The History of Sir Charles Grandison, Volume 4 (of 7)Richardson, Samuel
General
The History of Sir Charles Grandison, Volume 4 (of 7)
Richardson, Samuel
England -- Social life and customs -- 18th century -- Fiction; Epistolary fiction
When it was known, for certain, that Mr. Grandison had actually left
Italy, the family at Bologna began to wish that they had permitted the
interview so much desired by the poor lady: and when they afterwards
understood that he was sent for to England, to take possession of his
paternal estate, that farther distance, (the notion likewise of the seas
between them appearing formidable,) added to their regrets.
The poor lady was kept in travelling motion to quiet her mind: for still
an interview with Mr. Grandison having never been granted, it was her
first wish.
They carried her to Urbino, to Rome, to Naples; then back to Florence,
then to Milan, to Turin.
Whether they made her hope that it was to meet with Mr. Grandison, I know
not; but it is certain, she herself expected to see him at the end of
every journey; and, while she was moving, was easier, and more composed;
perhaps in that hope.
The marchioness was sometimes of the party. The air and exercise were
thought proper for her health, as well as for that of her daughter. Her
cousin Laurana was always with her in these excursions, and sometimes
Lady Sforza; and their escort was, generally, Signors Sebastiano and
Juliano.
But, within these four months past, these journeyings have been
discontinued. The young lady accuses them of deluding her with vain
hopes. She is impatient, and has made two attempts to escape from them.
She is, for this reason, closely confined and watched.
They put her once into a nunnery, at the motion of Lady Sforza, as for a
trial only. She was not uneasy in it: but this being done unknown to the
general, when he was apprised of it, he, for reasons I cannot comprehend,
was displeased, and had her taken out directly.
Her head runs more than ever upon seeing her tutor, her friend, her
chevalier, once more. They have certainly been to blame, if they have
let her travel with such hopes; because they have thereby kept up her
ardour for an interview. Could she but once more see him, she says, and
let him know the cruelty she has been treated with, she should be
satisfied. He would pity her, she is sure, though nobody else will.
The bishop has written to beg, that Sir Charles would pay them one more
visit at Bologna.
I will refer to my patron himself the communicating to you, ladies, his
resolution on this subject. I had but a moment's sight of the letters
which so greatly affected him.
It is but within these few days past that this new request has been made
to him, in a direct manner. The question was before put, If such a
request should be made, would he comply? And once Camilla wrote, as
having heard Sir Charles's presence wished for.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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