England -- Social life and customs -- 18th century -- Fiction; Epistolary fiction; Essays
After having attended my lamented freind to her Early Grave, I
immediately (tho’ late at night) left the detested Village in which she
died, and near which had expired my Husband and Augustus. I had not
walked many yards from it before I was overtaken by a stage-coach, in
which I instantly took a place, determined to proceed in it to
Edinburgh, where I hoped to find some kind some pitying Freind who
would receive and comfort me in my afflictions.
It was so dark when I entered the Coach that I could not distinguish
the Number of my Fellow-travellers; I could only perceive that they
were many. Regardless however of anything concerning them, I gave
myself up to my own sad Reflections. A general silence prevailed—A
silence, which was by nothing interrupted but by the loud and repeated
snores of one of the Party.
“What an illiterate villain must that man be! (thought I to myself)
What a total want of delicate refinement must he have, who can thus
shock our senses by such a brutal noise! He must I am certain be
capable of every bad action! There is no crime too black for such a
Character!” Thus reasoned I within myself, and doubtless such were the
reflections of my fellow travellers.
At length, returning Day enabled me to behold the unprincipled
Scoundrel who had so violently disturbed my feelings. It was Sir Edward
the father of my Deceased Husband. By his side sate Augusta, and on the
same seat with me were your Mother and Lady Dorothea. Imagine my
surprise at finding myself thus seated amongst my old Acquaintance.
Great as was my astonishment, it was yet increased, when on looking out
of Windows, I beheld the Husband of Philippa, with Philippa by his
side, on the Coachbox and when on looking behind I beheld, Philander
and Gustavus in the Basket. “Oh! Heavens, (exclaimed I) is it possible
that I should so unexpectedly be surrounded by my nearest Relations and
Connections?” These words roused the rest of the Party, and every eye
was directed to the corner in which I sat. “Oh! my Isabel (continued I
throwing myself across Lady Dorothea into her arms) receive once more
to your Bosom the unfortunate Laura. Alas! when we last parted in the
Vale of Usk, I was happy in being united to the best of Edwards; I had
then a Father and a Mother, and had never known misfortunes—But now
deprived of every freind but you—”
“What! (interrupted Augusta) is my Brother dead then? Tell us I intreat
you what is become of him?” “Yes, cold and insensible Nymph, (replied
I) that luckless swain your Brother, is no more, and you may now glory
in being the Heiress of Sir Edward’s fortune.”
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account