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
And pray, sir, as to his place of residence, were he to come: do you
think he should live under the same roof with me?
You shall govern that point, madam, as you approve or disapprove of his
behaviour to you.
His behaviour to me, sir!--One house cannot, shall not, hold him and me.
I think, madam, that you should direct in this article. I hope, after a
little while, so to order my affairs, as constantly to reside in England.
I should think myself very happy if I could prevail upon Mr. Beauchamp to
live with me.
But I must see him, I suppose?
Not, madam, unless you shall think it right, for the sake of the world's
opinion, that you should.
I can't consent--
You can, madam! You do!--I cannot allow Lady Beauchamp to be one of
those women, who having insisted upon a wrong point, can be convinced,
yet not know how to recede with a grace.--Be so kind to yourself, as to
let Sir Harry know, that you think it right for Mr. Beauchamp to return;
but that it must be upon your own conditions: then, madam, make those
conditions generous ones; and how will Sir Harry adore you! How will Mr.
Beauchamp revere you! How shall I esteem you!
What a strange impertinent have I before me!
I love to be called names by a lady. If undeservedly, she lays herself
by them under obligation to me, which she cannot be generous if she
resolves not to repay. Shall I endeavour to find out Sir Harry? Or will
you, madam?
Was you ever, Sir Charles Grandison, denied by any woman to whom you sued
for favour?
I think, madam, I hardly ever was: but it was because I never sued for a
favour, that it was not for a lady's honour to grant. This is the case
now; and this makes me determine, that I will not be denied the grant of
my present request. Come, come, madam! How can a woman of your
ladyship's good sense (taking her hand, and leading her to the door) seem
to want to be persuaded to do a thing she knows in her heart to be right!
Let us find Sir Harry.
Strange man!--Unhand me--He has used me unkindly--
Overcome him then by your generosity. But, dear Lady Beauchamp, taking
both her hands, and smiling confidently in her face, [I could, my dear
Dr. Bartlett, do so to Lady Beauchamp,] will you make me believe, that a
woman of your spirit (you have a charming spirit, Lady Beauchamp) did not
give Sir Harry as much reason to complain, as he gave you?--I am sure by
his disturbed countenance--
Now, Sir Charles Grandison, you are downright affronting. Unhand me!
This misunderstanding is owing to my officious letter. I should have
waited on you in person. I should from the first have put it in your
power, to do a graceful and obliging thing. I ask your pardon. I am not
used to make differences between man and wife.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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