family, but hesitates in what manner he shall break it to her 149—151

Letter XXIX. Lady Granduany to JIfrj. S/drfey.-^lAdy Grandison arrives in town, and is welcomed in the most affectionate manner by Sir Charles. Miss Jervois makes preparations for her visit to Northamptonshire 15S— l^di

Letter XXX. Lady Grandison, to Mrs. Shirley.-^LAdj Grandison relates the affecting scene that passed, on her being introduced to Lady Clementina; and describes tier person. She requests Lady Grandison's interest with Sir Charles to prevent her marriage 156 — 16S

Letter XXXI. Lady Gnotdisoji, to Mrs. S/Urley,^lAdy Clementina visits Lady Grandison, and excites the admiration and concern of all present. Lady Grandison informs her of the arrival of her family, and in the most delicate manner prepares her to receive them 163 171

Letter XXXII. Lady Grandison^ to Mrs. SAtrZe^.— Parting scene between Lady Grandison and Miss Jervois, on Miss Jervois's setting out for Northamptonshire 171 — 174

Letter XXXIIL Signor Jenmymoy to Sir Charles Grandison. — ^Arrival of the Porretta-family at Dover 175

Lettj^ XXXIV. Lady Grandison^ to Mrs, Shirley,— Sir

. Charles sets out to bring the Porretta-family to town, accompanied by Mr. Lowther : during his absence, the Count

of Belvedere and Signor Sebastiano arrive at Lord L %

in St. James's-square. Lady Grandison is sent for; her prudent conduct on the occasion 176-*lS!l

Letter XXXV. Lady Grandison, to Mrs. Shirley, — Lady Grandison gives further proofs of her affectionate goodness to Lady Clementina, and prevails on her to remain under

the protection of Lord and Lady L . Lady Clementina

is consoled in some measure by the contents of a letter from Sir Charles to Lady Grandison, mentioning tlie arrival of her friends in Grosvenor-square. ' What passed between $ir Charles and them, . from their meeting at Dover, to tii^ir coming to town. Lady Grandison entreats Sir itli CONTENTS.

PACK

Cliatles, that Lady Clementina may not be compelled to marry .-....- 132 — 18f

Letter XXXVI. Lady Grandison, to ^Mrs, Shirley, — Some generous contentions between Lady Clemehtina^s family and Sir Charles'. *' They cannot think of visiting till tliey hear tidings of their beloved daughter. Lady Clementina still perseveres in her resolution of taking the veil. Siir Charles^ at the request of all parties, draws up articles of accommo- ' dation^ and gives copies of them to Lady Clementina, the coimt, and the bishop ; . . . . 190 — 19» .

Letter XXXVII. Lady Grandisony to Mrs, Shirley, — Lady Clementina's agony of mind, on perusing the proposals. Lady Grandison urges her to accept of them : she promises to consider of it ; and, after much difficulty, is prevailed on' ' by Sir Charles. Lady Clementina writes to Lady Gi-andison^ entreating her supporting hand, on being introduced to her parents 195 — 20l

X^Ei^TER XXXVIIL Lady Grandisoriy to Mrs, Shirley, — Lady

" Clementina^ observations on the conditions proposed : she is introduced to her family, who receive her with transports of joy ; and a very affecting scene takes place. Sir Charles invites tlic family to dine with him on the ensuing Friday, and to sign the articles; Lady Clementina and Mrs. Beau-

' ^ont visit Sir Charles and Lady Grandison. Sir t^harles* requests that Lady Clementina will permit the Count of ' Belvedere to see her before he leaves town ..... .i . ^. 902'—- 214

Letter XXXIX. Lady Grandisotiy to Mrs. SAirfcy.— Lady

Grandison is present at tlie birth of Lady G 's daughter.

The Earl and Lady Gertnide much disappoiilted. Signors ' Sebastiaho and Juliano are introduced to, and kindly received by, Lady Clementina. Mr. Grevill^ is rejected by Miss Selby. Lady Grandison is iirjoiced at hearing of it ; for though she wishes Mr. Greville well, yet she wishes Miss Sdby better .; 214—217

Letter XL. Lady Grandison, to Mrs, Shirley. — Account of what.passed on 4;he day appointed for signing the articles ; description of Lady Clementina's interesting' appearance, and dutiful behaviour to her parents : her interview witb the Count of Belvedere : her generous reasons for not ac«^ '

•4*

COjNTENTS.. Xlti

PACB

ceptiog hoA addresses, command the unanhnons admiration Qf all. The family accept of Sir CIiarlesTs invitation to Grandison-hall, in hopes that their worthy host and hostess Mrill accompany them back to Italy 217 — 234

Letter XLI. Lady Grandtson, to Lady G . Accoimt of

their arrival at Grandison-hail, and enclosing a letter from Miss Selby •, tsS

Letter XLII. Miss Lucy Selby, to Lady GrandUon, — Particulars of a conversation that passed at Shirley-manor between Mrs. Shirley and several young ladies. Miss Selby, in

her letter, appeals to Lady Grandison and Lady G for

their judgment on the first impressions of love, and relates Mrs. Shirley's opinion of the supposed hardships jof Lady Clementina's case, in being importuned to marry the Count of Belvedere : gives a brief history of Mrs. Eggleton ; owns her passion for romances in her youth, but that it entirely subsided before she was twenty : relates the debates that passed between Mrs. Eggleton and herself on her then false heroism, and describes that love which is truly excellent and laudable S26— 336

Letter XLIII. Lady G , to Lady Grandisoti — Enclosing *"

a letter to the .young ladies at Selby-house, in answer to ^their appeal ^ 236 — 248

Letter XLIV. Lady Grandison, to Mrs. Shirley — Describing the happiness of herself and Sir Charles, and their manner of passing the time at Grandison-hall 249 — 251

Letter XLV. Lady Qrandmn, to Mrs, Shirley. — Lady Grandison owas her happiness to be so perfect, that she has nothing %o pray for but.a continuance of her present felicity, ' and that Clementina couId.be settled in some way agreeably to her own wishes. Reflections on marriage, as a duty.

Arrival of Lady G . Lady Grandison is charmed with •

the great alteration in her behaviour. Conference overheard by Lady G between Lady Clementina and Mrs.

Letter XLVI. Lady G , to Miss Selby — In her usual

humorous style 263 — 265

Letter XLVIL Lady G , to Miss &%— Informing *

her of Lady Grandison's indisposition . • . . • 266— r26d xir CONTENTS.

rAiHt

Letter XLVIII. Lady Grandiaon, to Mrs, ShvUff-^n the same subject f 68, 260

Letter XLIX. Lady Grasidison, to Mrs, Shirley. — ^Lady Clementina a constant attendant on Lady Grandison in her illness : accusies herself as )>eing the cause of it, and laments coming to England. Lady Grandison's health mncb amended : she converses with Sir Charles on the visible niMasiness preying on Clementina's mind. Lady Clementina discloses the chief cause of her sorrows to Lady Grandison, and still wishes to assume the veil 270 — SftT

Letter L. Lady Grtmdison^ to Mrs. Shirley. — Result of Lady Clementina's conversation with Sir Charles and Lady Grandison 278—289

Letter LI. Lady Grandison, to Mrs. hurley. — Farther acconot of Lady Clementina's dejected state of mind : she generously pities Lanrana, and wishes the Count of Belvedere would return her love. The letter humorously concluded by Lady G 289—294

Letter LII. Lady G , to Miss Selby^On Miss Selby's

wedding-day being fixed : some animadversions on first love.

Lady G invites all, who would be good husbands and

wives, to con^e to ChrandisoiUiaU while Lord G and

herself are there • • • • 294— 291>

Letter LIII. Lady Grandison^ to Miss Selby — In continuation of Lady G 's subject 299 — 303

Letter LIV. MissJervois, to Lady Grandbon — Requesting her advice on the subject of Sir Edward Beaucbamp's addresses SOS — 305

Letter LV. Lady Grandiseny to Miss J^eroow— &i answer to the foregoing 306

Letter LVI. Lady Grandison, to Mrs, Shirley. — Lady Clementina receives another visit from the Count of Belvedere, and appears interested in his conversation. The marchioness informs Lady Grandison of the death of Laurana, as communicated by Giacomo in a letter to Jeronymo 307^312

Letter LVII. Lady Grmdiaon, to Mrs. Shirley — Sir Charles Grandison's reflections on the death of Laurana. Lady Clementina sends a letter to her parents, containing propositions for the regulation of her future life : they are over*

COITTENTS. XT

PAGl

joyed at her dcfenniiiation ; and Sir Charles communicates the intelligence to the Count of Belvedere, who has another interview with Lady Clementina 312 — 32Q

Letter LVIH. Lady Grandisonf to Mrs, Shirley, — In what manner Lady Clementina receives the news of her cousin Lanrana'r death. Plan settled hy Lady Clementina respecting the future visits of Sir Charles, his lady, and sisters, to her family at Bologna. Her parting scene with the Count of Belvedere. Affecting conversation between Sir Charles, Lady Grandison, and Lady Clementina, in the garden. Sir Charles resolves to build a temple on the spot, sacred to friendship, and to call it by the name of Clementina • • 3^1 — ^324

Letter LIX. Lady GrandisTHy to Mrs, Shirley, — Lady Grandison takes a survey of their present happy situation, and expresses her gratitude to the Almighty 3i^5 — 32T

Letter LX. Lady^ Grandison, to Mrs, Shirley, — ^The Porretta-family set out for Dover, accompanied by Sir Charles, Lady Grandison, and other friends. Sir Charles attends them to Calais ; and, at parting, engages the family to leave Lady Clementina entirely to her own free will. On their return to town, a messenger arrives from Sir Hargrave Pollexfen, requesting the attendance of Sir Charles in his dying moments 327 — 334

Letter LXX. Lady Grandison, to Mrs, Shirley, — Death of ' Sir Hargrave Pollexfen : his agony of mind on the near approach of that awful period : he warns his surrounding friends ; and contrasts the happiness of Sir Charles Grandison with his own misery : Sir Charles endeavours to administer consolation, and implores divine mercy on the dying man. In compliancewilh Sir Hargrave's request, he perfoims the solemn and melancholy office of closing his eyes 335—33^

Concluding Note, by the Editor, — His reasons for publishing the foregoing letters. Objections to the faultless character of Sir Charles Grandison, answered. The practice of duelling deprecated ; and the editor's opinion illustrated by an extract from the twentieth article of the military code. Advantages resulting from a perfect pattern being held up for imitation 339—344

THE

HISTORY

OF

SIR CHARLES GRANDISON, BART.

LETTER I.

MISS LUCY SBLBT, VO LADT 6 .

Satnrdayy Nov. 25.

JL ou enjoined me» my dear Lady G— -— » at parting on Monday la»t» to write to you ; and to be very particular in what I wrote, I will, because I love and fear you. Otherwise I would not write at all ; first, because I had not

the good fortune to please you» in mine to Lady L ;

and nexti because I shall so soon have the honour to attend you in towui Well then, I begin.

On Tuesday we women were employed in preparations for the tenants' jubilee, next day. Sir Charles, attended by my brother James, paid a morning visit to Mr. Greville, whom he found moody, reserved, and indisposed. My brother James says, that he never saw such a manly, yet

VOL, vii. B tender treatment, from one man to another, as Sir Charles gave him ; and that he absolutely subdued him, and left him acknowledging the favour of his visit, and begging a repetition of. it, as often as he could, while he staid in these parts ; and that, he said, as well for his credit, as for his comfort. But yvhen. Sir Charles, said he, do you carry from us the Siren ! I mil call her names. I hate her. The sooner the better. Curse me, if I shall be able to creep out of the house, while she is visible on Northamptonshire ground — ^Though I was a friend to the match — Do you mind that, young man : (to my brother James :) O love, love, added he, of what contradictions art thou the cause ! Though I hate her, I almost long to see her. You'll allow me to visit you both, I hope, when I have got over these plaguy megrims.

The same day Sir Charles making a visit to Sir John Holles's family, found Miss Orme there, expecting her brother to call for her in his post-chaise.

Great civilities passed between Sir Charies and Miss Orme. She was doubtful whether her brotjier had, at that time, best see Sir Charles, as he was weak in health and spirits: but Just as Sir Charles was at the gate, going in his chariot, attended by Sir John and the young ladies, poor Mr. Orme came.

The liveries would not allow Mr. Orme to donbt who it Was. He turned pale. Sir Charles addressed himself to him with his usual polite freedom. Knoviring, sir, said he, that Mr. Orme was expected by one of the best of sisters, I presume to salute you, as the Mr. Orme to whom I have been desirous, ever since I have been in Northamptonshire, to pay my compliments.

Sir Charles Grandison, sir —

At your service, Mr. Orme ; taking his hand.

The happiest man m the world, replied Mr/Orme, with some emotion. The best, the loveliest woman on earth calls you hers.

I am, I think myself, the happiest of men. But it will add to my joy, to have it wished me by so good a man as Mr. Orme.

Ah, sir ! — Could I wish joy to any man on this occasion, it would be to you, because of your character; and in the reflexion, that the most excellent of women must be hap« pier with you, than any other man could have made her. But self, self, sir ! He is indeed a hero, who, with such a fervent attachment as mine, can divest himself of self. I loved her, sir, from her early infancy, and never knew another love.

The man, Mr. Orme, who loved Miss Byron, gave dis« tinction to himself. Permit me to present her to you, and you to her, as dear friends ; and allow me a third place in your friendship. You have a sister who justly claims a second. I dare engage for the dear creature, from what I know of her value for Mr. Orme, that she wDl allow of this friendship, on the foot of his own merits, were my re-, commendation out of the question.

O Sir Charles ! you are, you ought to be, the man. And will you allow me on these terms to visit you, aini visit her? — But, alas ! I fear I cannot soon

At your own time, my dear Mr. Orme. — ^At Mr. Selby's; at her house in London ; in Hampshire ; wherever she is^ and whether I am present or absent, Mr. Orme will be received as her brother and my brother, as her friend and my friend.

Good God ! good God ! — He gushed into tears. He ran into . the house to hide hb emotion ; but in vain : — ^forgive, me, said hcf» forgive mt, Sir John ! (who just then came in from taking leave of his noble gnest,) but there is no bearing this man's magnanimity ! — He is all I have heard of him. Happy, happy Miss Byron ! — No man but this could deserve her. But where is he? rising: I will ask his pardon for my abrupt departure from him.

He is gone, answered Sir John. I saw him in his cba-^ riot. Good Mr. Ormel he called you, and sighed for you. Poor Mr. Orme declared, that he would wait upon Sir Charles, and tell him, how acceptable to bis heart, and what balm to his mind, would be the tender he had the goodness to make him. Sister, said he, you were at the gate, las well as the yoimg ladies; did he not hint, did he not say, that Miss Byron spoke of me with tenderness 1

I begin to fancy I am in a way to please you. Lady

G : of which, at taking up ray pen, I had little hopes,

and therefore intended not to take much pains about it. I am very saucy, youll say, perhaps.

In the afternoon, a letter was brought from Sir Rowland Meredith. My cousin intends to shew it to you in town. Sach a mixture of joy and sadness ; of condolement and congratulation ; I believe was never seen in one sheet of paper. It is dated from Windsor. The good man was there in his way to town ; resolving to pay a visit to the ttHnuUrful maUi as he calls hira« of whom he had heard so great a character ; and who was probably to be the husband of his dangbter Byron ; and tliere he heard (from

Lord W 's domestics^ I suppose) that Sir Charles was

in Northamptonshire^ and that the marriage was actually solemnized. He therefore intended to set out directly for Bath, where Mr. Fowler was^ or at the hot-well at Bristol* pnrsumg measures for his l^eafth ; with a view to console his jMor boy.

This is a good old nan. Methinks I am half ready to silt CHARLES GRANBISOX. 5.

wish, tliat some of my cousin's admirers \rould dry up their tepirs, and come among us : yet we are nice and dainty girls, some of us, let me tell you. — ^Tis foolish, however, to suggest leavings, and such sort of stuff; the lady such as but one man could deserve; Att merit allowed universally.

Sir Charles acquamted his lady with all that bad passed between him and Mr. Orme. She received bis account with joy and thankfulness.

You are entered, sir, said she, into a numerous family. I have called Sir Rowland Meredith my lather; ^r. Fowler my brother. Be pleased to read this letter.

I remember the relation, my dear, and acknowledge it. Mr. Fowler is another Mr. Orme. Sir Rowland is a very worthy man.

He read it — What an excellent heart has Sir Rowland ! Cultivate, my dearest love ! their friendship, as I will Mr. Orme*s. My pity for these worthy objects, joining with yours, and the frankness of our mutual behaviour to them, will strengthen their hearts. We owe it to them, my dearest life, as much as is in our power, to soften their disappointment. — Could they have a greater ?

Who, madam, can think of a man after this — Except one might hope, from the personal knowledge of his charming behaviour, that the men who addressed us, might be improved by such an example 1

The tenants' jubilee, as they call it, was on Wednesday. It was a much more orderly day than we expected. Sir Charles was all condescension and cheerful goodness: my cousin, all gractautness, was the word for her. Mrs. Shirley was of the company. How she was reverenced ! She ever was ! Once when the bride was withdrawn, and Sur Charles was engaged in talk with Mr. Deane, the whis-

O THE HISTORY OF

pered two or three of her tenants to tell the rest, tliat it was great joy to her, to be assured, that after her departure, the tenants of her dear Mr. Shirley would be treated with as much kindness (perhaps with more) as he^ and as she, after his example, had ever treated them. Yet one caution I give, said she : my dear son will see with his own eyes : he will dispense with his own hands. He will not be imposed upon.

Thursday and Friday the bride saw company. There was as little, both days, of the impertinence that attends form, as, I believe, was ever known on the like occasion. We had a vast nnmber of people : some of them persons of fashion, with whom we had but slender acquaintance ; but who wished to see the happy pair.

We shall be this day at Shirley-manor in a family way : in that, my dear Lady G , (after all the bustle and parade that we can make,) lies the true, because the untumultuousjoy.

To-morrow we shall serve God in our usual way.

Adieu, my dear Lady G^ • This is the sort of stuff

you must be satisfied with from a poor untalented giri ; as is

Your ever-devoted,

LUCY SELBY.

No end of duty, love, compliments, &c. I b^n again to doubt I shan't please you : so am (allowably) tured.

SIR CHAELES GRAMDI80N.

LETTER 11.

LADY O , TO MISS SELBT.

Monday, Nov. 27.

Come, come, Lucy, you do pretty well. Don't be disheartened, child. Yet you are not quite the clever girl 1 once thought you. You, that held such a part in the correspondence of our Harriet. — But you say, you can't help it Poor girl ! I am sorry for it. Your talents lie in speech, not in writing. — ^Your account of the interview be-v tween Onne and my brother, shews you can't write at all — ^No, not you — Poor Lucy ! But write one letter more before you come to town. Do! my dear! You have charming subjects before you, yet.

I, yon see, have a talent to make subjects out of mh thmg : you, poor soul ! can't follow them, when made to yeuf hand. Ill tell you a story of my good man and his good woman. A short one. The poor man is very sensible of slight ailments. Happy, as he is, in a wife, no wonder he is afraid of dying. He was complaining to me just now, [To whom but to a pitying wife should a man complain when he ails any thing T\ that he had a troublesome disorder in the inside of his mouth. I looked very grave ; shook my careful head. I am afraid, my lord, somethmg is breeding there, that should not. He started, and looked concerned. The man will never know mt. God forbid I said he— afraid of nothing less than a cancen Have I not told you a thousand times, my lord, of your