But what was our consternation at finding her not arrived, and that Lady
Betty (to whose house we thought she might have been carried) had not
either seen or heard of her!
I had half a suspicion of Sir Hargrave, as well from the character given
us of him by a friend, as because of his impolite behaviour to the dear
creature on her rejecting him; and sent to his house in Cavendish Square
to know if he were at home: and if he were, at what time he returned
from the ball.
Answer was brought that he was in bed, and they supposed would not be
stirring till dinner-time; and that he returned from the ball between
four and five this morning.
* * * * *
O, my dear Mr. Selby! We _have_ tidings! The dear creature is living and
in honourable hands. Read the enclosed letter, directed to me.
"Sir,--Miss Byron is in safe hands. She has been cruelly treated, and
was many hours speechless. But don't frighten yourselves; her fits,
though not less frequent, are weaker and weaker. The bearer will
acquaint you who my brother is; to whom you owe the preservation and
safety of the loveliest woman in England, and he will direct you to a
house where you will be welcome, with your lady (for Miss Byron cannot
be removed) to convince yourself that all possible care is taken of her
by _your humble servant_,
"CHARLOTTE GRANDISON."
What we learnt from the honest man who brought the letter is, briefly,
as follows:
His master is Sir Charles Grandison; a gentleman who has not been long
in England.
Sir Charles was going to town in his chariot and six when he met our
distressed cousin.
Sir Hargrave is the villain.
Sir Charles had earnest business in town, and he proceeded thither,
after he had rescued the dear creature and committed her to the care of
his sister. God forever bless him!
_VII.--Mr. Reeves to George Selby, Esq.: In Continuation_
_February_ 18. I am just returned from visiting my beloved cousin, who
is still weak, but is more composed than she has hitherto been, the
amiable lady, Miss Grandison tells me.
Sir Charles Grandison is, indeed, a fine figure. He is the bloom of
youth. I don't know that I have ever seen a handsomer or genteeler man.
Well might his sister say that if he married he would break a score of
hearts.
I will relate all he said in the first person, as nearly in his own
words as possible.
"About two miles on this side Hounslow," said he, "I saw a chariot and
six driving at a great rate.
"The coachman seemed inclined to dispute the way with mine. This
occasioned a few moments' stop to both. I ordered my coachman to break
the way. I don't love to stand on trifles. My horses were fresh and I
had not come far.
"The curtain of the chariot we met was pulled down. I knew by the arms
it was Sir Hargrave Pollexfen's.
"There was in it a gentleman who immediately pulled up the canvas.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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