Didactic fiction; Domestic fiction; England -- Fiction; Married women -- Fiction
“DEAREST MADAM,--Those only who truly know what love is, can have any
conception of the horrors I felt at hearing of your confinement at my
arrival in town, which was this morning. I immediately sent my lawyer to
enquire into the particulars, who brought me the agreeable news that the
man, whose heart’s blood ought not to be valued at the rate of a single
hair of yours, is entirely out of all danger, and that you might
be admitted to bail. I presently ordered him to go with two of my
tradesmen, who are to be bound in any sum for your appearance, if
he should be mean enough to prosecute you. Though you may expect my
attorney with you soon, I would not delay sending this, as I hope the
news will be agreeable to you. My chariot will attend at the same time
to carry you wherever you please. You may easily guess what a violence
I have done to myself in not waiting on you in person; but I, who know
your delicacy, feared it might offend, and that you might think me
ungenerous enough to hope from your distresses that happiness which I
am resolved to owe to your free gift alone, when your good nature shall
induce you to bestow on me what no man living can merit. I beg you will
pardon all the contents of this hasty letter, and do me the honour of
believing me, Dearest madam,
Your most passionate admirer,
and most obedient humble servant,
DAMON.”
Booth thought he had somewhere before seen the same hand, but in his
present hurry of spirits could not recollect whose it was, nor did the
lady give him any time for reflection; for he had scarce read the letter
when she produced a little bit of paper and cried out, “Here, sir,
here are the contents which he fears will offend me.” She then put a
bank-bill of a hundred pounds into Mr. Booth’s hands, and asked him with
a smile if he did not think she had reason to be offended with so much
insolence?
Before Booth could return any answer the governor arrived, and
introduced Mr. Rogers the attorney, who acquainted the lady that he had
brought her discharge from her confinement, and that a chariot waited at
the door to attend her wherever she pleased.
She received the discharge from Mr. Rogers, and said she was very much
obliged to the gentleman who employed him, but that she would not make
use of the chariot, as she had no notion of leaving that wretched place
in a triumphant manner; in which resolution, when the attorney found her
obstinate, he withdrew, as did the governor, with many bows and as many
ladyships.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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