Emmeline, the Orphan of the CastleSmith, Charlotte
General
Emmeline, the Orphan of the Castle
Smith, Charlotte
Gothic fiction; Great Britain -- Social life and customs -- 18th century -- Fiction; Marriage -- Fiction; Single women -- Fiction
Mrs. Stafford thought it too hazardous to let her again see her brother,
while her intellects were thus disarranged; as she trembled lest she
should start into actual madness. But it was absolutely necessary to do
something; not only because Mr. Godolphin's impatience made every delay
dangerous, but because it was hardly possible to keep the secret from
the physicians and attendants, who had already heard much more than they
ought to have known.
She determined, therefore, after consulting with Emmeline, to introduce
Godolphin into the room adjoining to that where Lady Adelina now sat
some hours every day in an easy chair. The affecting insanity of his
unhappy sister, and the mournful and pathetic entreaties she frequently
used, were likely, in the opinion of the fair friends, to effectuate
more than their most earnest persuasions; and prevail on him to drop all
thoughts of that resentment, which could not cure but might encrease her
calamities.
Mrs. Stafford had heard from him, that he gained information as to the
place of his sister's residence from the mother of Lady Adelina's woman;
who being the reduced widow of a clergyman, resided in the Bishop's
alms-houses at Bromley, where her daughter frequently sent her such
assistance as her own oeconomy, or the bounty of her lady, enabled her
to supply. A few weeks before, she had sent her a note for ten pounds;
and not apprehending that an enquiry would be made of her, had desired
her to acknowledge the receipt of it, and direct to her at Bath, where
she said her lady was with a Miss Mowbray.
Lady Clancarryl, among many expedients to recover traces of her sister,
had at length recollected this widow, and had desired Mr. Godolphin to
make immediate enquiry of her.
He had hastened therefore to Bromley, and easily found the poor woman,
who was paralytic and almost childish. Her letters were read for her by
one of her neighbours; a person, who, being present at the arrival of
Mr. Godolphin, immediately found that something was to be got; and
busily put into his hands the very letter which had enclosed the note,
and which contained the direction.
He eagerly copied the address; and leaving a handsome present for the
use of the old widow, he delayed not a moment to set out for Bath,
where he soon found the house, and where he had enquired for Lady
Adelina Trelawny.
The servant of the house who opened the door assured him no such person
was there. He supposed that for some reason or other she was denied; and
insisting on being allowed to go up stairs, had entered the room in the
abrupt manner which had so greatly alarmed his sister.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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