CHAP. I.

THE Marquis of—for a long Se⯑ries of Years, was the firſt and moſt diſtinguiſhed Favourite at Court: He held the moſt honourable Employments under the Crown, diſpoſed of all Places of Profit as he pleaſed, preſided at the Council, and in a manner governed the whole Kingdom.

[2] This extenſive Authority could not fail of making him many Enemies: He fell at laſt a Sacrifice to the Plots they were continually forming againſt him; and was not only re⯑moved from all his Employments, but baniſhed the Court for ever.

The Pain his undeſerved Diſgrace gave him, he was enabled to conceal by the natural Haughtineſs of his Temper; and, behaving rather like a Man who had reſigned, than been diſmiſſed from his Poſts, he imagined he triumphed ſufficiently over the Malice of his Enemies, while he ſeemed to be wholly in⯑ſenſible of the Effects it produced. His ſecret Diſcontent, however, was ſo much augmented by the Opportunity he now had of obſerving the Baſeneſs and Ingratitude of Mankind, which in ſome Degree he experienced every Day, that he reſolved to quit all Society what⯑ever, and devote the reſt of his Life to Solitude and Privacy. For the Place of his Retreat he pitched upon a Caſtle he had in a very remote Province of the Kingdom, in the Neighbour⯑hood of a ſmall Village, and ſeveral Miles diſtant from any Town. The vaſt Extent of Ground which ſurrounded this noble Building, he had cauſed to be laid out in a Manner peculiar to his Taſte: The moſt laborious Endeavours of Art had been uſed to make it appear like the beautiful Product of wild, uncultivated Nature. But if this Epitome of Arcadia could boaſt of only artleſs and ſimple Beauties, the Inſide of the Caſtle was adorned with a Magnificence ſuitable to the Dignity and immenſe Riches of the Owner.

[3] While Things were preparing at the Caſtle for his Reception, the Marquis, though now advanced in Years, caſt his Eyes on a young Lady, greatly inferior to himſelf in Quality, but whoſe Beauty and good Senſe promiſed him an agreeable Companion. After a very ſhort Courtſhip, he married her, and in a few Weeks carried his new Bride into the Country, from whence he abſolutely reſolved never to Return.

The Marquis, following the Plan of Life he had laid down, divided his Time between the Company of his Lady, his Library, which was large and well furniſhed, and his Gardens. Sometimes he took the Diverſion of Hunting, but never admitted any Company whatever; and his Pride and extreme Reſerve rendered him ſo wholly inacceſſible to the Country Gentry about him, that none ever preſumed to ſolicit his Acquaintance.

In the Second Year of his Retirement, the Marchioneſs brought him a Daughter, and died in Three Days after her Delivery. The Marquis, who had tenderly loved her, was extremely afflicted at her Death; but Time having produced its uſual Effects, his great Fondneſs for the little Arabella intirely en⯑groſſed his Attention, and made up all the Happineſs of his Life. At Four Years of Age he took her from under the Direction of the Nurſes and Women appointed to attend her, and permitted her to receive no Part of her Education from another, which he was capable of giving her himſelf. He taught her to read and write in a very few Months; and, as ſhe [4] grew older, finding in her an uncommon Quickneſs of Apprehenſion, and an Under⯑ſtanding capable of great Improvements, he reſolved to cultivate ſo promiſing a Genius with the utmoſt Care; and, as he frequently, in the Rapture of paternal Fondneſs, expreſſed himſelf, render her Mind as beautiful as her Perſon was lovely.

Nature had indeed given her a moſt charm⯑ing Face, a Shape eaſy and delicate, a ſweet and inſinuating Voice, and an Air ſo full of Dig⯑nity and Grace, as drew the Admiration of all that ſaw her. Theſe native Charms were im⯑proved with all the Heightenings of Art; her Dreſs was perfectly magnificent; the beſt Maſters of Muſic and Dancing were ſent for from London to attend her. She ſoon became a perfect Miſtreſs of the French and Italian Languages, under the Care of her Father; and it is not to be doubted, but ſhe would have made a great Proficiency in all uſeful Knowlege, had not her whole Time been taken up by another Study.

From her earlieſt Youth ſhe had diſcovered a Fondneſs for Reading, which extremely de⯑lighted the Marquis; he permitted her there⯑fore the Uſe of his Library, in which, unfor⯑tunately for her, were great Store of Ro⯑mances, and, what was ſtill more unfortunate, not in the original French, but very bad Tranſlations.

The deceaſed Marchioneſs had purchaſed theſe Books to ſoften a Solitude which ſhe found very diſagreeable; and, after her Death, [5] the Marquis removed them from her Cloſer into his Library, where Arabella found them.

The ſurpriſing Adventures with which they were filled, proved a moſt pleaſing Enter⯑tainment to a young Lady, who was wholly ſecluded from the World; who had no other Diverſion, but ranging like a Nymph through Gardens, or, to ſay better, the Woods and Lawns in which ſhe was incloſed; and who had no other Converſation but that of a grave and melancholy Father, or her own Attend⯑ants.

Her Ideas, from the Manner of her Life, and the Objects around her, had taken a romantic Turn; and, ſuppoſing Romances were real Pictures of Life, from them ſhe drew all her Notions and Expectations. By them ſhe was taught to believe, that Love was the ruling Principle of the World; that every other Paſſion was ſubordinate to this; and that it cauſed all the Happineſs and Miſeries of Life. Her Glaſs, which ſhe often conſulted, always ſhewed her a Form ſo extremely lovely, that, not finding herſelf engaged in ſuch Ad⯑ventures as were common to the Heroines in the Romances ſhe read, ſhe often complained of the Inſenſibility of Mankind, upon whom her Charms ſeemed to have ſo little Influence.

The perfect Retirement ſhe lived in, af⯑forded indeed no Opportunities of making the Conqueſts ſhe deſired; but ſhe could not comprehend, how any Solitude could be ob⯑ſcure enough to conceal a Beauty like hers from Notice; and thought the Reputation of her Charms ſufficient to bring a Croud of [6] Adorers to demand her of her Father. Her Mind being wholly filled with the moſt extra⯑vagant Expectations, ſhe was alarmed by every trifling Incident; and kept in a continual An⯑xiety by a Viciſſitude of Hopes, Fears, Wiſhes, and Diſappointments.

CHAP. II.

ARABELLA had now entered into her Seventeenth Year with the Regret of ſee⯑ing herſelf the Object of Admiration to a few Ruſtics only, who happened to ſee her; when, one Sunday, making uſe of the Permiſſion the Marquis ſometimes allowed her, to attend. Di⯑vine Service at the Church belonging to the Village near which they lived, her Vanity was flattered with an Adorer not altogether unwor⯑thy of her Notice.

This Gentleman was young, gay, hand⯑ſome, and very elegantly dreſſed; he was juſt come from London with an Intention to paſs ſome Weeks with a Friend in that Part of the Country; and at the time Arabella entered the Church, his Eyes, which had wandered from one rural Fair to another, were in an In⯑ſtant fixed upon her Face. She bluſhed with a very becoming Modeſty; and, pleaſed with [7] the unuſual Appearance of ſo fine a Gentleman, and the particular Notice he took of her, paſſed on to her Seat thro' a double Row of Country People, who, with a Profuſion of aukward Bows and Courteſies, expreſſed their Reſpect.

Mr. Hervey, for that was the Stranger's Name, was no leſs ſurpriſed at her Beauty, than the Singularity of her Dreſs; and the odd Whim of being followed into the Church by three Women-Attendants, who, as ſoon as ſhe was ſeated, took their Places behind her.

Her Dreſs, tho' ſingular, was far from be⯑ing unbecoming. All the Beauties of her Neck and Shape were ſet off to the greateſt Advan⯑tage by the Faſhion of her Gown, which, in the Manner of a Robe, was made to ſit tight to her Body; and faſtened on the Breaſt with a Knot of Diamonds. Her fine black Hair, hung upon her Neck in Curls, which had ſo much the Appearance of being artleſs, that all but her Maid, whoſe Employment it was to give them that Form, imagined they were ſo. Her Head-dreſs was only a few Knots advantage⯑ouſly diſpoſed, over which ſhe wore a white Sarſenet Hood, ſomewhat in the Form of a Veil, with which ſhe ſometimes wholly cover⯑ed her fair Face, when ſhe ſaw herſelf beheld with too much Attention.

This Veil had never appeared to her ſo ne⯑ceſſary before. Mr. Hervey's eager Glances threw her into ſo much Confuſion, that, pulling it over her Face as much as ſhe was able, ſhe remained inviſible to him all the time they af⯑terwards ſtayed in the Church. This Action, by which ſhe would have had him underſtand [8] that ſhe was diſpleaſed at his gazing on her with ſo little Reſpect, only increaſed his Curi⯑oſity to know who ſhe was.

When the Congregation was diſmiſſed, he haſtened to the Door, with an Intention to of⯑fer her his Hand to help her to her Coach; but ſeeing the magnificent Equipage that waited for her, and the Number of Servants that at⯑tended it, he conceived a much higher Idea of her Quality than he had at firſt; and, changing his Deſign, contented himſelf with only bowing to her as ſhe paſſed; and as ſoon as her Coach drove away, inquired of ſome Perſons neareſt him, who ſhe was?

Theſe Ruſtics, highly delighted with the Opportunity of talking to the gay Londoner, whom they looked upon as a very extraordinary Perſon, gave him all the Intelligence they were able, concerning the Lady he inquired after; and filled him with an inconceivable Surprize at the ſtrange Humour of the Marquis, who bu⯑ried ſo beautiful a Creature in Obſcurity.

At his Return home he expreſſed his Admi⯑ration of her in Terms that perſuaded his Friend, ſhe had made ſome Impreſſion on his Heart; and, after raillying him a little upon this Suſpi⯑cion, he aſſumed a more ſerious Air, and told him, If he really liked Lady Bella; he thought it not impoſſible but he might obtain her. The poor Girl, added he, has been kept in Confine⯑ment ſo long, that I believe it would not be dif⯑ficult to perſuade her to free herſelf by Marriage. She never had a Lover in her Life; and there⯑fore the firſt Perſon who addreſſes her has the faireſt Chance for ſucceeding.

[9] Mr. Hervey, tho' he could not perſuade him⯑ſelf his Couſin was in Earneſt when he adviſed him to court the only Daughter of a Man of the Marquis's Quality, and Heireſs to his vaſt Eſtates; yet reliſhed the Scheme, and reſolved to make ſome Attempt upon her before he left the Country. However, he concealed his De⯑ſign from his Couſin, not being willing to ex⯑poſe himſelf to be ridiculed, if he did not ſuc⯑ceed; and, turning the Advice he had given him into a Jeſt, left him in the Opinion, that he thought no more of it.

CHAP. III.

ARABELLA, in the mean time, was wholly taken up with the Adventure, as ſhe called it, at Church: The Perſon and Dreſs of the Gentleman who had ſo particu⯑larly gazed on her there, was ſo different from what ſhe had been accuſtomed to ſee, that ſhe immediately concluded, he was of ſome diſtin⯑guiſhed Rank. It was paſt a Doubt, ſhe thought, that he was exceſſively in Love with her; and as ſhe ſoon expected to have ſome very extraordinary Proofs of his Paſſion, her Thoughts were wholly employed on the Man⯑ner in which ſhe ſhould receive them.

As ſoon as ſhe came home, and had paid her Duty to the Marquis, ſhe hurried to her Chamber, to be at Liberty to indulge her agree⯑able [10] Reflections; and, after the Example of her Heroines, when any thing extraordinary happened to them, called her favourite Wo⯑man; or, to uſe her own Language, her, ‘in whom ſhe confided her moſt ſecret Thoughts.’

Well, Lucy, ſaid ſhe, did you obſerve that Stranger who ey'd us ^* ſo heedfully To-day at Church?

This Girl, notwithſtanding her Country-Simplicity, knew a Compliment was expected from her on this Occaſion; and therefore re⯑plied, ‘That ſhe did not wonder at the Gen⯑tleman's ſtaring at her; for ſhe was ſure he had never ſeen any body ſo handſome as her Ladyſhip before.’

I have not all the Beauty you attribute to me, ſaid Arabella, ſmiling a little: And, with a very moderate Share of it, I might well fix the At⯑tention of a Perſon who ſeemed to be not over⯑much pleaſed with the Objects about him: However, purſued ſhe, aſſuming a more ſeri⯑ous Air, if this Stranger be weak enough to en⯑tertain any Sentiments more than indifferent for me; I charge you, upon Pain of my Diſ⯑pleaſure, do not be acceſſary to the Conveying his preſumptuous Thoughts to me either by Letters or Meſſages; nor ſuffer him to corrupt your Fidelity with the Preſents he will very probably offer you.

Lucy, to whom this Speech firſt gave a Hint of what ſhe ought to expect from her Lady's Lovers, finding herſelf of more Importance [11] than ſhe imagined, was ſo pleaſed at the Proſpect which opened to her, that it was with ſome Heſitation ſhe promiſed to obey her Or⯑ders.

Arabella, however, was ſatisfied with her Aſ⯑ſurances of obſerving her Directions; and diſ⯑miſſed her from her Preſence, not without an Apprehenſion of being too well obeyed.

A whole Week being elapſed without meet⯑ing with the Importunities ſhe expected, ſhe could hardly conceal her Surprize at ſo morti⯑fying a Diſappointment; and frequently inter⯑rogated Lucy, concerning any Attempts the Stranger had made on her Fidelity; but the Anſwers ſhe received, only increaſed her Diſ⯑content, as they convinced her, her Charms had not had the Effect ſhe imagined.

Mr. Hervey, however, had been all this time employed in thinking of ſome Means to get acquainted with the Marquis; for, being poſſeſſed with an extraordinary Opinion of his Wit, and perſonal Accompliſhments, he did not fear making ſome Impreſſion on the Heart of the young Lady; provided he could have an Opportunity of converſing with her.

His Couſin's Advice was continually in his Mind, and flattered his Vanity with the moſt agreeable Hopes: But the Marquis's Fondneſs for Solitude, and that Haughtineſs which was natural to him, rendered him ſo difficult of Ac⯑ceſs, that Hervey, from the Intelligence he re⯑ceived of his Humour, deſpaired of being able to proſecute his Scheme; when, meeting with a young Farmer in one of his Evening-Walks, and entering into Converſation with him upon [12] ſeveral Country Subjects, the Diſcourſe at laſt turned upon the Marquis of—whoſe fine Houſe and Gardens were within their View; upon which the young Fellow informed him, he was Brother to a young Woman that at⯑tended the Lady Arabella; and, being fond of lengthening out the Converſation with ſo fine a Gentleman, gave him, without being deſired, the domeſtic Hiſtory of the whole Family, as he had received it from Lucy, who was the Siſter he mentioned.

Hervey, exceſſively delighted at this acci⯑dental Meeting with a Perſon ſo capable of ſerving his Defign, affected a great Deſire of being better acquainted with him; and, under Pretence of acquiring ſome Knowlege in rural Affairs, accuſtomed himſelf to call ſo often at William's Farm, that at laſt he met with the Perſon whom the Hopes of ſeeing had ſo often carried him thither.

Lucy, the Moment ſhe ſaw him enter, know⯑ing him again, bluſhed at the Remembrance of the Diſcourſe which had paſſed between her Lady and herſelf concerning him; and was not at all ſurpriſed at the Endeavours he uſed to ſpeak to her apart: But, as ſoon as he began a Converſation concerning Arabella, ſhe inter⯑rupted him by ſaying, I know, Sir, that you are diſtractedly in Love with my Lady; but ſhe has forbid me to receive any Letters or Meſſages from you; and therefore I beg you will not offer to bribe me; for I dare not diſobey her.

Mr. Hervey was at firſt ſo aſtoniſhed at her Speech, that he knew not what to think of it; but, after a little Reflection, attributing to an [13] Exceſs of aukward Cunning what, in Reality, was an Effect of her Simplicity, he reſolved to make uſe of the Hint ſhe had given him; and, preſenting her with a Couple of Guineas, in⯑treated her to venture diſpleaſing her Lady, by bearing a Letter from him; promiſing to re⯑ward her better, if ſhe ſucceeded.

Lucy made ſome Difficulty to comply; but, not being able abſolutely to refuſe the firſt Bribe that ever was offered to her, ſhe, after ſome Intreaties, conſented to take the Letter; and, receiving the Money he preſented her, left him at Liberty to write, after ſhe had got her Bro⯑ther to furniſh him with Materials for that Pur⯑poſe.

CHAP. IV.

HERVEY, who was Maſter of no great Elegance in Letter-writing, was at firſt at ſome Loſs, how to addreſs a Lady of her Quality, to whom he was an abſolute Stranger, upon the Subject of Love; but, conceiving there was no great Occaſion for much Cere⯑mony in declaring himſelf to one who had been educated in the Country, and who, he believ⯑ed, could not be diſpleaſed with a Lover of his [14] Figure, he therefore, in plain Terms, told her, how deeply he was enamoured of her; and conjured her to afford him ſome Opportunity of paying his Reſpects to her.

Lucy received this Letter from him with a worſe Grace than ſhe did the Gold; and, tho' ſhe promiſed him to deliver it to her Lady im⯑mediately, yet ſhe kept it a Day or two before ſhe had the Courage to attempt it: At laſt, drawing it out of her Pocket, with a baſhful Air, ſhe preſented it to her Lady, telling her it came from the fine Gentleman whom ſhe ſaw at Church.

Arabella bluſhed at the Sight of the Letter; and tho', in Reality, ſhe was not diſpleaſed, yet, being a ſtrict Obſerver of romantic Forms, ſhe chid her Woman ſeverely for taking it. Carry it back, added ſhe, to the preſumptuous Writer of it; and let him know how greatly his Inſolence has offended me.

Lucy, however, ſuffered the Letter to re⯑main on the Toilet, expecting ſome Change in her Lady's Mind; for ſhe traverſed the Chamber in great ſeeming Irreſolution, often ſtealing a Glance to the Letter, which ſhe had a ſtrong Inclination to open; but, ſearching the Records of her Memory for a Precedent, and not finding, that any Lady ever opened a Letter from an unknown Lover, ſhe reiterated her Commands to Lucy to carry it back, with a Look and Accent ſo very ſevere, that the Girl, extremely apprehenſive of having offended her, put the Letter again in her Pocket, reſolving to return it the firſt Opportunity.

[15] Mr. Hervey, who had his Thoughts wholly taken up with the flattering Proſpect of Suc⯑ceſs, no ſooner ſaw Lucy, who gave him his Letter without ſpeaking a Word, than, ſup⯑poſing it had been the Anſwer he expected, he eagerly ſnatched it out of her Hand, and, kiſſing it firſt in a Rapture of Joy, broke it open; but his Surprize and Confuſion, when he ſaw it was his own Letter returned, was inexpreſſible. For ſome Moments he kept his Eyes faſtened upon the tender Billet, as if he was really reading it. His Diſappointment, and the ridiculous Figure he knew he muſt make in the Eyes of his Meſſenger, filled him with ſo much Confuſion, that he did not dare to look up; but, recovering himſelf at laſt, he affected to turn it into a Jeſt; and, laugh⯑ing firſt himſelf, gave Lucy the Liberty of laughing alſo, who had with much Difficulty been able to prevent doing it before.

The Curioſity he felt to hear how ſhe had acquitted herſelf of the Truſt he had repoſed in her, made him oblige her to give a Truce to her Mirth, in order to ſatisfy him; and Lucy, who was extremely exact in her Re⯑lations, told him all that had paſſed, without omitting the ſmalleſt Circumſtance.

Though it was impoſſible to draw any favourable Omen from what he heard, yet he determined to make another Effort, before he ſet out for London; and, taking Leave of his Confident, after he had appointed her to meet him again the next Day, at her Brother's, he went home to conſider upon Means to effect [16] his Deſigns, which the ill Succeſs of his firſt Attempt had not forced him to abandon.

Arabella, who expected to hear, that the Return of his Letter would make her Lover commit ſome very extravagant Actions; and having impatiently waited for an Account of them from Lucy; finding ſhe ſeemed to have no Intention to begin a Diſcourſe con⯑cerning him; aſked her, at laſt, If ſhe had executed her Commiſſion, and returned the Letter to the inſolent Unknown?

The Girl anſwered, Yes.

Which not being all that her Lady expected, And how did he receive it? reſumed ſhe, peeviſhly.

Why Madam, replied Lucy, I believe he thought your Ladyſhip had ſent him an An⯑ſwer; for he kiſſed the Letter ſeveral times.

Fooliſh Wench! replied Arabella, How can you imagine he had the Temerity to think I ſhould anſwer his Letter? A Favour, which, though he had ſpent Years in my Service, would have been infinitely greater than he could have expected. No, Lucy, he kiſſed the Letter, either becauſe he thought it had been touched at leaſt by my Hands, or to ſhew the perfect Submiſſion with which he received my Commands; and it is not to be doubted, but his Deſpair will force him to commit ſome deſperate Outrage againſt himſelf, which I do not hate him enough to wiſh, though he has mortally offended me.

Arabella was poſſeſſed of great Senſibility and Softneſs; and, being really perſuaded, that her Lover would entertain ſome fatal Deſign, [17] ſeemed ſo much affected with the Thoughts of what might happen, that Lucy, who tenderly loved her, begged her not to be ſo much con⯑cerned for the Gentleman: There is no Fear, added ſhe, that he will do himſelf a Miſchief; for when he diſcovered his Miſtake, he laughed heartily, as well as myſelf.

How! replied Arabella, extremely ſurpriſed, Did he laugh?

Which Lucy confirming, Doubtleſs, re⯑ſumed ſhe, having taken a little Time to con⯑ſider of ſo ſtrange a Phaenomenon, he laughed, becauſe his Reaſon was diſturbed at the ſudden Shock he received: Unhappy Man! his Pre⯑ſumption will be ſeverely enough puniſhed, though I do not add Anger to the Scorn which I have expreſſed for him: Therefore, Lucy, you may tell him, if you pleaſe, that, not⯑withſtanding the Offence he has been guilty of, I am not cruel enough to wiſh his Death; and that I command him to live, if he can live without Hope.

CHAP. V.

LUCY now began to think there was ſome⯑thing more, than ſhe imagined, in this Affair. Mr. Hervey indeed, in her Opinion, had ſeemed to be very far from having any Deſign to attempt his own Life; but her [18] Lady, ſhe thought, could not poſſibly be miſ⯑taken; and therefore ſhe reſolved to carry her Meſſage to him immediately, though it was then late in the Evening.

Accordingly ſhe went to her Brother's, where ſhe had ſome Hope of meeting with him; but not finding him there, ſhe obliged him to go to the Houſe where he lived, and tell him ſhe deſired to ſpeak with him.

William, being let into the Secret of his Siſter's frequent Meetings with Mr. Hervey, imagined ſhe had ſome agreeable News to ac⯑quaint him with; and therefore ran imme⯑diately to his Relation's Houſe, which was but at a ſmall Diſtance; but he was told Mr. Hervey was in Bed, very much indiſpoſed, and could not be ſeen.

This News put Lucy in a terrible Fright: She told her Apprehenſions to her Brother; which being ſuch as her Lady had put into her Head, and were now confirmed by Mr. Her⯑vey's Illneſs, the young Farmer ſtood amazed, not being able to comprehend her Meaning; and ſhe, without ſtaying to explain herſelf any further, went home to the Caſtle, and told her Lady, That what ſhe feared was come to paſs; the Gentleman would certainly die; for he was very ill in Bed.

This being no more than what Arabella ex⯑pected, ſhe diſcovered no Surprize; but only aſked Lucy, If ſhe had delivered her Meſſage to him?

Would you have me, Madam, replied ſhe, go to his Houſe? I am afraid the Marquis will hear of it.

[19] My Father, replied Arabella, can never be offended with me for doing a charitable Action.

Ah! Madam, interrupted Lucy, let me go then immediately, for fear the poor Gentle⯑man ſhould grow worſe.

If he be ſick almoſt to Death, reſumed Ara⯑bella, he will recover, if I command him to do ſo: When did you hear of a Lover dying through Deſpair, when his Miſtreſs let him know it was her Pleaſure he ſhould live? But as it will not be altogether ſo proper for you to go to his Houſe, as it may be ſuſpected you come from me; I'll write a few Lines, which you ſhall copy, and your Brother may carry them to him To-morrow, and I'll engage he ſhall be well in a few Hours.

Saying this, ſhe went into her Cloſet, and, having written a ſhort Note, made Lucy write it over again. It was as follows:

This Letter Lucy copied, and Arabella, ex⯑amining it again, thought it rather too kind; [20] and, ſeeming deſirous of making ſome Alteration in it, Lucy, who was extremely anxious for Mr. Hervey's Life, fearing leſt ſhe ſhould alter it in ſuch a manner, that the Gentleman might be at Liberty to die, if he choſe it, conjured her Lady in ſuch preſſing Terms to let it re⯑main as it was, that Arabella ſuffered herſelf to be prevailed upon by her Intreaties; and, remembring that it was not uncommon for the Ladies in Romances to relax a little in their Severity through the Remonſtrances of their Women, told her, with an inchanting Smile, that ſhe would grant her Deſire; and went to Bed with that pleaſing Satisfaction, which every generous Mind experiences at the Conſciouſneſs of having done ſome very benevolent Action.

In the Morning, this life-reſtoring Billet was diſpatched by Lucy to her Brother, in⯑cloſed in one to him, charging him to carry it to the ſick Gentleman immediately.

William, having a ſtrong Curioſity to ſee what his Siſter had written, ventured to open it; and, not being able to imagine Lady Bella had really given her Orders to write what appeared to him the moſt unintelligible Stuff in the World, reſolved to ſuppreſs this Letter till he had queſtioned her a little concerning it.

A few Hours after, Mr. Hervey, who ex⯑pected to meet Lucy at her Brother's, came in. His Illneſs having been only a violent Head⯑ach, to which he was ſubject, being now quite off, he remembred the Appointment he had made; but, having waited ſome time, and ſhe not coming, he returned again to his [21] Couſin's, leaving word for her, that he would ſee her the next Day.

Scarce was he gone out, when Lucy, who longed to know what Effect her Letter had produced in his Health, came in; and eagerly inquiring of her Brother how Mr. Hervey was, received for Anſwer, that he had been there a Moment before ſhe came.

Well, cried ſhe, claſping her Hands to⯑gether, with Surprize, my Lady ſaid, her Letter would cure him, if he was ever ſo ſick; but I did not imagine he would have been well enough to come abroad ſo ſoon.

Your Lady! interrupted William, why was it not yourſelf that wrote that Letter you gave to me?

No, truly, Brother, reſumed ſhe: How was it poſſible I ſhould write ſo fine a Letter? My Lady made every Word of it, and I only wrote it after her.

William, hearing this, would not own the Indiſcretion he now thought he had been guilty of, in keeping the Letter; but ſuffered his Siſter to return to her Lady, in the Belief that he had delivered it, reſolving, when he ſaw her next, to ſay he had loſt it; for he knew not what Excuſe to make to Mr. Hervey for not giving it him when he ſaw him.

Arabella received the Account of her Lover's Recovery as a Thing ſhe was abſolutely ſure of before; and thinking ſhe had now done all that could be expected from her Compaſſion, reſumed her uſual Severity, and commanded Lucy to mention him no more. If he loves me with that Purity he ought to do, purſued [22] ſhe, he will ceaſe to importune me any further: And though his Paſſion be ever ſo violent, his Reſpect and Submiſſion to my Commands will oblige him to Silence. The Obedience he has already ſhewn, in recovering at the firſt Intimation I gave, that it was my Will he ſhould do ſo, convinces me, I need not ap⯑prehend he will renew his Follies to diſpleaſe me.

Lucy, who found by this Diſcourſe of her Lady's, that her Commiſſion was at an End with regard to Mr. Hervey, followed her Di⯑rections ſo exactly, that ſhe not only ſpoke no more of him to her, but alſo, in order to avoid him, neglected to go to her Brother's.

His Impatience at not ſeeing her made him prevail upon her Brother to go the Caſtle, and intreat her to give him another Interview: But Lucy poſitively refuſed; and, to make a Merit with her Lady of her Obedience, informed her what he had requeſted.

Arabella, reſenting a Boldneſs which argued ſo little Reſpect to her Commands, began now to repent of the Compaſſion ſhe had ſhewn him; and, commending Lucy for what ſhe had done, bid her tell the inſolent Un⯑known, if he ever ſent to her again, that ſhe was reſolved never to pardon the Contempt he had ſhewn for her Orders.

Mr. Hervey, finding himſelf deſerted by Lucy, reſolved to give over his Attempts, con⯑gratulating himſelf for his Diſcretion in not acquainting his Couſin with what he had al⯑ready done: His Heart not being very much engaged, he found no great Difficulty in con⯑ſoling [23] himſelf for his bad Succeſs. In a few Days he thought of Lady Bella no more, than if he had never ſeen her; but an Accident bringing her again in his Way, he could not reſiſt the Inclination he felt to ſpeak to her; and by that means drew upon himſelf a very ſenſible Mortification.

CHAP. VI.

THE Marquis ſometimes permitting his Daughter to ride out, and this being the only Diverſion ſhe was allowed, or ever ex⯑perienced, ſhe did not fail to take it as often as ſhe could.

She was returning from one of theſe Airings one Day, attended by two Servants, when Mr. Hervey, who happened to be at ſome Di⯑ſtance, obſerving a Lady on Horſeback, who made a very graceful Figure, he rode up to her, in order to have a nearer View; and, knowing Lady Bella again, reſolved to ſpeak to her: But while he was conſidering how he ſhould accoſt her, Arabella ſuddenly ſeeing him, and obſerving he was making up to her, her Imagination immediately ſuggeſted to her, that this inſolent Lover had a Deſign to ſeize her Perſon; and this Thought terrifying her ex⯑tremely, ſhe gave a loud Shriek; which Mr. Hervey hearing, rode eagerly up to her to in⯑quire [24] the Reaſon of it, at the ſame time that her two Attendants, as much amazed as him⯑ſelf, came galloping up alſo.

Arabella, upon his coming cloſe to her, re⯑doubled her Cries. If you have any Valour, ſaid ſhe to her Servants, defend your unfortu⯑nate Miſtreſs, and reſcue her from this unwor⯑thy Man.

The Servants, believing him to be a High⯑wayman, by this Exclamation, and dreading leſt he ſhould preſent his Piſtol at their Heads, if they offered to make any Reſiſtance, recoiled a few Paces back, expecting he would demand their Purſes when he had robbed their Lady: But the extreme Surprize he was in, keeping him motionleſs, the Fellows not ſeeing any Piſtols in his Hand, and animated by Arabella's Cries, who, calling them Cowards and Trai⯑tors, urged them to deliver her; they both, in a Moment, laid hold of Mr. Hervey, and forced him to alight; which they did alſo themſelves, ſtill keeping faſt hold of him, whom Surprize, Shame, and Rage, had hitherto kept ſilent.

Raſcals! cried he, when he was able to ſpeak, what do you mean by uſing me in this manner? Do you ſuppoſe I had any Intention to hurt the Lady?—What do you take me for?

For a Villain, for a Raviſher, interrupted Arabella, who, contrary to all Laws both hu⯑man and divine, endeavour to poſſeſs yourſelf by Force of a Perſon whom your are not worthy to ſerve; and whoſe Charity and Compaſſion you have returned with the utmoſt Ingratitude.

[25] Upon my Word, Madam, ſaid Mr. Hervey, I don't underſtand one Word you ſay: You either miſtake me for ſome other Perſon, or are pleaſed to divert yourſelf with the Surprize I am in: But I beſeech you carry the Jeſt no farther, and order your Servants to let me go; or, by Heaven—cried he ſtruggling to get looſe, if I can but free one of my Hands, I'll ſtab the Scoundrels before your Face.

It is not with Threats like theſe, reſumed Arabella with great Calmneſs, that I can be moved. A little more Submiſſion and Reſpect would become you better; you are now wholly in my Power; I may, if I pleaſe, carry you to my Father, and have you ſeverely puniſhed for your Attempt: But to ſhew you, that I am as generous as you are baſe and deſigning, I'll give you Freedom, provided you promiſe me never to appear before me again: But, in order to ſe⯑cure my own Safety, you muſt deliver up your Arms to my Servants, that I may be aſſured you will not have it in your Power to make a ſecond Attempt upon my Liberty.

Mr. Hervey, whoſe Aſtoniſhment was in⯑creaſed by every Word ſhe ſpoke, began now to be apprehenſive, that this might prove a very ſerious Affair, ſince ſhe ſeemed reſolved to be⯑lieve he had a Deſign to carry her off; and, knowing that an Attempt of that Nature upon an Heireſs might have dangerous Conſequences, he reſolved to accept the Conditions ſhe offered him: But while he delivered his Hanger to the Servant, he aſſured her in the ſtrongeſt Terms, that he had no other Deſign in riding up to her, but to have a nearer View of her Perſon.

[26] Add not Falſhood, ſaid Arabella ſternly, to a Crime already black enough; for tho', by an Effect of my Generoſity, I have reſolved not to deliver you up to the Reſentment of my Father, yet nothing ſhall ever be able to make me par⯑don this Outrage. Go then, purſued ſhe, go, baſe Man, unworthy of the Care I took of thy Safety; go to ſome diſtant Country, where I may never hear of thee more; and ſuffer me, if poſſible, to loſe the Remembrance of thy Crimes,

Saying this, ſhe ordered her Servants, who had got the Hanger in their Poſſeſſion, to ſet him at Liberty, and mount their Horſes; which they did immediately, and followed their Lady, who rode with all imaginable Speed to the Caſtle.

Mr. Hervey, not yet recovered from his Sur⯑prize, ſtood ſome Moments conſidering the ſtrange Scene he had been Witneſs to; and in which he had, much againſt his Will, appeared the principal Character. As he was not ac⯑quainted with Lady Bella's Foible, he concluded her Fears of him were occaſioned by her Sim⯑plicity, and ſome Miſrepreſentations that had been made her by Lucy, who, he thought, had betrayed him; and, fearing this ridiculous Adventure would be ſoon made public, and him⯑ſelf expoſed to the Sneers of his Country Ac⯑quaintance, he reſolved to go back to London as ſoon as poſſible.

The next Day, pretending he had received a Letter which obliged him to ſet out immedi⯑ately, he took Leave of his Couſin, heartily glad at the Eſcape he ſhould make from his Rail⯑lery; [27] for he did not doubt but the Story would very ſoon be known, and told greatly to his Diſ⯑advantage.

But Arabella, in order to be completely ge⯑nerous, a Quality for which all the Heroines are famous, laid a Command upon her two At⯑tendants not to mention what had paſſed, giv⯑ing them, at the ſame time, Money to ſecure their Secrecy; and threatening them with her Diſpleaſure, if they diſobeyed.

Arabella, as ſoon as ſhe had an Opportunity, did not fail to acquaint her faithful Lucy with the Danger from which ſhe had ſo happily eſcaped, thanking Heaven at the ſame time with great Devotion, for having preſerved her from the Hands of the Raviſher.

Two or three Months rolled away, after this Accident, without offering any new Adventure to our fair Viſionary; when her Imagination, always prepoſſeſſed with the ſame fantaſtic Ideas, made her ſtumble upon another Miſtake, equal⯑ly abſurd and ridiculous.

CHAP. VII.

THE Marquis's head Gardener had received a young Fellow into his Maſter's Service, who had lived in ſeveral Families of Diſtinction. He had a good Face; was tolerably genteel; and, having an Underſtanding ſomething above his Condition, join'd to a great deal of ſecond⯑hand [28] Politeneſs, which he had contracted while he lived at London, he appeared a very extraor⯑dinary Perſon among the Ruſtics who were his Fellow-Servants.

Arabella, when ſhe walked in the Garden, had frequent Opportunities of ſeeing this young Man, whom ſhe obſerved with a very particular Attention. His Perſon and Air had ſomething, ſhe thought, very diſtinguiſhing. When ſhe condeſcended to ſpeak to him about any Buſi⯑neſs he was employed in, ſhe took Notice, that his Anſwers were framed in a Language vaſtly ſuperior to his Condition; and the Reſpect he paid her had quite another Air from that of the aukward Civility of the other Servants.

Having diſcerned ſo many Marks of a Birth far from being mean, ſhe eaſily paſſed from an Opinion that he was a Gentleman, to a Belief that he was ſomething more; and every new Sight of him adding Strength to her Suſpicions, ſhe remained, in a little time, perfectly con⯑vinced that he was ſome Perſon of Quality, who, diſguiſed in the Habit of a Gardener, had intro⯑duced himſelf into her Father's Service, in or⯑der to have an Opportunity of declaring a Paſ⯑ſion to her, which muſt certainly be very great, ſince it had forced him to aſſume an Appearance ſo unworthy of his noble Extraction.

Wholly poſſeſſed with this Thought, ſhe ſet herſelf to obſerve him more narrowly; and ſoon found out, that he went very aukwardly about his Work; that he ſought Opportunities of be⯑ing alone; that he threw himſelf in her Way as often as he could, and gazed on her very at⯑tentively: She ſometimes fanſied ſhe ſaw him [29] endeavour to ſmother a Sigh when he anſwered her any Queſtion about his Work; once ſaw him leaning againſt a Tree with his Hands croſſed upon his Breaſt; and, having loſt a String of ſmall Pearls, which ſhe remembered he had ſeen her threading as ſhe ſat in one of the Arbours, was perſuaded he had taken it up, and kept it for the Object of his ſecret Adora⯑tion.

She often wondered, indeed, that ſhe did not find her Name carved on the Trees, with ſome myſterious Expreſſions of Love; that he was never diſcovered lying along the Side of one of the little Rivulets, increaſing the Stream with his Tears; nor, for three Months that he had lived there, had ever been ſick of a Fever cauſed by his Grief, and the Conſtraint he put upon himſelf in not declaring his Paſſion: But ſhe conſidered again, that his Fear of being diſcovered kept him from amuſing himſelf with making the Trees bear the Records of his ſecret Thoughts, or of indulging his Melancholy in any Manner expreſſive of the Condition of his Soul; and, as for his not being ſick, his Youth, and the Strength of his Conſtitution, might, even for a longer time, bear him up againſt the Aſſaults of a Fever: But he appeared much thinner and paler than he uſed to be; and ſhe concluded, therefore, that he muſt in time ſink under the Violence of his Paſſion, or elſe be forced to de⯑clare it to her; which ſhe conſidered as a very great Misfortune; for, not finding in herſelf any Diſpoſition to approve his Love, ſhe muſt ne⯑ceſſarily baniſh him from her Preſence, for fear he ſhould have the Preſumption to hope, that [30] Time might do any thing in his Favour: And it was poſſible alſo, that the Sentence ſhe would be obliged to pronounce, might either cauſe his Death, or force him to commit ſome extrava⯑gant Action, which would diſcover him to her Father, who would, perhaps, think her guilty of holding a ſecret Correſpondence with him.

Theſe Thoughts perplexed her ſo much, that, hoping to find ſome Relief by unburdening her Mind to Lucy, ſhe told her all her Uneaſineſs. Ah! ſaid ſhe to her, looking upon Edward, who had juſt paſſed them, how unfortunate do I think myſelf in being the Cauſe of that Paſſion which makes this illuſtrious Unknown wear away his Days in ſo ſhameful an Obſcurity! Yes, Lucy, purſued ſhe, that Edward, whom you regard as one of my Father's menial Ser⯑vants, is a Perſon of ſublime Quality, who ſub⯑mits to this Diſguiſe only to have an Opportu⯑nity of ſeeing me every Day. But why do you ſeem ſo ſurpriſed? Is it poſſible, that you have not ſuſpected him to be what he is? Has he ne⯑ver unwittingly made any Diſcovery of himſelf? Have you not ſurpriſed him in Diſcourſe with his faithful 'Squire, who, certainly, lurks here⯑abouts to receive his Commands, and is haply the Confident of his Paſſion? Has he never en⯑tertained you with any Converſation about me? Or have you never ſeen any valuable Jewels in his Poſſeſſion by which you ſuſpected him to be not what he appears?

Truly, Madam, replied Lucy, I never took him for any body elſe but a ſimple Gardener; but now you open my Eyes, methinks I can find I have been ſtrangely miſtaken; for he does [31] not look like a Man of low Degree; and he talks quite in another Manner from our Ser⯑vants. I never heard him indeed ſpeak of your Ladyſhip, but once; and that was, when he firſt ſaw you walking in the Garden, he aſked our John, If you was not the Marquis's Daugh⯑ter? And he ſaid, You was as beautiful as an Angel. As for ſine Jewels, I never ſaw any; and I believe he has none; but he has a Watch, and that looks as if he was ſomething, Madam: Nor do I remember to have ſeen him talk with any Stranger that looked like a 'Squire.

Lucy, having thus, with her uſual Punctuality, anſwered every Queſtion her Lady put to her, proceeded to aſk her, What ſhe ſhould ſay, if he ſhould beg her to give her a Letter, as the other Gentleman had done?

You muſt by no means take it, replied Ara⯑bella: My Compaſſion had before like to have been fatal to me. If he diſcovers his Quality to me, I ſhall know in what manner to treat him.

They were in this Part of their Diſcourſe, when a Noiſe they heard at ſome Diſtance, made Arabella bend her Steps to the Place from whence it proceeded; and, to her infinite Amaze⯑ment, ſaw the head Gardener, with a Stick he had in his Hand, give ſeveral Blows to the con⯑cealed Hero, who ſuffered the Indignity with admirable Patience.

Shocked at ſeeing a Perſon of Quality treated ſo unworthily, ſhe called out to the Gardener to hold his Hand; who immediately obeyed; and Edward, ſeeing the young Lady advance, ſneaked off, with an Air very different from an Oroondates.

[32] For what Crime, pray, ſaid Arabella, with a ſtern Aſpect, did you treat the Perſon I ſaw with you ſo cruelly? He whom you take ſuch unbecoming Liberties with, may poſſibly—But again I aſk you, What has he done? You ſhould make ſome Allowance for his want of Skill in the abject Employment he is in at preſent.

It is not for his want of Skill, Madam, ſaid the Gardener, that I corrected him; he knows his Buſineſs very well, if he would mind it; but, Madam, I have diſcovered him—

Diſcovered him, do you ſay? interrupted Arabella: And has the Knowledge of his Con⯑dition not been able to prevent ſuch Uſage? or rather, Has it been the Occaſion of his receiv⯑ing it?

His Conditions are very bad, Madam, re⯑turned the Gardener; and I am afraid are ſuch as will one Day prove the Ruin of Body and Soul too. I have for ſome time ſuſpected he had bad Deſigns in his Head; and juſt now watched him to the Fiſh-pond, and prevented him from—

O dear! interrupted Lucy, looking pitifully on her Lady, whoſe fair Boſom heaved with Compaſſion, I warrant he was going to make away with himſelf.

No, reſumed the Gardener, ſmiling at the Miſtake, he was only going to make away with ſome of the Carp, which the Rogue had caught, and intended, I ſuppoſe, to ſell; but I threw them into the Water again; and if your Ladyſhip had not forbid me, I would have drubbed him ſoundly for his Pains.

[33] Fye! fye! interrupted Arabella, out of Breath with Shame and Vexation, tell me no more of theſe idle Tales.

Then, haſtily walking on to hide the Bluſhes which this ſtrange Accuſation of her illuſtrious Lover had raiſed in her Face, ſhe continued for ſome time in the greateſt Perplexity ima⯑ginable.

Lucy, who followed her, and could not poſſibly reconcile what her Lady had been telling her concerning Edward, with the Circumſtance of his ſtealing the Carp, ardently wiſhed to hear her Opinion of this Matter; but, ſeeing her deeply engaged with her own Thoughts, ſhe would not venture to diſturb her.

Arabella indeed, had been in ſuch a terrible Conſternation, that it was ſome Time before ſhe even reconciled Appearances to herſelf; but, as ſhe had a moſt happy Faculty in accommo⯑dating every Incident to her own Wiſhes and Conceptions, ſhe examined this Matter ſo many different Ways, drew ſo many Concluſions, and fanſied ſo many Myſteries in the moſt indif⯑ferent Actions of the ſuppoſed noble Unknown, that ſhe remained, at laſt, more than ever confirmed in the Opinion, that he was ſome great Perſonage, whom her Beauty had forced to aſſume an Appearance unworthy of himſelf: When Lucy, no longer able to keep Silence, drew off her Attention from thoſe pleaſing Images, by ſpeaking of the Carp-ſtealing Affair again.

Arabella, whoſe Confuſion returned at that diſagreeable Sound, charged her, in an angry Tone, never to mention ſo injurious a Suſpi⯑cion [34] any more: For, in fine, ſaid ſhe to her, do you imagine a Perſon of his Rank could be guilty of ſtealing Carp? Alas! purſued ſhe, ſighing, he had, indeed, ſome fatal Deſign; and, doubtleſs, would have executed it, had not this Fellow ſo luckily prevented him.

But Mr. Woodbind, Madam, ſaid Lucy, ſaw the Carp in his Hand: I wonder what he was going to do with them.

Still, reſumed Arabella, extremely chagrined, ſtill will you wound my Ears with that horrid Sound? I tell you, obſtinate and fooliſh Wench, that this unhappy Man went thither to die; and if he really caught the Fiſh, it was to conceal his Deſign from Woodbind: His great Mind could not ſuggeſt to him, that it was poſſible he might be ſuſpected of a Baſeneſs like that this ignorant Fellow accuſed him of; therefore he took no Care about it, being wholly poſſeſſed by his deſpairing Thoughts.

However, Madam, ſaid Lucy, your Lady⯑ſhip may prevent his going to the Fiſhpond again, by laying your Commands upon him to live.

I ſhall do all that I ought, anſwered Arabella; but my Care for the Safety of other Perſons muſt not make me forget what I owe to my own.

As ſhe had always imputed Mr. Hervey's fan⯑ſied Attempt to carry her away, to the Letter ſhe had written to him, upon which he had pro⯑bably founded his Hopes of being pardoned for it, ſhe reſolved to be more cautious for the fu⯑ture in giving ſuch Inſtances of her Compaſſion; and was at a great Loſs in what manner to com⯑fort her deſpairing Lover, without raiſing Ex⯑pectations ſhe had no Inclination to confirm: [35] But ſhe was delivered from her Perplexity by the News of his having left the Marquis's Ser⯑vice; which ſhe attributed to ſome new Deſign he had formed to obtain her; and Lucy, who always thought as her Lady did, was of the ſame Opinion; tho' it was talked among the Servants, that Edward feared a Diſcovery of more Tricks, and reſolved not to ſtay till he was diſgracefully diſmiſſed.

CHAP. VIII.

ARABELLA had ſcarce done thinking of this laſt Adventure, when the Marquis communicated a Piece of Intelligence to her, which opened a Proſpect of an infinite Number of new ones.

His Nephew, having juſt returned from his Travels, was preparing to come and pay him a Viſit in his Retreat; and, as he always deſigned to marry Arabella to this Youth, of whom he was extremely fond, he told his Daughter of the intended Viſit of her Couſin, whom ſhe had not ſeen ſince ſhe was eight Years old; and, for the firſt time, inſinuated his Deſign of giving him to her for an Huſband.

Arabella, whoſe Delicacy was extremely ſhocked at this abrupt Declaration of her [...]a⯑ther, could hardly hide her Chagrin; for, [36] tho' ſhe always intended to marry ſome time or other, as all the Heroines had done, yet ſhe thought ſuch an Event ought to be brought about with an infinite deal of Trouble; and that it was neceſſary ſhe ſhould paſs to this State thro' a great Number of Cares, Diſappointments, and Diſtreſſes of various Kinds, like them; that her Lover ſhould purchaſe her with his Sword from a Croud of Rivals; and arrive to the Poſſeſſion of her Heart by many Years of Services and Fi⯑delity.

The Impropriety of receiving a Lover of a Father's recommending appeared in its ſtrongeſt Light. What Lady in Romance ever married the Man that was choſe for her? In thoſe Caſes the Remonſtrances of a Parent are called Perſe⯑cutions; obſtinate Reſiſtance, Conſtancy and Courage; and an Aptitude to diſlike the Per⯑ſon propoſed to them, a noble Freedom of Mind which diſdains to love or hate by the Caprice of others.

Arabella, ſtrengthening her own Reſolutions by thoſe Examples of heroic Diſobedience, told her Father, with great Solemnity of Accent, that ſhe would always obey him in all juſt and reaſonable Things; and, being perſuaded that he would never attempt to lay any Force upon her Inclinations, ſhe would endeavour to make them conformable to his, and receive her Cou⯑ſin with that Civility and Friendſhip due to ſo near a Relation, and a Perſon whom he honoured with his Eſteem.

The Marquis, having had frequent Occaſions of admiring his Daughter's Eloquence, did not draw any unpleaſing Concluſion from the nice [37] Diſtinctions ſhe made; and, being perfectly aſ⯑ſured of her Conſent whenever he demanded it, expected the Arrival of his Nephew with great Impatience.

Arabella, whoſe Thoughts had been fully employed ſince this Converſation with her Fa⯑ther, was indulging her Meditations in one of the moſt retired Walks in the Garden; when ſhe was informed by Lucy, that her Couſin was come, and that the Marquis had brought him into the Garden to look for her.

That Inſtant they both entered the Walk, when Arabella, prepoſſeſſed, as ſhe was, againſt any favourable Thoughts of the young Glan⯑ville, could not help betraying ſome Surprize at the Gracefulneſs of his Figure.

It muſt be confeſſed, ſaid ſhe to her Attendant, with a Smile, that this Lover my Father has brought us, is no contemptible Perſon: Never⯑theleſs I feel an invincible Repugnance in myſelf againſt receiving him in that Character.

As ſhe finiſhed theſe Words, the Marquis came up, and preſented Mr. Glanville to her; who, ſaluting her with the Freedom of a Rela⯑tion, gave her a Diſguſt that ſhewed itſelf imme⯑diately in her fair Face, which was overſpread with ſuch a Gloom, that the Marquis was quite aſtoniſhed at it. Indeed Arabella, who expected he would hardly have preſumed to kiſs her Hand, was ſo ſurpriſed at his Freedom, in attempting her Lips, that ſhe not only expreſſed her Indig⯑nation by Frowns, but gave him to underſtand he had mortally offended her.

Mr. Glanville, however, was neither ſurpriſed nor angry at her Reſentment; but, imputing it [38] to her Country Education, endeavoured to railly her out of her ill Humour; and the Marquis, be⯑ing glad to find a Behaviour, which he thought proceeded from her Diſlike of her Couſin, was only an Effect of an over-ſcrupulous Modeſty, told her that Mr. Glanville had committed no Offence by ſaluting her, ſince that was a Civi⯑lity which was granted to all Strangers at the firſt Interview, and therefore could not be re⯑fuſed to a Relation.

Since the World is ſo degenerate in it's Cuſ⯑toms from what it was formerly, ſaid Arabella, with a Smile full of Contempt upon her Couſin, I am extremely happy in having lived in a Soli⯑tude which has not yet expoſed me to the Mor⯑tification of being a Witneſs to Manners I can⯑not approve; for if every Perſon I ſhall meet with for the future be ſo deficient in their Re⯑ſpects to Ladies, as my Couſin is, I ſhall not care how much I am ſecluded from Society.

But, dear Lady Bella, interrupted Mr. Glan⯑ville gaily, tell me, I beſeech you, how I muſt behave to pleaſe you; for I ſhould be extremely glad to be honoured with your good Opinion.

The Perſon, reſumed ſhe, whom I muſt teach how to acquire my good Opinion, will, I am afraid, hardly recompenſe me by his Do⯑cility in learning, for the Pains I ſhould be at in inſtructing him.

But, reſumed Glanville, that I may avoid any more Occaſions of offending you, only let me know how you would be approached for the fu⯑ture.

Since, anſwered ſhe, there is no Neceſſity to renew the Ceremony of introducing you again [39] to me, I have not a ſecond Affront of that Kind to apprehend; but I pray tell me, If all Cavaliers are as preſuming as yourſelf; and if a Relation of your Sex does not think a modeſt Embrace from a Lady a Welcome ſufficiently tender^*?

Nay, Couſin, cried Glanville eagerly, I am now perſuaded you are in the Right; an Em⯑brace is certainly to be preferred to a cold Sa⯑lute. What would I give, that the Marquis would introduce me a ſecond time, that I might be received with ſo delightful a Welcome?

The Vivacity with which he ſpoke this was ſo extremely diſagreeable to Arabella, that ſhe turned from him abruptly, and, ſtriking into another Walk, ordered Lucy to tell him ſhe commanded him not to follow her.

Mr. Glanville, however, who had no No⯑tion of the exact Obedience which was expected from him, would have gone after her, notwith⯑ſtanding this Prohibition, which Lucy delivered in a moſt peremptory Manner, after her Lady's Example: But the Marquis, who had left the two young People at Liberty to diſcourſe, and had walked on, that he might not interrupt them, turning about, and ſeeing Glanville alone, called him to have ſome private Diſcourſe with him; and, for that time, ſpared Arabella the Morti⯑fication of ſeeing her Commands diſobeyed.

CHAP. IX.

THE Marquis, tho' he had reſolved to give Arabella to his Nephew, was deſirous he ſhould firſt receive ſome impreſſions of Tender⯑neſs for her, before he abſolutely declared his Reſolution; and ardently wiſhed he might be able to overcome that Reluctance which ſhe ſeemed to have for Marriage: But, tho' Glanville in a very few Days became paſſionately in Love with his charming Couſin, yet ſhe diſcovered ſo ſtrong a Diſlike to him, that the Marquis feared it would be difficult to make her receive him for an Huſband: He obſerved ſhe took all Opportu⯑nities of avoiding his Converſation; and ſeemed always out of Temper when he addreſſed any thing to her; but was well enough pleaſed, when he diſcourſed with him; and would liſten to the long Converſations they had together with great Attention.

The Truth is, ſhe had too much Diſcernment not to ſee Mr. Glanville had a great deal of Merit; his Perſon was perfectly handſome; he poſſeſſed a great Share of Underſtanding, an eaſy Temper, and a Vivacity which charmed every one, but the inſenſible Arabella.

She often wondered, that a Man, who, as ſhe told her Confident, was Maſter of ſo many fine Qualities, ſhould have a Diſpoſition ſo little capable of feeling the Paſſion of Love, with the [41] Delicacy and Fervour ſhe expected to inſpire; or, that he, whoſe Converſation was ſo pleaſing on every other Subject, ſhould make ſo poor a Figure when he entertained her with Matters of Gallantry. However, added ſhe, I ſhould be to blame to deſire to be beloved by Mr. Glan⯑ville; for I am perſuaded that Paſſion would cauſe no Reformation in the Coarſeneſs of his Manners to Ladies, which makes him ſo diſagree⯑able to me, and might poſſibly increaſe my Averſion.

The Marquis, having ſtudied his Nephew's Looks for ſeveral Days, thought he ſaw Incli⯑nation enough in them for Arabella, to make him receive the Knowlege of his Intention with Joy: He, therefore, called him into his Cloſet, and told him in few Words, that, if his Heart was not pre-engaged, and his Daughter capable of making him happy, he reſolved to beſtow her upon him, together with all his Eſtates.

Mr. Glanville received this agreeable News with the ſtrongeſt Expreſſions of Gratitude; aſ⯑ſuring his Uncle, that Lady Bella, of all the Women he had ever ſeen, was moſt agreeable to his Taſte; and that he felt for her all the Tenderneſs and Affection his Soul was capable of.

I am glad of it, my dear Nephew, ſaid the Marquis, embracing him: I will allow you, added he ſmiling, but a few Weeks to court her: Gain her Heart as ſoon as you can, and when you bring me her Conſent, your Marriage ſhall be ſolemnized immediately.

Mr. Glanville needed not a Repetition of ſo agreeable a Command: He left his Uncle's Clo⯑ſet, [42] with his Heart filled with the Expectation of his approaching Happineſs; and, underſtanding Arabella was in the Garden, he went to her with a Reſolution to acquaint her with the Per⯑miſſion her Father had given him to make his Addreſſes to her.

He found his fair Couſin, as uſual, accompa⯑nied with her Women; and, ſeeing that, not⯑withſtanding his Approach, they ſtill continued to walk with her, and impatient of the Re⯑ſtraint they laid him under, I beſeech you, Cou⯑ſin, ſaid he, let me have the Pleaſure of walk⯑ing with you alone: What Neceſſity is there for always having ſo many Witneſſes of our Con⯑verſation? You may retire, ſaid he, ſpeaking to Lucy, and the other Woman; I have ſome⯑thing to ſay to your Lady in private.

Stay, I command you, ſaid Arabella, bluſhing at an Inſolence ſo uncommon, and take Orders from no one but myſelf.—I pray you, Sir, pur⯑ſued ſhe frowning, What Intercourſe of Secrets is there between you and me, that you expect I ſhould favour you with a private Converſation? An Advantage which none of your Sex ever boaſted to have gained from me; and which, haply, you ſhould be the laſt upon whom I ſhould beſtow it.

You have the ſtrangeſt Notions, anſwered Glanville, ſmiling at the pretty Anger ſhe diſco⯑vered: Certainly you may hold a private Con⯑verſation with any Gentleman, without giving Offence to Decorum; and I may plead a Right to this Happineſs, above any other, ſince I have the Honour to be your Relation.

[43] It is not at all ſurpriſing, reſumed Arabella gravely, that you and I ſhould differ in Opinion upon this Occaſion: I don't remember that ever we agreed in any thing; and, I am apt to be⯑lieve, we never ſhall.

Ah! don't ſay ſo, Lady Bella, interrupted lie: What a Proſpect of Miſery you lay before me! For, if we are always to be oppoſite to each other, it is neceſſary you muſt hate me as much as I admire and love you.

Theſe Words, which he accompanied with a gentle Preſſure of her Hand, threw the aſto⯑niſhed Arabella into ſuch an Exceſs of Anger and Shame, that, for a few Moments, ſhe was unable to utter a Word.

What a horrid Violation this, of all the Laws of Gallantry and Reſpect, which decree a Lover to ſuffer whole Years in Silence before he declares his Flame to the divine Object that cauſes it; and then with awful Tremblings, and ſubmiſſive Proſtrations at the Feet of the of⯑fended Fair!

Arabella could hardly believe her Senſes when ſhe heard a Declaration, not only made with⯑out the uſual Forms, but alſo, that the preſum⯑tuous Criminal waited for her Anſwer, without ſeeming to have any Apprehenſion of the Pu⯑niſhment to which he was to be doomed; and that, inſtead of deprecating her Wrath, he looked with a ſmiling Wonder upon her Eyes, as if he did not fear their Lightenings would ſtrike him dead.

Indeed, it was ſcarce poſſible for him to help ſmi⯑ling, and wondering too, at the extraordinary Notion of Arabella; for, as ſoon as he had pro⯑nounced [44] thoſe fatal Words, ſhe ſtarted back two or three Steps; caſt a Look at him full of the higheſt Indignation; and, lifting up her fine Eyes to Heaven, ſeemed, in the Language of Romance, to accuſe the Gods for ſubjecting her to ſo cruel an Indignity.

The Tumult of her Thoughts being a little ſettled, ſhe turned again towards Glanville; whoſe Countenance expreſſing nothing of that Confu⯑ſion and Anxiety common to an Adorer in ſo critical a Circumſtance, her Rage returned with greater Violence than ever.

If I do not expreſs all the Reſentment your In⯑ſolence has filled me with, ſaid ſhe to him, af⯑fecting more Scorn than Anger, 'tis becauſe I hold you too mean for my Reſentment; but ne⯑ver hope for my Pardon for your preſumptuous Confeſſion of a Paſſion I could almoſt deſpiſe my⯑ſelf for inſpiring. If it be true that you love me, go and find your Puniſhment in that Abſence to which I doom you; and never hope I will ſuffer a Perſon in my Preſence, who has affronted me in the manner you have done.

Saying this, ſhe walked away, making a Sign to him not to follow her.

Mr. Glanville, who was at firſt diſpoſed to laugh at the ſtrange Manner in which ſhe re⯑ceived his Expreſſions of Eſteem for her, found ſomething, ſo extremely haughty and contemp⯑tuous in the Speech ſhe had made, that he was almoſt mad with Vexation.

As he had no Notion of his Couſin's heroic Sentiments, and had never read Romances, he was quite ignorant of the Nature of his Offence; and, ſuppoſing the Scorn ſhe had expreſſed for [45] him was founded upon the Difference of their Rank and Fortune, his Pride was ſo ſenſibly mortified at that Thought, and at her ſo inſo⯑lently forbiding him her Preſence, that he was once inclined to ſhew his Reſentment of ſuch un⯑genteel Uſage, by quitting the Caſtle without taking Leave even of the Marquis, who, he thought, could not be ignorant of the Recep⯑tion he was likely to meet with from his Daugh⯑ter; and ought to have guarded him againſt it, if he really meant him ſo well as he ſeemed to do.

As he was extremely violent and haſty in his Reſolutions, and nicely ſenſible of the leaſt Af⯑front, he was not in a Condition to reaſon juſtly upon the Marquis's Conduct in this Affair; and while he was fluctuating with a thouſand differ⯑ent Reſolutions, Lucy came to him with a Bil⯑let from her Lady, which ſhe delivered without ſtaying till he opened it; and was ſuperſcribed in this Manner:

The Superſcription of this Letter, and the un⯑common Style of it, perſuaded Mr. Glanville, that what he had been fooliſh enough to reſent as an Affront, was deſigned as a Jeſt, and meant to divert him as well as herſelf: He exa⯑mined her Behaviour again, and wondered at his Stupidity in not diſcovering it before. His Reſentment vaniſhing immediately, he returned to the Houſe; and went, without Ceremony, to Arabella's Apartment, which he entered be⯑fore ſhe perceived him, being in a profound Muſing at one of the Windows: The Noiſe he made, in approaching her, obliged her at laſt to look up; when, ſtarting, as if ſhe had ſeen a Baſiliſk, ſhe flew to her Cloſet, and, ſhutting the Door with great Violence, commanded him to leave her Chamber immediately.

Mr. Glanville, ſtill ſuppoſing her in Jeſt, in⯑treated her to open the Door; but, finding ſhe continued obſtinate, Well, ſaid he, going away, I ſhall be revenged on you ſome time hence, and make you repent the Tricks you play me now.

Arabella not being able to imagine any thing, by theſe Words he ſpoke in Raillery, but that he really, in the Spite and Anguiſh of his Heart, threatened her with executing ſome terrible En⯑terprize; ſhe did not doubt, but he either in⯑tended to carry her away; or, thinking her Averſion to him proceeded from his having a Rival happy enough to be eſteemed by her, thoſe [47] myſterious Words he had uttered related to his Deſign of killing him; ſo that as ſhe knew, he could diſcover no Rival to wreak his Revenge upon, ſhe feared, that, at once to ſatisfy that Paſſion as well as his Love, he would make him⯑ſelf Maſter of her Liberty: For, in fine, ſaid ſhe to Lucy, to whom ſhe communicated all her Thoughts, have I not every thing to apprehend from a Man, who knows ſo little how to treat my Sex with the Reſpect which is our Due; and who, after having, contrary to the timorous Nature of that Paſſion, inſulted me with a free Declaration of Love, treated my Commands with the utmoſt Contempt by appearing before me again; and even threatens me with the Re⯑venge he is meditating at this Moment?

Had Mr. Glanville been preſent, and heard the terrible Misfortunes which ſhe preſaged from the few Words he had jeſtingly ſpoke, he would certainly have made her quite furious, by the Diverſion her Miſtake would have afforded him. But the more ſhe reflected on his Words, the more ſhe was perſuaded of the terrible Purpoſe of them.

'Twas in vain to acquaint her Father with the Reaſons ſhe had for diſliking his Choice: His Reſolution was fixed, and if ſhe did not volun⯑tarily conform to it, ſhe expoſed herſelf to the Attempts of a violent and unjuſt Lover, who would either prevail upon the Marquis to lay a Force upon her Inclinations, or make himſelf Maſter of her Perſon, and never ceaſe perſe⯑cuting her, till he had obliged her to give him her Hand.

[48] Having reaſoned herſelf into a perfect Con⯑viction that all theſe things muſt neceſſarily hap⯑pen, ſhe thought it both juſt and reaſonable to provide for her own Security, by a ſpeedy Flight. The Want of a Precedent, indeed, for an Action of this Nature, held her a few Moments in Suſ⯑penſe; for ſhe did not remember to have read of any Heroine that voluntarily left her Father's Houſe, however perſecuted ſhe might be; but ſhe conſidered, that there was not any of the Ladies in Romances, in the ſame Circumſtances with herſelf who was without a favoured Lover, for whoſe ſake it might have been believed ſhe had made an Elopement, which would have been highly prejudicial to her Glory; and, as there was no Foundation for any Suſpicion of that Kind in her Caſe, ſhe thought there was no⯑thing to hinder her from withdrawing from a ty⯑rannical Exertion of parental Authority, and the ſecret Machinations of a Lover, whoſe Aim was to take away her Liberty, either by obliging her to marry him, or by making her a Priſoner.

CHAP. X.

ARABELLA had ſpent ſome Hours in her Cloſet, revolving a thouſand different Stratagems to eſcape from the Misfortune that [49] threatened her, when ſhe was interrupted by Lucy, who, after deſiring Admittance, informed her, that the Marquis, having rode out to take the Air that Evening, had fallen from his Horſe and received ſome Hurt; that he was gone to Bed, and deſired to ſee her.

Arabella, hearing her Father was indiſpoſed, ran to him, exceſſively alarmed; and reflecting on the Reſolution ſhe had juſt before taken, of leaving him, which aggravated her Concern, ſhe came to his Bedſide with her Eyes ſwiming in Tears. Mr. Glanville was ſitting near him; but, riſing at her Appearance to give her his Chair, which ſhe accepted without taking any Notice of him, he ſtood at ſome Diſtance contem⯑plating her Face, to which Sorrow had given ſo many Charms, that he gazed on her with an Eagerneſs and Delight that could not eſcape her Obſervation.

She bluſhed exceſſively at the paſſionate Looks he gave her; and, finding the Marquis's Indiſ⯑poſition not conſiderable enough to oblige her to a conſtant Attendance at his Bed-ſide, ſhe took the firſt Opportunity of returning to her Cham⯑ber; but, as ſhe was going out, Glanville pre⯑ſented his Hand to lead her up Stairs: Which ſhe ſcornfully refuſing;

Sure, Couſin, ſaid he, a little piqued, you are not diſpoſed to carry on your ill-natured Jeſt any further?

If you imagined I jeſted with you, ſaid Ara⯑bella, I am rather to accuſe the Slowneſs of your Underſtanding, for your perſiſting in treating me thus freely, than the Inſolence I firſt im⯑puted it to: But, whatever is the Cauſe of it, [50] I now tell you again, that you have extremely offended me; and, if my Father's Illneſs did not ſet Bounds to my Reſentment at preſent, I would make you know, that I would not ſuffer the Injury you do me, ſo patiently.

Since you would have me to believe you are ſe⯑rious, replied Glanville, be pleaſed to let me know what Offence it is you complain of; for I proteſt I am quite at a Loſs to underſtand you.

Was it not enough, reſumed Arabella, to af⯑front me with an inſolent Declaration of your Paſſion, but you muſt alſo, in Contempt of my Commands to the contrary, appear before me again, purſue me to my Chamber, and uſe the moſt brutal Menaces to me?

Hold, pray, Madam, interrupted Glanville, and ſuffer me to aſk you, If it is my Preſump⯑tion, in declaring myſelf your Admirer, that you are ſo extremely offended at?

Doubtleſs it is, Sir, anſwered Arabella; and ſuch a Preſumption, as, without the aggravating Circumſtances you have ſince added to it, is ſuf⯑ficient to make me always your Enemy.

I beg Pardon, returned Mr. Glanville gravely, for that Offence; and alſo, for ſtaying any longer in a Houſe, which you have, ſo gen⯑teelly, turned me out of.

My Pardon, Mr. Glanville, reſumed ſhe, is not ſo eaſily gained: Time, and your Repent⯑ance, may, indeed, do much towards obtaining it.

Saying this, ſhe made a Sign to him to retire; for he had walked up with her to her Chamber: But, finding he did not obey her, for really he [51] was quite unacquainted with theſe Sorts of dumb Commands, ſhe haſtily retired to her Cloſet, leſt he ſhould attempt to move her Pity, by any Ex⯑preſſions of Deſpair for the cruel Baniſhment ſhe had doomed him to.

Mr. Glanville, ſeeing ſhe had ſhut herſelf up in her Cloſet, left her Chamber, and retired to his own, more confounded than ever at the Be⯑haviour of his Couſin.

Her bidding him ſo peremptorily to leave the Houſe, would have equally perſuaded him of her Ignorance and Ill-breeding, had not the Ele⯑gance of her Manners, in every other reſpect, proved the contrary: Nor was it poſſible to doubt ſhe had a great Share of Underſtanding; ſince her Converſation, ſingular as ſome of her Sen⯑timents ſeemed to him, was far ſuperior to moſt other Ladies. Therefore, he concluded, the Affront he had received, proceeded from her Diſdain to admit the Addreſſes of any Perſon, whoſe Quality was inferior to hers; which, probably, was increaſed to ſome particular Diſ⯑like ſhe had to his Perſon.

His Honour would not permit him to make Uſe of that Advantage her Father's Authority could give him; and, wholly engroſſed by his Reſentment of the Uſage he had received from her, he reſolved to ſet out for London the next Day without ſeeing the Marquis, from whom he was apprehenſive of ſome Endeavours to de⯑tain him.

Having taken this Reſolution, he ordered his Servant to have the Horſes ready early in the Morning; and, without taking any Notice of his Intention, he left the Caſtle, riding, as faſt [52] as poſſible, to the next Stage, from whence he wrote to his Uncle; and, diſpatching a Meſſen⯑ger with his Letter, held on his Way to Lon⯑don.

The Marquis, being pretty well recovered from his Indiſpoſition by a good Night's Reſt, ſent for Mr. Glanville in the Morning, to walk with him, as was his Cuſtom, in the Garden; but, hearing he had rode out, tho' he imagined it was only to take the Air, yet he could not help accuſing him, in his own Thoughts, of a little Neglect; for which he reſolved to chide him, when he returned: But his long Stay fill⯑ing him with ſome Surprize, he was beginning to expreſs his Fears that ſomething had befallen him, to Arabella, who was then with him; when a Servant preſented him the Letter, which Mr. Glanville's Meſſenger had that Moment brought.

The Marquis caſting his Eyes on the Di⯑rection, and knowing his Nephew's Hand, Bleſs me, cried he, extremely ſurpriſed, What can this mean? Bella, added he, here's a Letter from your Couſin.

Arabella, at theſe Words, ſtarted up; and, preventing her Father, with a reſpectful Action, from opening it, I beſeech you, my Lord, ſaid ſhe, before you read this Letter, ſuffer me to aſſure you, that, if it contains any thing fatal, I am not at all acceſſary to it: 'Tis true I have baniſhed my Couſin, as a Puniſhment for the Offence he was guilty of towards me; but, Hea⯑ven is my Witneſs, I did not deſign his Death; and if he has taken any violent Reſolution againſt himſelf, he has greatly exceeded my Com⯑mands.

[53] The Marquis, whoſe Surprize was conſidera⯑bly increaſed by theſe Words, haſtily broke open the Letter, which ſhe perceiving, hurried out of the Room; and, locking herſelf up in her Cloſet, began to bewail the Effect of her Charms, as if ſhe was perfectly aſſured of her Couſin's Death.

The Marquis, however, who, from Lady Bella's Exclamation, had prepared himſelf for the Knowlege of ſome very extraordinary Accident, was leſs ſurpriſed, than he would otherwiſe have been, at the Contents; which were as follow:

[54] When the Marquis had read this Letter, he went to his Daughter's Apartment with an In⯑tention to chide her ſeverely for her Uſage of his Nephew; but, ſeeing her come to meet him with her Eyes bathed in Tears, he inſenſibly loſt ſome Part of his Reſentment.

Alas! my Lord, ſaid ſhe, I know you come prepared to load me with Reproaches, upon my Couſin's Account; but, I beſeech your Lord⯑ſhip, do not aggravate my Sorrows: Tho' I ba⯑niſhed Mr. Glanville, I did not deſire his Death; and, queſtionleſs, if he knew how I reſent it, his Ghoſt would be ſatisfied with the Sacrifice I make him.

The Marquis, not being able to help ſmiling at this Conceit, which he ſaw had ſo ſtrongly poſſeſſed her Imagination, that ſhe had no ſort of Doubt but that her Couſin was dead, aſked her, If ſhe really believed Mr. Glanville loved her well enough to die with Grief at her ill Uſage of him?

If, ſaid ſhe, he loves me not well enough to die for me, he certainly loves me but little; and I am the leſs obliged to him.

But I deſire to know, interrupted the Mar⯑quis, For what Crime it was you took the Li⯑berty to baniſh him from my Houſe?

I baniſhed him, my Lord, reſumed ſhe, for his Preſumption in telling me he loved me.

That Preſumption, as you call it, tho' I know not for what Reaſon, ſaid the Marquis, was authorized by me: Therefore, know, Bella, that I not only permit him to love you, but I alſo expect you ſhould endeavour to return his Affection; and look upon him as the Man [55] whom I deſign for your Huſband: There's his Letter, purſued he, putting it into her Hand. I bluſh for the Rudeneſs you have been guilty of; but endeavour to repair it, by a more ob⯑liging Behaviour for the future: I am going to ſend after him immediately to prevail upon to return: Therefore, write him an Apology, I charge you; and have it done by the Time my Meſſenger is ready to ſet out.

Saying this, he went out of the Room; and Arabella eagerly opened the Letter; and, finding it in a Style ſo different from what ſhe expected, her Diſlike of him returned with more Violence than ever.

Ah! the Traitor! ſaid ſhe aloud, Is it thus that he endeavours to move my Compaſſion? How greatly did I over-rate his Affection, when I imagined his Deſpair was capable of killing him? Diſloyal Man! purſued ſhe, walking about, Is it by Complaints to my Father that thou expecteſt to ſucceed? And doſt thou ima⯑gine the Heart of Arabella is to be won by Vio⯑lence and Injuſtice?

In this manner ſhe waſted the Time allotted for her to write; and, when the Marquis ſent for her Letter, having no Intention to comply, ſhe went to his Chamber, conjuring him not to oblige her to a Condeſcenſion ſo unworthy of her.

The Marquis, being now exceſſively angry with her, roſe up in a Fury, and, leading her to his Writing-Deſk, ordered her, inſtantly, to write to her Couſin.

If I muſt write, my Lord, ſaid ſhe, ſobbing, pray be ſo good as to dictate what I muſt ſay.

[56] Apologize for your rude Behaviour, ſaid the Marquis; and deſire him, in the moſt obliging manner you can, to return.

Arabella, ſeeing there was a neceſſity for obey⯑ing, took up the Pen, and wrote the following Billet:

Having finiſhed this Billet, ſhe gave it to the Marquis to read; who, finding a great deal of his own Haughtineſs of Temper in it, could not reſolve to check her for a Diſpoſition ſo like his own: Yet he told her, her Stile was very uncom⯑mon: And pray, added he, ſmiling, who taught you to ſuperſcribe your Letters thus, ‘The un⯑fortunate Arabella, to the moſt ungenerous Glanville?’ Why, Bella, this Superſcription is wholly calculated for the Bearer's Information: But come, alter it immediately; for I don't chooſe my Meſſenger ſhould know, that you [57] are unfortunate, or that my Nephew is unge⯑nerous.

Pray, my Lord, replied Arabella, content yourſelf with what I have already done in Obe⯑dience to your Commands, and ſuffer my Letter to remain as it is: Methinks it is but reaſonable I ſhould expreſs ſome little Reſentment at the Complaint my Couſin has been pleaſed to make to you againſt me; nor can I poſſibly make my Letter more obliging, without being guilty of an unpardonable Meanneſs.

You are a ſtrange Girl, replied the Marquis, taking the Letter, and incloſing it in one from himſelf; in which he earneſtly intreated his Nephew to return, threatening him with his Diſpleaſure, if he diſobeyed; and aſſuring him, that his Daughter would receive him as well as he could poſſibly deſire.

The Meſſenger being diſpatched, with Orders to ride Poſt, and overtake the young Gentle⯑man, he obeyed his Orders ſo well, that he came up with him at—, where he intended to lodge that Night.

Mr. Glanville, who expected his Uncle would make uſe of ſome Methods to recal him, opened his Letter without any great Emotion; but ſee⯑ing another incloſed, his Heart leaped to his Mouth, not doubting but it was a Letter from Arabella; but the Contents ſurpriſed him ſo much, that he hardly knew whether he ought to look upon them as an Invitation to return, or a new Affront, her Words were ſo diſtant and haughty. The Superſcription being much the ſame with a Billet he had received from her in the Garden, which had made him conclude her [58] in Jeſt, he knew not what to think of it: One would ſwear this dear Girl's Head is turned, ſaid he to himſelf, if ſhe had not more Wit than her whole Sex beſides.

After reading Arabella's Letter ſeveral times, he at laſt opened his Uncle's; and, ſeeing the preſſing Inſtances he made him to return, he reſolved to obey; and the next Morning ſet out for the Caſtle.

Arabella, during the time her Couſin was expected, appeared ſo melancholy and reſerved, that the Marquis was extremely uneaſy: You have never, ſaid he to her, diſobeyed me in any one Action of your Life; and I may with reaſon expect you will conform to my Will in the Choice I have made of a Huſband for you, ſince it is impoſſible to make any Objection either to his Perſon or Mind; and, being the Son of my Siſter, he is certainly not unworthy of you, tho' he has not a Title.

My firſt Wiſh, my Lord, replied Arabella, is to live ſingle, not being deſirous of entering into any Engagement which may hinder my Solici⯑tude and Cares, and leſſen my Attendance, upon the beſt of Fathers, who, till now, has always moſt tenderly complied with my Inclinations in every thing: But if it is your abſolute Com⯑mand, that I ſhould marry, give me not to one who, tho' he has the Honour to be allied to you, has neither merited your Eſteem, or my Favour, by any Action worthy of his Birth, or the Paſ⯑ſion he pretends to have for me; for, in fine, my Lord, by what Services has he deſerved the Diſtinction with which you honour him? Has he ever delivered you from any conſiderable [59] Danger? Has he ſaved your Life, and hazarded his own, for you, upon any Occaſion whatever? Has he merited my Eſteem, by his Sufferings, Fidelity, and Reſpect; or, by any great and generous Action, given me a Teſtimony of his Love, which ſhould oblige me to reward him with my Affection? Ah! my Lord, I beſeech you, think not ſo unworthily of your Daughter, as to beſtow her upon one who has done ſo little to deſerve her: If my Happineſs be dear to you, do not precipitate me into a State from whence you cannot recal me, with a Perſon whom I can never affect.

She would have gone on, but the Marquis in⯑terrupted her ſternly: I'll hear no more, ſaid he, of your fooliſh and ridiculous Objections; What Stuff is this you talk of? What Service am I to expect from my Nephew? And by what Sufferings is he to merit your Eſteem? Aſſure yourſelf, Arabella, continued he, that I will never pardon you, if you preſume to treat my Nephew in the Manner you have done: I perceive you have no real Objection to make to him; therefore I expect you will endeavour to obey me without Reluctance; for, ſince you ſeem to be ſo little acquainted with what will moſt conduce to your own Happineſs, you muſt not think it ſtrange, if I inſiſt upon directing your Choice in the moſt important Buſineſs of your Life.

Arabella was going to reply; but the Marquis ordered her to be ſilent; and ſhe went to her own Apartment in ſo much Affliction, that ſhe thought her Misfortunes were not exceeded by any ſhe had ever read.

CHAP. XI.

THE Marquis was alſo extremely uneaſy at her Obſtinacy: He deſired nothing more ardently than to marry her to his Nephew; but he could not reſolve to force her Conſent; and, however determined he appeared to her, yet, in Reality, he intended only to uſe Perſuaſions to effect what he deſired; and, from the natural Sweetneſs of her Temper, he was ſometimes not without Hopes, that ſhe might, at laſt, be prevailed upon to comply.

His Nephew's Return reſtored him to Part of his uſual Tranquillity: After he had gently chid him for ſuffering himſelf to be ſo far tranſported with his Reſentment at the little Humours of a Lady, as to leave his Houſe, without acquaint⯑ing him, he bid him go to Arabella, and en⯑deavour to make his Peace with her.

Mr. Glanville accordingly went to her Apart⯑ment, reſolving to oblige her to come to ſome Explanation with him concerning the Offence ſhe complained of; but that fair incenſed Lady, who had taken Shelter in her Cloſet, ordered Lucy to tell him ſhe was indiſpoſed, and could not ſee him.

Glanville, however, comforted himſelf for this Diſappointment by the Hopes of ſeeing her at Supper; and accordingly ſhe came, when the Supper-Bell rung, and, making a very cool Com⯑pliment to her Couſin, placed herſelf at Table: [61] The ſoft Languor that appeared in her Eyes, gave ſuch an additional Charm to one of the lovelieſt Faces in the World, that Glanville, who ſat oppoſite to her, could not help gazing on her with a very particular Attention; he often ſpoke to her, and aſked her trifling Queſ⯑tions, for the ſake of hearing the Sound of her Voice, which Sorrow had made inchantingly ſweet.

When Supper was over, ſhe would have re⯑tired; but the Marquis deſired her to ſtay and entertain her Couſin, while he went to look over ſome Diſpatches he had received from London.

Arabella bluſhed with Anger at this Com⯑mand; but, not daring to diſobey, ſhe kept her Eyes fixed on the Ground, as if ſhe dreaded to hear ſomething that would diſpleaſe her.

Well, Couſin, ſaid Glanville, tho' you deſire to have no Empire over ſo unworthy a Subject as myſelf, yet I hope you are not diſpleaſed at my returning, in Obedience to your Commands.

Since I am not allowed any Will of my own, ſaid ſhe, ſighing, it matters not whether I am pleaſed, or diſpleaſed; nor is it of any Conſe⯑quence to you to know.

Indeed but it is, Lady Bella, interrupted he; for if I knew how to pleaſe you, I would never, if I could help it, offend: Therefore, I beg you, tell me how I have diſobliged you; for, certainly, you have treated me as harſhly as if I had been guilty of ſome very terrible Offence.

You had the Boldneſs, ſaid ſhe, to talk to me of Love; and you well know that Perſons of my Sex and Quality are not permitted to [62] liſten to ſuch Diſcourſes; and if, for that Of⯑fence, I baniſhed you my Preſence, I did no more than Decency required of me; and which I would yet do, were I Miſtreſs of my own Actions.

But is it poſſible, Couſin, ſaid Glanville, that you can be angry with any one for loving you? Is that a Crime of ſo high a Nature as to merit an eternal Baniſhment from your Preſence?

Without telling you, ſaid Arabella, bluſhing, whether I am angry at being loved, 'tis ſufficient you know, that I will not pardon the Man who ſhall have the Preſumption to tell me he loves me.

But, Madam, interrupted Glanville, if the Perſon who tells you he loves you, be of a Rank not beneath you, I conceive you are not at all injured by the favourable Sentiments he feels for you; and, tho' you are not diſpoſed to make any Returns to his Paſſion, yet you are cer⯑tainly obliged to him for his good Opinion.

Since Love is not voluntary, replied Arabella, I am not obliged to any Perſon for loving me; for, queſtionleſs, if he could help it, he would.

If it is not a voluntary Favour, interrupted Glanville, it is not a voluntary Offence; and, if you do not think yourſelf obliged by the one, neither are you at Liberty to be offended with the other.

The Queſtion, ſaid Arabella, is not whether I ought to be offended at being loved, but whether it is not an Offence to be told I am ſo.

If there is nothing criminal in the Paſſion it⯑ſelf, Madam, reſumed Glanville, certainly there can be no Crime in declaring it.

[63] However ſpecious your Arguments may appear, interrupted Arabella, I am perſuaded it is an unpardonable Crime to tell a Lady you love her; and, tho' I had nothing elſe to plead, yet the Authority of Cuſtom is ſufficient to prove it.

Cuſtom, Lady Bella, ſaid Glanville, ſmiling▪ is wholly on my Side; for the Ladies are ſo far from being diſpleaſed at the Addreſſes of their Lovers, that their chiefeſt Care is to gain them, and their greateſt Triumph to hear them talk of their Paſſion: So, Madam, I hope you'll allow that Argument has no Force.

I don't know, anſwered Arabella, what Sort of Ladies there are who allow ſuch unbe⯑coming Liberties, but I am certain, that Statira, Pariſatis, Clelia, Mandana, and all the illuſtri⯑ous Heroines of Antiquity, whom it is a Glory to reſemble, would never admit of ſuch Diſ⯑courſes.

Ah for Heaven's ſake, Couſin, interrupted Glanville, endeavouring to ſtifle a Laugh, do not ſuffer yourſelf to be governed by ſuch antiquated Maxims! The World is quite different to what it was in thoſe Days; and the Ladies in this Age would as ſoon follow the Faſhions of the Greek and Roman Ladies, as mimick their Manners; and I believe they would become one as ill as the other.

I am ſure, replied Arabella, the World is not more virtuous now than it was in their Days, and there is good Reaſon to believe it is not much wiſer; and I don't ſee why the Manners of this Age are to be preferred to thoſe of for⯑mer ones, unleſs they are wiſer and better: However, I cannot be perſuaded, that Things [64] are as you ſay, and that when I am a little better acquainted with the World, I ſhall find as many Perſons who reſemble Oroondates, Artaxerxes, and the illuſtrious Lovers of Clelia, as thoſe who are like Tiribaſes, Artaxes, and the pre⯑ſuming and inſolent Glanville.

By the Epithets you give me Madam, ſaid Glanville, I find you have placed me in very bad Company: But pray, Madam, if the illuſtrious Lover of Clelia had never diſcovered his Paſſion, how would the World have come to the Knowledge of it?

He did not diſcover his Paſſion, Sir, reſumed Arabella, till, by the Services he did the noble Clelius, and his incomparable Daughter, he could plead ſome Title to their Eſteem: He ſe⯑veral times preſerved the Life of that renowned Roman; delivered the beautiful Clelia when ſhe was a Captive; and, in fine, conferred ſo many Obligations upon them, and all their Friends, as he might well expect to be par⯑doned by the divine Clelia for daring to love her. Nevertheleſs, ſhe uſed him very harſhly, when he firſt declared his Paſſion, and baniſhed him alſo from her Preſence; and it was a long time before ſhe could prevail upon herſelf to compaſſionate his Sufferings.

The Marquis coming in interrupted Ara⯑bella; upon which ſhe took Occaſion to retire; leaving Glanville more captivated with her than ever.

He found her Uſage of him was grounded upon Examples ſhe thought it her Duty to fol⯑low; and, ſtrange as her Notions of Life ap⯑peared, yet they were ſupported with ſo much [65] Wit and Delicacy, that he could not help ad⯑miring her, while he foreſaw, the Oddity of her Humour would throw innumerable Difficulties in his Way, before he ſhould be able to obtain her.

However, as he was really paſſionately in Love with her, he reſolved to accommodate himſelf, as much as poſſible, to her Taſte, and endeavour to gain her Heart by a Behaviour moſt agreeable to her: He therefore aſſumed an Air of great Diſtance and Reſpect; never men⯑tioned his Affection, nor the Intentions of her Father in his Favour; and the Marquis, ob⯑ſerving his Daughter converſed with him with leſs Reluctance than uſual, leaving to Time, and the Merit of his Nephew, to diſpoſe her to comply with his Deſires, reſolved not to inter⯑poſe his Authority in an Affair upon which her own Happineſs ſo much depended.

CHAP. XII.

ARABELLA ſaw the Change in her Couſin's Behaviour with a great deal of Satisfaction; for ſhe did not doubt but his Paſſion was as ſtrong as ever; but that he forbore, thro' Reſpect, from entertaining her with any [66] Expreſſions of it: Therefore ſhe now converſed with him with the greateſt Sweetneſs and Com⯑plaiſance: She would walk with him for ſeveral Hours in the Garden, leaning upon his Arm; and charmed him to the laſt Degree of Admira⯑tion by the agreeable Sallies of her Wit, and her fine Reaſoning upon every Subject he pro⯑poſed.

It was with the greateſt Difficulty he reſtrain⯑ed himſelf from telling her a Thouſand times a Day that he loved her to Exceſs, and conjuring her to give her Conſent to her Father's Deſigns in his Favour: But, tho' he could get over his Fears of offending her, yet it was impoſſible to expreſs any Sentiments of this Nature to her, without having her Women Witneſſes of his Diſcourſe; for, when he walked with her in the Garden, Lucy, and another Attendant, al⯑ways followed her: If he ſat with her in her own Chamber, her Women were always at one End of it: And, when they were both in the Marquis's Apartment, where her Women did not follow her, poor Glanville found himſelf embarraſſed by his Preſence; for, conceiving his Nephew had Opportunities enough of talk⯑ing to his Daughter in private, he always partook of their Converſation.

He paſſed ſome Weeks in this Manner, ex⯑tremely chagrined at the little Progreſs he made; and was beginning to be heartily weary of the Conſtraint he laid upon himſelf, when Arabella, one Day, furniſhed him, without deſigning it, with an Opportunity of talking to her on the Subject he wiſhed for.

[67] When I reflect, ſaid ſhe, laughing, upon the Difference there was between us ſome Days ago, and the Familiarity in which we live at preſent, I cannot imagine by what means you have arrived to a good Fortune you had ſo little Reaſon to expect; for, in fine, you have given me no Signs of Repentance for the Fault you committed, which moved me to baniſh you; and I am not certain whether, in converſing with you in the manner I do, I give you not as much Reaſon to find Fault with my too great Eaſineſs, as you did me to be diſpleaſed with your Preſumption.

Since, returned Glanville, I have not perſiſted in the Commiſſion of thoſe Faults which diſ⯑pleaſed you, what greater Signs of Repentance can you deſire, than this Reformation in my Be⯑haviour?

But Repentance ought to precede Reforma⯑tion, replied Arabella; otherwiſe, there is great room to ſuſpect it is only feigned: And a ſincere Repentance ſhews itſelf in ſuch viſible Marks, that one can hardly be deceived in that which is genuine. I have read of many indiſcreet Lovers, who not ſucceeding in their Addreſſes, have pretended to repent, and acted as you do; that is, without giving any Signs of Contrition for the Fault they had committed, have eat and ſlept well, never loſt their Colour, or grew one bit thinner, by their Sorrow; but contented themſelves with ſaying they repented; and, without changing thetr Diſpoſition to renew their Fault, only concealed their Intention, for fear of loſing any favourable Opportunity of committing it again: But true Repentance, as [68] I was ſaying, not only produces Reformation, but the Perſon who is poſſeſſed of it voluntarily puniſhes himſelf for the Faults he has been guilty of. Thus Mazares, deeply repenting of the Crime his Paſſion for the divine Manda [...]a had forced him to commit; as a Puniſhment, obliged himſelf to follow the Fortune of his glorious Rival; obey all his Commands; and, fighting under his Banners, aſſist him to gain the Poſſeſſion of his adored Miſtreſs. Such a glorious Inſtance of Self-denial was, indeed, a ſufficient Proof of his Repentance; and infi⯑nitely more convincing than the Silence he im⯑poſed upon himſelf with reſpect to his Paſſion.

Oroondates, to puniſh himſelf for his Pre⯑ſumption, in daring to tell the admirable Statira, that he loved her, reſolved to die, to expiate his Crime; and, doubtleſs, would have done ſo, if his fair Miſtreſs, at the Intreaty of her Bro⯑ther, had not commanded him to live.

But pray, Lady Bella, interrupted Glanville, were not theſe Gentlemen happy at laſt in the Poſſeſſion of their Miſtreſſes?

Doubtleſs they were, Sir, reſumed ſhe; but it was not till after numberleſs Misfortunes, in⯑finite Services, and many dangerous Adventures, in which their Fidelity was put to the ſtrongeſt Trials imaginable.

I am glad, however, ſaid Glanville, that the Ladies were not inſenſible; for, ſince you do not diſapprove of their Compaſſion for their Lovers, it is to be hoped you will not be always as inexorable as you are now.

When I ſhall be ſo fortunate, interrupted ſhe, to meet with a Lover who ſhall have as pure [69] and perfect a Paſſion for me, as Oroondates had for Statira; and give me as many glorious Proofs of his Conſtancy and Affection, doubt⯑leſs I ſhall not be ungrateful: But, ſince I have not the Merits of Statira, I ought not to pre⯑tend to her good Fortune; and ſhall be very well contented if I eſcape the Perſecutions which Perſons of my Sex, who are not frightfully ugly, are always expoſed to, without hoping to inſpire ſuch a Paſſion as that of Oroondates.

I ſhould be glad to be better acquainted with the Actions of this happy Lover, Madam, ſaid Glanville; that, forming myſelf upon his Ex⯑ample, I may hope to pleaſe a Lady as worthy of my Regard as Statira was of his.

For Heaven's ſake, Couſin, reſumed Arabella, laughing, how have you ſpent your Time; and to what Studies have you devoted all your Hours, that you could find none to ſpare for the Peruſal of Books from which all uſeful Knowledge may be drawn; which give us the moſt ſhining Examples of Generoſity, Courage, Virtue, and Love; which regulate our Actions, form our Manners, and inſpire us with a noble Deſire of emulating thoſe great, heroic, and virtuous Actions, which made thoſe Perſons ſo glorious in their Age, and ſo worthy Imitation in ours? However, as it is never too late to improve, ſuffer me to recommend to you the reading of theſe Books, which will ſoon make you diſcover the Improprieties you have been guilty of; and will, probably, induce you to avoid them for the future.

I ſhall certainly read them, if you deſire it, ſaid Glanville; and I have ſo great an Inclina⯑tion [70] to be agreeable to you, that I ſhall em⯑brace every Opportunity of becoming ſo; and will therefore take my Inſtructions from theſe Books, if you think proper, or from yourſelf▪ which, indeed, will be the quickeſt Method of teaching me.

Arabella having ordered one of her Women to bring Cleopatra, Caſſandra, Clelia, and the Grand Cyrus, from her Library, Glanville no ſooner ſaw the Girl return, ſinking under the Weight of thoſe voluminous Romances, but he began to tremble at the Apprehenſion of his Couſin laying her Commands upon him to read them; and repented of his Complaiſance, which expoſed him to the cruel Neceſſity of performing what to him appeared an Herculean Labour, or elſe incurring her Anger by his Refuſal.

Arabella, making her Women place the Books upon a Table before her, opened them, one after another, with Eyes ſparkling with Delight; while Glanville ſat rapt in Admiration at the Sight of ſo many huge Folio's, written, as he conceived, upon the moſt trifling Subjects imaginable.

I have choſen out theſe few, ſaid Arabella (not obſerving his Conſternation) from a great many others, which compoſe the moſt valuable Part of my Library; and, by that time you have gone thro' theſe, I imagine you will be conſiderably improved.

Certainly, Madam, replied Glanville, turn⯑ing over the Leaves in great Confuſion, one may, as you ſay, be greatly improved; for theſe Books contain a great deal: And, looking over a Page of Caſſandra, without any Deſign, read [71] theſe Words, which were Part of Oroondates's Soliloquy when he received a cruel Sentence from Statira:

Upon my Soul, ſaid Glanville, ſtifling a Laugh with great Difficulty, I cannot help blaming the Lady this ſorrowful Lover com⯑plains of, for her great Cruelty; for here he gives one Reaſon to ſuſpect, that ſhe will not even be contented with his dying in Obedience to her Commands, but will hate him after Death; an Impiety quite inexcuſable in a Chriſtian!

You condemn this illuſtrious Princeſs with very little Reaſon, interrupted Arabella, ſmiling at his Miſtake; for, beſides that ſhe was not a Chriſtian, and ignorant of thoſe Divine Maxims of Charity and Forgiveneſs, which Chriſtians, by their Profeſſion, are obliged to practiſe, ſhe was very far from deſiring the Death of Oroon⯑dates; for, if you will take the Pains to read the ſucceeding Paſſages, you will find that ſhe expreſſes herſelf in the moſt obliging Manner in the World; for when Oroondates tells her he would live, if ſhe would conſent he ſhould, the [72] Princeſs moſt ſweetly replies,‘I not only con⯑ſent, but alſo intreat it; and, if I have any Power, command it.’ However, leſt you ſhould fall into the other Extreme, and blame this great Princeſs for her Eaſineſs (as you be⯑fore condemned her for her Cruelty), 'tis neceſ⯑ſary you ſhould know how ſhe was induced to this favourable Behaviour to her Lover: There⯑fore pray read the whole Tranſaction. Stay! here it begins, continued ſhe; turning over a good many Pages, and marking where he ſhould begin to read.

Glanville, having no great Stomach to the Taſk, endeavoured to evade it, by intreating his Couſin to relate the Paſſages ſhe deſired he ſhould be acquainted with: But ſhe declining it, he was obliged to obey; and began to read where ſhe directed him: And, to leave him at Liberty to read with the greater Attention, ſhe left him, and went to a Window at another End of the Chamber.

Mr. Glanville, who was not willing to diſ⯑pleaſe her, examined the Taſk ſhe had ſet him, reſolving, if it was not a very hard one, to comply; but, counting the Pages, he was quite terrified at the Number, and could not prevail upon himſelf to read them: Therefore, glancing them over, he pretended to be deeply engaged in reading, when, in Reality, he was contem⯑plating the ſurpriſing Effect theſe Books had produced in the Mind of his Couſin; who, had ſhe been untainted with the ridiculous Whims they created in her Imagination, was, in his Opinion, one of the moſt accompliſhed Ladies in the World.

[73] When he had ſat long enough to make her believe he had read what ſhe had deſired, he roſe up, and, joining her at the Window, began to talk of the Pleaſantneſs of the Evening, in⯑ſtead of the Rigour of Statira.

Arabella coloured with Vexation at his ex⯑treme Indifference in a Matter which was of ſuch prodigious Conſequence, in her Opinion; but diſdaining to put him in mind of his Rude⯑neſs, in quitting a Subject they had not thoroughly diſcuſſed, and which ſhe had taken ſo much Pains to make him comprehend, ſhe continued ſilent; and would not condeſcend to afford him an Anſwer to any thing he ſaid.

Glanville, by her Silence and Frowns, was made ſenſible of his Fault; and, to repair it, began to talk of the inexorable Statira, though, indeed, he did not well know what to ſay.

Arabella, clearing up a little, did not diſdain to anſwer him upon her favourite Topic: I knew, ſaid ſhe, you would be ready to blame this Princeſs equally for her Rigour and her Kindneſs; but it muſt be remembred that, what ſhe did in Favour of Oroondates, was wholly owing to the Generoſity of Artaxerxes.

Here ſhe ſtopped, expecting Glanville to give his Opinion; who, ſtrangely puzzled, replied at random, To be ſure, Madam, he was a very generous Rival.

Rival! cried Arabella; Artaxerxes the Rival of Oroondates! Why certainly you have loſt your Wits: He was Statira's Brother; and it was to his Mediation that Oroondates, or Orontes, owed his Happineſs.

[74] Certainly, Madam, replied Glanville, it was very generous in Artaxerxes, as he was Brother to Statira, to interpoſe in the Behalf of an un⯑fortunate Lover; and both Oroondates, and Orontes, were extremely obliged to him.

Orontes, replied Arabella, was more obliged to him than Oroondates; ſince the Quality of Orontes was infinitely below that of Oroondates.

But, Madam, interrupted Glanville (extreme⯑ly pleaſed at his having ſo well got over the Dif⯑ficulty he had been in), which of theſe two Lovers did Statira make happy?

This unlucky Queſtion immediately informed Arabella, that ſhe had been all this time the Dupe of her Couſin; who, if he had read a ſingle Page, would have known that Orontes and Oroondates was the ſame Perſon; the Name of Orontes being aſſumed by Oroondates, to con⯑ceal his real Name and Quality.

The Shame and Rage ſhe conceived at ſo glaring a Proof of his Diſreſpect, and the Ridi⯑cule to which ſhe had expoſed herſelf, were ſo great, that ſhe could not find Words ſevere enough to expreſs her Reſentment; but, pro⯑teſting that no Conſideration whatever ſhould oblige her to converſe with him again, ſhe or⯑dered him inſtantly to quit her Chamber; and aſſured him, if he ever attempted to ap⯑proach her again, ſhe would ſubmit to the moſt terrible Effects of her Father's Reſentment, ra⯑ther than be obliged to ſee a Perſon who had, by his unworthy Behaviour, made himſelf her Scorn and Averſion.

Glanville, who ſaw himſelf going to be diſ⯑carded a ſecond time, attempted, with great [75] Submiſſion, to move her to recal her cruel Sentence; but Arabella, burſting into Tears, complained ſo pathetically of the Cruelty of her Deſtiny, in expoſing her to the hated Impor⯑tunities of a Man ſhe deſpiſed, and whoſe Pre⯑ſence was ſo inſupportable, that Glanville, think⯑ing it beſt to let her Rage evaporate before he attempted to pacify her, quitted her Chamber; curſing Statira and Orontes a thouſand times, and loading the Authors of thoſe Books with all the Imprecations his Rage could ſuggeſt.

CHAP. XIII.

IN this Temper he went to the Gardens to paſs over the Chagrin this unfortunate Ac⯑cident had given him; when, meeting the Mar⯑quis, who inſiſted upon knowing the Cauſe of that ill Humour, ſo viſible in his Countenance, Glanville related all that had paſſed; but, in Spite of his Anger, it was impoſſible for him to repeat the Circumſtances of his Diſgrace without laughing, as well as the Marquis; who thought the Story ſo extremely diverting, that he would needs hear it over again.

However, Charles, ſaid he, though I ſhall do what I can to gain your Pardon from Bella, yet I ſhall not ſcruple to own you acted extremely wrong, in not reading what ſhe deſired you; for, beſides loſing an Opportunity of obliging her, you drew yourſelf into a terrible Dilemma; [76] for how was it poſſible for you to evade a Diſ⯑covery of the Cheat you put upon her, when ſhe began to talk with you upon thoſe Paſſages ſhe had deſired you to read?

I acknowledge my Error, my Lord, anſwered Glanville; but if you reſtore me to my Couſin's Favour again, I promiſe you to repair it by a different Behaviour for the future.

I'll ſee what I can do for you, ſaid the Mar⯑quis; leaving him, to go to Arabella's Apart⯑ment, who had retired to her Cloſet, extremely afflicted at this new Inſult ſhe had received from her Couſin: Her Grief was the more poignant, as ſhe was beginning to imagine, by the Alteration in his Behaviour, that he would prove ſuch a Lover as ſhe wiſhed; for Mr. Glanville's Perſon and Qualifications had at⯑tracted her particular Notice: And, to ſpeak in the Language of Romance, ſhe did not hate him; but, on the contrary, was very much diſpoſed to wiſh him well: Therefore, it was no Wonder ſhe extremely reſented the Affront ſhe had received from him.

The Marquis, not finding her in her Chamber, proceeded to her Cloſet, where her Women informed him ſhe was retired; and, knocking gently at the Door, was admitted by Arabella, whom he immediately diſcerned to have been weeping very much; for her fine Eyes were red and ſwelled, and the Traces of her Tears might ſtill be obſerved on her fair Face; which, at the Sight of the Marquis, was overſpread with a Bluſh, as if ſhe was conſcious of her Weak⯑neſs in lamenting the Crime her Couſin had been guilty of.

[77] The Marquis drew a favourable Omen for his Nephew from her Tears and Confuſion; but, not willing to increaſe it, by acknowleging he had obſerved it, he told her he was come, at Mr. Glanville's Requeſt, to make up the Quar⯑rel between them.

Ah! my Lord, interrupted Arabella, ſpeak no more to me of that unworthy Man, who has ſo groſly abuſed my Favour, and the Pri⯑vilege I allowed him: His Baſeneſs and Ingrati⯑tude are but too manifeſt; and there is nothing I ſo much regret as my Weakneſs in reſtoring him to Part of my good Opinion, after he had once forfeited it, by an Inſolence not to be pa⯑ralleled.

Indeed, Bella, ſaid the Marquis, ſmiling, you reſent too deeply theſe ſlight Matters: I can't think my Nephew ſo guilty as you would have me believe he is; and you ought neither to be angry or ſurpriſed, that he preferred your Con⯑verſation before reading in a fooliſh old-faſhioned Book that you put in his Hands.

If your Lordſhip had ever read theſe Books, replied Arabella, reddening with Vexation, 'tis probable you would have another Opinion of them; but, however that may be, my Couſin is not to be excuſed for the Contempt he ſhewed to my Commands; and for daring, by the Cheat he put on me, to expoſe me to the Shame of ſeeing myſelf ſo ridiculouſly impoſed upon.

However, you muſt forgive him, ſaid the Marquis; and I inſiſt upon it, before I quit your Apartment, that you receive him into Favour.

Pardon me, my Lord, replied Arabella; this is what I neither can, nor ought to do; and I [78] hope you will not wrong me ſo much as to continue to deſire it.

Nay, Bella, ſaid he, this is carrying Things too far, and making trifling Diſputes of too great Conſequence: I am ſurpriſed at your Treatment of a Man whom, after all, if ever you intend to obey me, you muſt conſent to marry.

There is no Queſtion, my Lord, replied ſhe, but it would be my Glory to obey you in what⯑ever is poſſible; but this you command me now to do, not being ſo, I conceive you will rather impute my Refuſal to Neceſſity, than Choice.

How! returned the Marquis, will you en⯑deavour to perſuade me, that it is not poſſible Mr. Glanville ſhould be your Huſband?

'Tis impoſſible he ſhould be ſo with my Con⯑ſent, reſumed Arabella; and I cannot give it without wounding my own Quiet in a moſt ſenſible manner.

Come, come, Bella, ſaid the Marquis (fret⯑ting at her extreme Obſtinacy), this is too much: I am to blame to indulge your Foibles in this Manner: Your Couſin is worthy of your Af⯑fection, and you cannot refuſe it to him with⯑out incurring my Diſpleaſure.

Since my Affection is not in my own Power to beſtow, ſaid Arabella, weeping, I know not how to remove your Diſpleaſure; but, queſtion⯑leſs, I know how to die, to avoid the Effects of what would be to me the moſt terrible Miſ⯑fortune in the World.

Fooliſh Girl! interrupted the Marquis, how ſtrangely do you talk? Are the Thoughts of [79] Death become ſo familiar to you, that you ſpeak of dying with ſo little Concern?

Since, my Lord, reſumed ſhe, in an exalted Tone, I do not yield, either in Virtue or Courage, to many others of my Sex, who, when perſe⯑cuted like me, have fled to Death for Relief, I know not why I ſhould be thought leſs capable of it than they; and if Artimiſa, Candace, and the beautiful Daughter of Cleopatra, could brave the Terrors of Death for the ſake of the Men they loved, there is no Queſtion but I alſo could imitate their Courage, to avoid the Man I have ſo much Reaſon to hate.

The Girl is certainly diſtracted, interrupted the Marquis, exceſſively enraged at the ſtrange Speech ſhe had uttered: Theſe fooliſh Books my Nephew talks of have turned her Brain! Where are they? purſued he, going into her Chamber: I'll burn all I can lay my Hands upon.

Arabella, trembling for the Fate of her Books, followed her Father into the Room; who ſeeing the Books which had cauſed this woful Ad⯑venture lying upon the Table, he ordered one of her Women to carry them into his Apart⯑ment, vowing he would commit them all to the Flames.

Arabella not daring, in the Fury he was in, to interpoſe, he went out of the Room, leaving her to bewail the Fate of ſo many illuſtrious Heroes and Heroines, who, by an Effect of a more cruel Tyranny than any they had ever ex⯑perienced before, were going to be caſt into the mercileſs Flames; which would, doubtleſs, pay very little Regard to the divine Beauties of the admirable Clelia, or the heroic Valour of the [80] brave Orontes; and the reſt of thoſe great Princes and Princeſſes, whoſe Actions Arabella propoſed for the Model of hers.

Fortune, however, which never wholly for⯑ſook theſe illuſtrious Perſonages, reſcued them from ſo unworthy a Fate, and brought Mr. Glanville into the Marquis's Chamber juſt as he was giving Orders to have them deſtroyed.

CHAP. I.

THE Marquis, as ſoon as he ſaw Mr. Glanville, told him he was reſolved to cure Arabella of her Whims, by burning the Books that had put them into her Head: I have ſeized upon ſome of them, purſued he, ſmiling; and you may, if you pleaſe, wreak your Spite upon theſe Authors of your Diſgrace, by burning them yourſelf.

[82] Though I have all the Reaſon in the World to be enraged with that Incendiary Statira, ſaid Glanville laughing, for the Miſchief ſhe has done me; yet I cannot conſent to put ſuch an Affront upon my Couſin, as to burn her fa⯑vourite Books: And now I think of it, my Lord, purſued he, I'll endeavour to make a Merit with Lady Bella by ſaving them: Therefore ſpare them, at my Requeſt, and let me carry them to her. I ſhall be quite unhappy till we are Friends again.

You may do as you will, ſaid the Marquis; but I think it encouraging her in her Follies to give them to her again.

Glanville, without replying, eagerly took up the Books, for fear the Marquis ſhould change his Mind; and, highly delighted with the Op⯑portunity he had got of making his Peace with Lady Bella, ran to her Apartment, loaded with theſe kind Interceſſors; and, making his Way by Lucy, who would have oppoſed him, penetrated even into the Cloſet of the melancholy Fair-one, who was making bitter Reflections on the Cru⯑elty of her Deſtiny, and bewailing her Loſs with a Deluge of Tears.

As ridiculous as the Occaſion of theſe Tears was, yet Glanville could not behold them with⯑out being affected: Aſſuming, therefore, a Coun⯑tenance as ſad as he was able, he laid the Books before her; and told her, he hoped ſhe would excuſe his coming into her Preſence without her Permiſſion, ſince it was only to reſtore her thoſe Books, whoſe Loſs ſhe ſeemed ſo greatly to lament; and added, that it was with much Difficulty he prevailed upon the Marquis not to [83] burn them immediately; and his Fears, that he might really do as he threatened, made him ſnatch them up, and bring them, with ſo little Ceremony, into her Cloſet.

Arabella, whoſe Countenance brightened into a Smile of pleaſing Surprize at the Sight of her recovered Treaſure, turned her bright Eyes upon Glanville with a Look of Complacency that went to his Heart.

I well perceive, ſaid ſhe, that, in exaggera⯑ting the Merit of this little Service you have done me, you expect I ſhould ſuffer it to cancel your paſt Offences: I am not ungrateful enough to be inſenſible of any Kindneſs that is ſhewn me; and, tho' I might be excuſed for ſuſpecting it was rather Policy than Friendſhip, that induced you to ſeek my Satisfaction, by ſaving theſe in⯑nocent Victims of my Father's Diſpleaſure, ne⯑vertheleſs I pardon you upon the Suppoſition, that you will, for the future, avoid all Occa⯑ſion of offending me.

At theſe Words, ſhe made a Sign to him to be gone, fearing the Extravagance of his Joy would make him throw himſelf at her Feet to thank her for the infinite Favour ſhe had con⯑ferred upon him; but, finding he ſeemed diſ⯑poſed to ſtay longer, ſhe called one of her Wo⯑men into the Cloſet; and, by ſome very ſigni⯑ficant Frowns, gave Glanville to underſtand his Stay was diſpleaſing; ſo that he left her, with a very low Bow, highly pleaſed at her having repealed his Baniſhment; and, aſſured the Mar⯑quis, that nothing could have happened more fortunate for him, than his intended Diſpoſal of [84] his Daughter's Books, ſince it had proved the Means of reſtoring him to her Favour.

CHAP. II.

FROM this Time Mr. Glanville, tho' he was far from coming up to Lady Bella's Idea of a Lover, yet, by the Pains he apparently ſeemed to be at in obliging her, made every Day ſome Progreſs in her Eſteem. The Mar⯑quis was extremely pleaſed at the Harmony which ſubſiſted between them; tho' he could have wiſhed to have ſeen their Marriage advance a little faſter; but Glanville, who was better ac⯑quainted with Arabella's Foible than the Mar⯑quis, aſſured him, he would ruin all his Hopes, if he preſſed her to marry; and intreated him to leave it intirely to him, to diſpoſe her to con⯑ſent to both their Wiſhes.

The Marquis was ſatisfied with his Reaſons, and, reſolving not to importune his Daughter, upon that Subject, any more, they lived for ſome Months in a perfect Tranquillity; to which an Illneſs the Marquis was ſeized with, and which was, from the firſt, thought to be dan⯑gerous gave a ſad Interruption.

Arabella's extreme Tenderneſs upon this Oc⯑caſion, her anxious Solicitude, her pious Cares, and never-ceaſing Attendance at the Bedſide of her ſick Father, were ſo many new Charms, [85] that engaged the Affection of Glanville more ſtrongly. As the Marquis's Indiſpoſition in⯑creaſed, ſo did her Care and Affiduity: She would not allow any one to give him any thing but her⯑ſelf; bore all the pettiſh Humours of a ſick Man with a ſurpriſing Sweetneſs and Patience; watched whole Nights, ſucceſſively, by his Bedſide; and when, at his Importunity, ſhe conſented to take any Reſt, it was only upon a Couch in his Chamber, from whence no Intreaties could make her remove. Mr. Glanville partook with her in theſe Fatigues; and, by his Care of her Father, and Tenderneſs for her, confirmed her in the Eſteem ſhe had entertained of him.

The Marquis, who had ſtruggled with the Vi⯑olence of his Diſtemper for a Fortnight, died on the Fifteenth Day in the Arms of Arabella, who received his laſt Looks; his Eyes never re⯑moving themſelves from her Face, till they were cloſed by Death. Her Spirits, which the De⯑ſire ſhe had of being uſeful to him, had alone ſupported, now failed her at once; and ſhe fell upon the Bed, without Senſe or Motion, as ſoon as ſhe ſaw him expire.

Mr. Glanville, who was kneeling on the other Side, and had been holding one of his Uncle's Hands, ſtarted up in the moſt terrible Conſter⯑nation, and, ſeeing the Condition ſhe was in, flew to her Relief: Her Women, while he ſup⯑ported her, uſed all the Endeavours they could think of to recover her; but ſhe continued ſo long in her Swoon, that they apprehended ſhe was dead; and Glanville was reſigning himſelf up to the moſt bitter Sorrow, when ſhe opened her Eyes; but it was only to cloſe them again. [86] Her Faintings continued the whole Day; and the Phyſicians declaring ſhe was in great Danger, from her extreme Weakneſs, ſhe was carried to Bed in a Condition that ſeemed to promiſe very little Hopes of her Life.

The Care of the Marquis's Funeral devolving upon Mr. Glanville, he ſent a Meſſenger expreſs for his Father, who was appointed Guardian to Lady Bella; the Marquis having firſt aſked her if ſhe was willing it ſhould be ſo. This Gentleman arrived Time enough to be Witneſs of that ſad Ceremony, which was performed with a Magnificence ſuitable to the Birth and Fortune of the Marquis.

Lady Bella kept her Bed ſeveral Days, and her Life was thought to be in Danger; but her Youth, and the Strength of her Conſtitution, overcame her Diſeaſe; and, when ſhe was ſo well recovered as to be able to admit of a Viſit from her Uncle, Mr. Glanville ſent for Permiſ⯑ſion to introduce him: The afflicted Arabella granted his Requeſt; but, being then more in⯑diſpoſed than uſual, ſhe intreated they would de⯑fer their Viſit for an Hour or two, which they complied with; and, returning at the appointed Time, were conducted into her Dreſſing-Room by Lucy, who informed them her Lady was juſt fallen into a Slumber.

Mr. Glanville, who had not ſeen her for ſome Days, expected her waking with great Impatience; and pleaſed himſelf with deſcribing her, with a Lover's Fondneſs, to his Father, when the Sound of her Voice in the next Room interrupted him.

CHAP. III.

ARABELLA, being then awaked from her Slumber, was indulging her Grief by Com⯑plaints, which her Women were ſo uſed to hear, that they never offered to diſturb her. Merci⯑leſs Fate! ſaid ſhe, in the moſt moving Tone imaginable, Cruel Deſtiny! that, not contented with having deprived my Infancy of the ſoft Cares, and tender Indulgences, of a Mother's Fondneſs, has robbed me of the only Parent I had left, and expoſed me, at theſe early Years, to the Grief of loſing him, who was not only my Father, but my Friend, and Protector of my Youth!

Then, pauſing a Moment, ſhe renewed her Complaints with a deep Sigh: Dear Relics of the beſt of Fathers! purſued ſhe, Why was it not permitted me to bathe you with my Tears? Why were thoſe ſacred Remains of him, from whom I drew my Life, ſnatched from my Eyes, ere they had poured their Tribute of Sorrow over them? Ah! pitileſs Women! ſaid ſhe to her Attendants, you prevented me from per⯑forming the laſt pious Rites to my dear Father! You, by your cruel Care, hindered me from eaſing my ſad Heart, by paying him the laſt Duties he could receive from me! Pardon, O dear and ſacred Shade of my loved Father! pardon this unwilling Neglect of thy afflicted [88] Child, who, to the laſt Moment of her wretched Life, will bewail thy Loſs!

Here ſhe ceaſed ſpeaking; and Mr. Glanville, whom this Soliloquy had much leſs confounded than his Father, was preparing to go in, and comfort her; when the old Gentleman ſtopping him with a Look of great Concern: My Niece is certainly much worſe than we apprehend, ſaid he: She is in a Delirium: Our Preſence may, perhaps, diſcompoſe her too much.

No, Sir, replied Glanville, extremely con⯑fuſed at this Suſpicion; my Couſin is not ſo bad as you ſuppoſe: It is common enough for Peo⯑ple in any great Affliction to eaſe themſelves by Complaints.

But theſe, replied the Knight, are the ſtrangeſt Complaints I ever heard, and ſavour ſo much of Phrenſy, that I am perſuaded her Head is not quite right.

Glanville was going to reply, when Lucy, en⯑tering, told them her Lady had ordered their Admiſſion: Upon which they followed her into Arabella's Chamber, who was lying negli⯑gently upon her Bed.

Her deep Mourning, and the black Gawſe, which covered Part of her fair Face, was ſo ad⯑vantageous to her Shape and Complexion, that Sir Charles, who had not ſeen her ſince ſhe grew up, was ſtruck with an extreme Surprize at her Beauty, while his Son was gazing on her ſo paſſionately, that he never thought of introducing his Father to her, who contemplated her with as much Admiration as his Son, though with leſs Paſſion.

[89] Arabella, riſing from her Bed, ſaluted her Uncle with a Grace that wholly charmed him; and, turning to receive Mr. Glanville, ſhe burſt into Tears at the Remembrance of his having aſſiſted her in her laſt Attendance upon her Fa⯑ther. Alas! Sir, ſaid ſhe, when we ſaw each other laſt, we were both engaged, in a very melancholy Office: Had it pleaſed Heaven to have ſpared my Father, he would, doubtleſs, have been extremely ſenſible of your generous Cares; nor ſhall you have any Reaſon to accuſe me of Ingratitude, ſince I ſhall always acknow⯑lege your Kindneſs as I ought.

If you think you owe me any Obligation, re⯑turned Glanville, pay me, deareſt Couſin, by moderating your Sorrow: Indeed your ſuffer yourſelf to ſink too much under an Affliction which is impoſſible to be remedied.

Alas! anſwered Arabella, my Grief is very ſlight, compared to that of many others upon the Death of their Relations: The Great Syſi⯑gambis, who, queſtionleſs, wanted neither For⯑titude nor Courage, upon the News of her Grand-daughter's Death, wrapt herſelf up in her Veil; and, reſolving never more to behold the Light, waited for Death in that Poſture.

Menecrates, upon the Loſs of his Wife, built a magnificent Tomb for her; and, ſhutting him⯑ſelf up in it, reſolved to paſs away the Remain⯑der of his Life with her Aſhes. Theſe, in⯑deed, were glorious Effects of Piety and Affec⯑tion, and unfeigned Signs of an exceſſive Sor⯑row: What are the few Tears I ſhed to ſuch illuſtrious Inſtances of Grief and Affection, as theſe?

[90] Glanville, finding his Couſin upon this Strain, bluſhed extremely, and would have changed the Subject; but the old Gentleman, who had never heard of theſe two Perſons ſhe mentioned, who expreſſed their Sorrow for their Loſſes in ſo ſtrange a Manner, was ſurpriſed at it; and was reſolved to know more about them.

Pray, Niece, ſaid he, were you acquainted with theſe People, who could not ſubmit to the Diſpenſation of Providence, but, as one may ſay, flew in the Face of Heaven by their Impa⯑tience?

I am very well acquainted with their Hiſtory, reſumed Arabella; and I can aſſure you, they were both very admirable Perſons.

Oh! Oh! their Hiſtory! interrupted the Knight! What, I warrant you, they are to be found in the Fairy Tales, and thoſe ſort of Books! Well, I never could like ſuch Romances, not I; for they only ſpoil Youth, and put ſtrange Notions into their Heads.

I am ſorry, reſumed Arabella, bluſhing with Anger, that we are like to differ in Opinion upon ſo important a Point.

Truly, Niece, ſaid Sir Charles, if we never differ in any thing elſe, I ſhall be very eaſy about this ſlight Matter; tho' I think a young Lady of your fine Senſe (for my Son praiſes you to the Skies for your Wit) ſhould not be ſo fond of ſuch ridiculous Nonſenſe as theſe Story-Books are filled with.

Upon my Word, reſumed Arabella, all the Reſpect I owe you cannot hinder me from tell⯑ing you, that I take it extremely ill you ſhould, in my Preſence, rail at the fineſt Productions in [91] the World: I think, we are infinitely obliged to theſe Authors, who have, in ſo ſublime a Style, delivered down to Poſterity the heroic Actions of the braveſt Men, and moſt virtuous of Wo⯑men: But for the inimitable Pen of the famous Scudery, we had been ignorant of the Lives of many great and illuſtrious Perſons: The war⯑like Actions of Oroondates, Aronces, Juba, and the renowned Artaban, had, haply, never been talked of in our Age; and thoſe fair and chaſte Ladies, who were the Objects of their pure and conſtant Paſſions, had ſtill been buried in Obſcu⯑rity; and neither their divine Beauties, or ſin⯑gular Virtue, been the Subject of our Admira⯑tion and Praiſe. But for the famous Scudery, we had not known the true Cauſe of that Action of Clelia's, for which the Senate decreed her a Statue; namely, Her caſting herſelf, with an unparalleled Courage, into the Tyber, a deep and rapid River, as you muſt certainly know, and ſwimming to the other Side. It was not, as the Roman Hiſtorians falſly report, a Stratagem to recover herſelf, and the other Hoſtages, from the Power of Porſena; it was to preſerve her Ho⯑nour from Violation by the impious Sextus, who was in the Camp. But for Scudery, we had ſtill thought the inimitable Poeteſs Sappho to be a looſe Wanton, whoſe Verſes breathed nothing but unchaſte and irregular Fires: On the con⯑trary, ſhe was ſo remarkably chaſte, that ſhe would never even conſent to marry; but, loving Phaon, only with a Platonic Paſſion, obliged him to reſtrain his Deſires within the Compaſs of a Brother's Affection. Numberleſs are the Miſtakes he has cleared up of this Kind; and [92] I queſtion, if any other Hiſtorian, but himſelf, knew that Cleopatra was really married to Julius Caeſar; or that Caeſario, her Son by this Mar⯑riage, was not murdered, as was ſuppoſed, by the Order of Auguſtus, but married the fair Queen of Ethiopia, in whoſe Dominions he took Refuge. The prodigious Acts of Valour, which he has recounted of thoſe accompliſhed Princes, have never been equalled by the Heroes of either the Greek or Roman Hiſtorians: How poor and inſignificant are the Actions of their Warriors to Scudery's, where one of thoſe admirable He⯑roes would put whole Armies into Terror, and with his ſingle Arm oppoſe a Legion!

Indeed, Niece, ſaid Sir Charles, no longer able to forbear interrupting her, theſe are all very improbable Tales. I remember, when I was a Boy, I was very fond of reading the Hi⯑ſtory of Jack the Giant killer, and Tom Thumb; and theſe Stories ſo filled my Head, that I really thought one of thoſe little Heroes killed Men an hundred Feet high; and that the other, after a great many ſurpriſing Exploits, was ſwallowed up by a Cow.

You was very young, Sir, you ſay, interrupted Arabella tartly, when thoſe Stories gained your Belief: However, your Judgment was certainly younger, if you ever believed them at all; for as credulous as you are pleaſed to think me, I ſhould never, at any Age, have been perſuaded ſuch Things could have happened.

My Father, Madam, ſaid Glanville, who was ſtrangely confuſed all this Time, bore Arms in his Youth; and Soldiers, you know, never trouble themſelves much with reading.

[93] Has my Uncle been a Soldier, ſaid Arabella, and does he hold in Contempt the Actions of the braveſt Soldiers in the World?

The Soldiers you ſpeak of, Niece, ſaid Sir Charles, were indeed the braveſt Soldiers in the World; for I don't believe, they ever had their Equals.

And yet, Sir, ſaid Arabella, there are a great Number of ſuch Soldiers to be found in Scudery.

Indeed, my dear Niece, interrupted Sir Charles, they are to be found no-where elſe, except in your Imagination, which, I am ſorry to ſee, is filled with ſuch Whimſies.

If you mean this to affront me, Sir, reſumed Arabella, hardly able to forbear Tears, I know how far, as my Uncle, I ought to bear with you: But, methinks, it is highly unkind to ag⯑gravate my Sorrows by ſuch cruel Jeſts; and, ſince I am not in an Humour to ſuffer them, don't take it ill, if I intreat you to leave me to myſelf.

Mr. Glanville, who knew nothing pleaſed his Couſin ſo much as paying an exact Obedience to her Commands, roſe up immediately; and, bowing reſpectfully to her, aſked his Father, If he ſhould attend him into the Gardens?

The Baronet, who thought Arabella's Beha⯑viour bordered a good deal upon Rudeneſs, took his Leave with ſome Signs of Diſpleaſure upon his Countenance; and, notwithſtanding all his Son could ſay in Excuſe for her, he was ex⯑tremely offended.

What, ſaid he, to Mr. Glanville, does ſhe ſo little underſtand the Reſpect that is due to me as her Uncle, that ſhe, ſo peremptorily, deſired [94] me to leave her Room? My Brother was to blame to take ſo little Care of her Education; ſhe is quite a Ruſtic!

Ah! don't wrong your Judgment ſo much, Sir, ſaid Glanville; my Couſin has as little of the Ruſtic as if ſhe had paſſed all her Life in a Court: Her fine Senſe, and the native Elegance of her Manners give an inimitable Grace to her Behaviour; and as much exceed the ſtudied Po⯑liteneſs of other Ladies I have converſed with, as the Beauties of her Perſon do all I have ever ſeen.

She is very handſome, I confeſs, returned Sir Charles; but I cannot think ſo well of her Wit as you do; for methinks ſhe talks very oddly, and has the ſtrangeſt Conceits! Who, but her⯑ſelf, would think it probable, that one Man could put a whole Army to Flight; or commend a fooliſh Fellow for living in a Tomb, becauſe his Wife was buried in it? Fie, fie! theſe are ſilly and extravagant Notions, and will make her appear very ridiculous.

Mr. Glanville was ſo ſenſible of the Juſtneſs of this Remark, that he could not help ſighing; which his Father obſerving, told him, That, ſince ſhe was to be his Wife, it was his Buſineſs to produce a Reformation in her; for, added he, notwithſtanding the immenſe Fortune ſhe will bring you, I ſhould be ſorry to have a Daughter-in-law, for whom I ſhould bluſh as often as ſhe opens her Mouth.

I aſſure you, Sir, ſaid Mr. Glanville, I have but very little Hopes, that I ſhall be ſo happy as to have my Couſin for a Wife; for, tho' it was my Uncle's Command I ſhould make my Ad⯑dreſſes [95] to her, ſhe received me ſo ill, as a Lover, that I have never dared to talk to her upon that Subject ſince.

And pray, reſumed Sir Charles, upon what Terms are you at preſent?

While I ſeem to pretend nothing to her, as a Lover, replied Mr. Glanville, ſhe is very obli⯑ging, and we live in great Harmony together; but I am perſuaded, if I exceed the Bounds of Friendſhip in my Profeſſions, ſhe will treat me extremely ill.

But, interrupted Sir Charles, when ſhe ſhall know, that her Father has bequeathed you one Third of his Eſtate, provided ſhe don't marry you, 'tis probable her Mind may change; and you may depend upon it, ſince your Heart is ſo much ſet upon her, that, as I am her Guardian, I ſhall preſs her to perform the Marquis's Will.

Ah! Sir, reſumed Mr. Glanville, never at⯑tempt to lay any Conſtraint upon my Couſin in an Affair of this Nature: Permit me to tell you, it would be an Abuſe of the Marquis's generous Confidence, and what I would never ſubmit to.

Nay, nay, ſaid the old Gentleman, you have no Reaſon to fear any Compulſion from me: Tho' her Father has left me her Guardian, till ſhe is of Age, yet it is with ſuch Reſtriction, that my Niece is quite her own Miſtreſs in that Reſpect; for tho' ſhe is directed to conſult me in her Choice of an Huſband, yet my Conſent is not abſolutely neceſſary. The Marquis has certainly had a great Opinion of his Daughter's Prudence; and I hope, ſhe will prove herſelf worthy of it by her Conduct.

[96] Mr. Glanville was ſo taken up with his Re⯑flections upon the State of his Affairs, that he made but little Reply; and, as ſoon as he had diſengaged himſelf, retired to his Chamber, to be at more Liberty to indulge his Meditations. As he could not flatter himſelf, with having made any Impreſſion upon the Heart of Arabella, he foreſaw a thouſand Incoveniences from the Death of the Marquis; for, beſides that he loſt a powerful Mediator with his Couſin, he feared that, when ſhe appeared in the World, her Beauty and Fortune would attract a Croud of Admirers, among whom, it was probable, ſhe would find ſome one more agreeable to her Taſte than himſelf. As he loved her with great Tenderneſs, this Thought made him extremely uneaſy; and he would ſometimes wiſh the Mar⯑quis had laid a ſtronger Injunction upon her in his Will to marry him; and regretted the little Power his Father had over her: But he was too generous, to dwell long upon theſe Thoughts, and contented himſelf with doing all that was honourable to obtain her, without ſeeking for any Aſſiſtance from unjuſtifiable Methods.

CHAP. IV.

ARABELLA, in a few Days, leaving her Chamber, had ſo many Opportunities of charming her Uncle by her Converſation, [97] which, when it did not turn upon any Incident in her Romances, was perfectly fine, eaſy, and entertaining, that he declared, he ſhould quit the Caſtle with great Regret; and endeavoured to perſuade her to accompany him to Town: But Arabella, who was determined to paſs the Year of her Mourning, in the Retirement ſhe had always lived in, abſolutely refuſed, ſtrong as her Curioſity was, to ſee London.

Mr. Glanville ſecretly rejoiced at this Reſolu⯑tion, tho' he ſeemed deſirous of making her change it; but ſhe was unalterable; and, there⯑fore, the Baronet did not think proper to preſs her any more.

Her Father's Will being read to her, ſhe ſeemed extremely pleaſed with the Articles in fa⯑vour of Mr. Glanville, wiſhing him Joy of the Eſtate that was bequeathed to him, with a moſt inchanting Sweetneſs.

Mr. Glanville ſighed, and caſt his Eyes on the Ground, as he returned her Compliment, with a very low Bow; and Sir Charles, obſerv⯑ing his Confuſion, told Arabella, that he thought it was a very bad Omen for his Son, to wiſh him Joy of an Eſtate, which he could not come to the Poſſeſſion of, but by a very great Misfortune.

Arabella, underſtanding his Meaning, bluſhed; and, willing to change the Diſcourſe, proceeded to conſult her Uncle upon the Regulation of her Houſe. Beſides the Legacies her Father had bequeathed to his Servants, thoſe, who were more immediately about his Perſon, ſhe deſired, might have their Salaries continued to them: She made no other Alteration, than diſcharging theſe Attendants, retaining all the others; and [98] ſubmitting to her Uncle the Management of her Eſtates, receiving the Allowance he thought proper to aſſign her, till ſhe was of Age, of which ſhe wanted three Years.

Every Thing being ſettled, Sir Charles pre⯑pared to return to Town. Mr. Glanville, who deſired nothing ſo much as to ſtay ſome time longer with his Couſin in her Solitude, got his Father to intreat that Favour for him of Ara⯑bella: But ſhe repreſented to her Uncle the Im⯑propriety of a young Gentleman's ſtaying with her, in her Houſe, now her Father was dead, in a manner ſo genteel and convincing, that Sir Charles could preſs it no further; and all that Mr. Glanville could obtain, was, a Permiſ⯑ſion to viſit her ſome time after, provided he could prevail upon his Siſter, Miſs Charlotte Glanville, to accompany him.

The Day of their Departure being come, Sir Charles took his Leave of his charming Niece, with many Expreſſions of Eſteem and Affection; and Mr. Glanville appeared ſo concerned, that Arabella could not help obſerving it; and bade him adieu with great Sweetneſs.

When they were gone, ſhe found her Time hung heavy upon her Hands; her Father was continually in her Thoughts, and made her ex⯑tremely melancholy: She recollected the many agreeable Converſations ſhe had had with Glan⯑ville; and wiſhed it had been conſiſtent with Decency to have detained him. Her Books being the only Amuſement ſhe had left, ſhe ap⯑plied herſelf to reading with more Eagerneſs than ever; but, notwithſtanding the Delight ſhe took in this Employment, ſhe had ſo many Hours of Solitude and Melancholy to indulge [99] the Remembrance of her Father in, that ſhe was very far from being happy.

As ſhe wiſhed for nothing more paſſionately than an agreeable Companion of her own Sex and Rank, an Accident threw a Perſon in her Way, who, for ſome Days, afforded her a little Amuſement. Stepping one Day out of her Coach, to go into Church, ſhe ſaw a young Lady enter, accompanied with a middle-aged Woman, who ſeemed to be an Attendant. As Arabella had never ſeen any one, above the Rank of a Gen⯑tleman Farmer's Daughter, in this Church, her Attention was immediately engaged by the Ap⯑pearance of this Stranger, who was very mag⯑nificently dreſſed: Tho' ſhe did not ſeem to be more than eighteen Years of Age, her Statute was above the ordinary Size of Women; and, being rather too plump to be delicate, her Mien was ſo majeſtic, and ſuch an Air of Grandeur was diffuſed over her whole Perſon, joined to the Charms of a very lovely Face, that Arabella could hardly help thinking ſhe ſaw the beautiful Candace before her, who, by Scudery's Deſcrip⯑tion, very much reſembled this Fair one.

Arabella, having heedfully obſerved her Looks, thought ſhe ſaw a great Appearance of Melan⯑choly in her Eyes, which filled her with a gene⯑rous Concern for the Misfortunes of ſo admira⯑ble a Perſon; but, the Service beginning, ſhe was not at Liberty to indulge her Reflections upon this Occaſion, as ſhe never ſuffered any Thoughts, but thoſe of Religion, to intrude upon her Mind, during theſe pious Rites.

As ſhe was going out of Church ſhe obſerved the young Lady, attended only with the Wo⯑man who came with her, preparing to walk [100] home, and therefore ſtept forward, and, ſalu⯑ting her with a Grace peculiar to herſelf, in⯑treated her to come into her Coach, and give her the Pleaſure of ſetting her down at her own Houſe: So obliging an Offer from a Perſon of Arabella's Rank could not fail of being received with great Reſpect by the young Lady, who was not ignorant of all the Forms of Good-breeding; and, accepting her Invitation, ſhe ſtepped into the Coach; Arabella obliging her Woman to come in alſo, for whom, as ſhe had that Day only Lucy along with her, there was Room enough.

As they were going home, Arabella, who longed to be better acquainted, intreated the fair Stranger, as ſhe called her, to go to the Ca⯑ſtle, and ſpend the Day with her; and ſhe con⯑ſenting, they paſſed by the Houſe where ſhe lodged, and alighted at the Caſtle, where Ara⯑bella welcomed her, with the moſt obliging Ex⯑preſſions of Civility and Reſpect. The young Lady, tho' perfectly verſed in the Modes of Town-Breeding, and nothing-meaning Ceremo⯑ny, was at a Loſs how to make proper Returns to the Civilities of Arabella: The native Elegance and Simplicity of her Manners were accompa⯑nied with ſo much real Benevolence of Heart, ſuch inſinuating Tenderneſs, and Graces ſo ir⯑reſiſtible, that ſhe was quite oppreſſed with them; and, having ſpent moſt of her Time be⯑tween her Toilet and Quadrille, was ſo little qualified for partaking a Converſation ſo refined as Arabella's, that her Diſcourſe appeared quite tedious to her, ſince it was neither upon Fa⯑ſhions, Aſſemblies, Cards, or Scandal.

Her Silence, and that Abſence of Mind, which ſhe betrayed, made Arabella conclude, ſhe was [101] under ſome very great Affliction; and, to amuſe her after Dinner, led her into the Gardens, ſup⯑poſing a Perſon, whoſe Uneaſineſs, as ſhe did not doubt, proceeded from Love, would be pleaſed with the Sight of Groves and Streams, and be tempted to diſcloſe her Misfortunes, while they wandered in that agreeable Privacy. In this, however, ſhe was deceived; for, tho' the young Lady ſighed ſeveral times, yet, when ſhe did ſpeak, it was only of indifferent Things, and not at all in the manner of an afflicted Heroine.

After obſerving upon a thouſand Trifles, ſhe told Arabella at laſt, to whom ſhe was deſirous of making known her Alliance to Quality, that theſe Gardens were extremely like thoſe of her Father's-in-Law, the Duke of—at—

At this Intimation, ſhe expected Arabella would be extremely ſurpriſed; but that Lady, whoſe Thoughts were always familiarized to Ob⯑jects of Grandeur, and would not have been aſtoniſhed, if ſhe had underſtood her Gueſt was the Daughter of a King, appeared ſo little moved, that the Lady was piqued by her Indifference; and, after a few Moment's Silence, began to mention going away.

Arabella, who was deſirous of retaining her a few Days, intreated her ſo obligingly to favour her with her Company, for ſome time, in her Solitude, that the other could not refuſe; and, diſpatching her Woman to the Houſe where ſhe lodged, to inform them of her Stay at the Caſtle, would have diſpenſed with her coming again to attend her, had not Arabella inſiſted upon the contrary.

The Reſerve, which the Daughter-in-Law of the Duke of—ſtill continued to maintain, [102] notwithſtanding the repeated Expreſſions of Friendſhip Arabella uſed to her, increaſed her Curioſity to know her Adventures, which ſhe was extremely ſurpriſed, ſhe had never offered to relate; but, attributing her Silence, upon this Head, to her Modeſty, ſhe was reſolved, as was the Cuſtom in thoſe Caſes, to oblige her Wo⯑man, who, ſhe preſumed, was her Confidante, to relate, her Lady's Hiſtory to her; and ſend⯑ing for this Perſon one Day, when ſhe was alone, to attend her in her Cloſet, ſhe gave Orders to her Women, if the fair Stranger came to inquire for her, to ſay ſhe was then buſy, but would wait on her as ſoon as poſſible.

After this Caution, ſhe ordered Mrs. Morris to be admitted; and, obliging her to ſit down, told her, ſhe ſent for her in order to hear from her the Hiſtory of her Lady's Life, which ſhe was extremely deſirous of knowing.

Mrs. Morris, who was a Perſon of Senſe, and had ſeen the World, was extremely ſurpriſed at this Requeſt of Arabella, which was quite contrary to the Laws of Good-breeding; and, as ſhe thought, betrayed a great deal of imperti⯑nent Curioſity: She could not tell how to account for the free Manner in which ſhe deſired her to give up her Lady's Secrets, which, indeed, were not of a Nature to be told; and appeared ſo much confuſed, that Arabella took Notice of it; and, ſuppoſing it was her Baſhfulneſs which cauſed her Embarraſſment, ſhe endeavoured to re-aſſure her by the moſt affable Behaviour ima⯑ginable.

Mrs. Morris, who was not capable of much Fidelity for her Lady, being but lately taken [103] into her Service, and not extremely fond of her, thought ſhe had now a fine Opportunity of re⯑commending herſelf to Arabella, by telling her all ſhe knew of Miſs Groves, for that was her Name; and, therefore, told her, ſince ſhe was pleaſed to command it, ſhe would give her what Account ſhe was able of her Lady; but in⯑treated her to be ſecret, becauſe it was of great Conſequence to her, that her Affairs ſhould not be known.

I always imagined, ſaid Arabella, that your beautiful Miſtreſs had ſome particular Reaſon for not making herſelf known, and for coming in this private Manner into this Part of the Country: You may aſſure yourſelf therefore, that I will protect her as far as I am able, and offer her all the Aſſiſtance in my Power to give her: Therefore you may acquaint me with her Adventures, without being apprehenſive of a Diſcovery that would be prejudicial to her.

Mrs. Morris, who had been much better pleaſed with the Aſſurances of a Reward for the Intelligence ſhe was going to give her, looked a little fooliſh at theſe fine Promiſes, in which ſhe had no Share; and Arabella, ſuppoſing ſhe was endeavouring to recollect all the Paſſages of her Lady's Life, told her, She need not give herſelf the Trouble to acquaint her with any thing that paſſed during the Infancy of her Lady, but pro⯑ceed to acquaint her with Matters of greater Im⯑portance: And ſince, ſaid ſhe, you have, no doubt, been moſt favoured with her Confidence, you will do me a Pleaſure to deſcribe to me, ex⯑actly, all the Thoughts of her Soul, as ſhe has communicated them to you, that I may the better comprehend her Hiſtory.

CHAP. V.

THOUGH, Madam, ſaid Mrs. Morris, I have not been long in Miſs Groves's Ser⯑vice, yet I know a great many Things by the means of her former Woman, who told them to me, tho' my Lady thinks I am ignorant of them; and I know that this is her ſecond Trip into the Country.

Pray, interrupted Arabella, do me the Fa⯑vour to relate Things methodically: Of what Uſe is it to me to know that this is your Lady's ſecond Trip, as you call it, into the Country, if I know not the Occaſion of it? Therefore be⯑gin with informing me, who were the Parents of this admirable young Perſon.

Her Father, Madam, ſaid Mrs. Morris, was a Merchant; and, at his Death, left her a large Fortune, and ſo conſiderable a Jointure to his Wife, that the Duke of—, being then a Wi⯑dower, was tempted to make his Addreſſes to her. Mrs. Groves was one of the proudeſt Wo⯑men in the World; and, this Offer flattering her Ambition more than ever ſhe had Reaſon to expect, ſhe married the Duke after a very ſhort Courtſhip; and carried Miſs Groves down with her to—, where the Duke had a fine Seat, and where ſhe was received by his Grace's Daughters, who were much about her own Age, with great Civility. Miſs Groves, Madam, was then about twelve Years old, and was educated [105] with the Duke's Daughters, who, in a little time, became quite diſguſted with their new Siſter; for Miſs Groves, who inherited her Mo⯑ther's Pride, tho' not her Underſtanding, in all things affected an Equality with thoſe young Ladies, who, conſcious of the Superiority of their Birth, could but ill bear with her Inſolence and Preſumption. As they grew older, the Dif⯑ference of their Inclinations cauſed perpetual Quarrels amongſt them; for his Grace's Daugh⯑ters were ſerious, reſerved, and pious. Miſs Groves affected noiſy Mirth, was a great Romp, and delighted in maſculine Exerciſes.

The Ducheſs was often reflected on for ſuf⯑fering her Daughter, without any other Com⯑pany than two or three Servants, to ſpend great Part of the Day in riding about the Country, leaping over Hedges and Ditches, expoſing her fair Face to the Injuries of the Sun and Wind; and, by thoſe coarſe Exerciſes, contracting a maſculine and robuſt Air not becoming her Sex, and tender Years: Yet ſhe could not be prevailed upon to reſtrain her from this Diverſion, till it was reported, ſhe had liſtened to the Addreſſes of a young Sportſman, who uſed to mix in her Train, when ſhe went upon thoſe Rambles, and procured frequent Opportunities of converſing with her.

There is a great Difference, interrupted Ara⯑bella, in ſuffering Addreſſes, and being betrayed into an involuntary Hearing of them, and this laſt, I conceive to have been the Caſe of your Lady; for it is not very probable, ſhe would ſo far forget what ſhe owed to her own Glory, [106] as to be induced to liſten quietly to Diſcourſes like thoſe you mention.

However, Madam, reſumed Mrs. Morris, the Ducheſs thought it neceſſary to keep her more at home; but, even here, ſhe was not without meeting Adventures, and found a Lo⯑ver in the Perſon who taught her to write.

That, indeed, was a very notable Adventure, ſaid Arabella; but it is not ſtrange, that Love ſhould produce ſuch Metamorphoſes: 'Tis not very long ago, that I heard of a Man of Qua⯑lity, who diſguiſed himſelf in a poor Habit, and worked in the Gardens of a certain Nobleman, whoſe Daughter he was enamoured with: Theſe things happen every Day.

The Perſon I ſpeak of, Madam, ſaid Mrs. Morris, was never diſcovered to be any thing better than a Writing-maſter; and yet, for all that, Miſs was ſmitten with his fine Perſon, and was taking Meaſures to run away with him, when the Intrigue was diſcovered, the Lover diſmiſſed, and the young Lady, whoſe faulty Conduct had drawn upon her her Mother's Diſ⯑like, was ſent up to London, and allowed to be her own Miſtreſs at Sixteen; to which unpar⯑donable Neglect of her Mother ſhe owes the Misfortunes that have ſince befallen her.

Whatever may be the common Opinion of this Matter, interrupted Arabella again, I am perſuaded the Writing-maſter, as you call him, was ſome Perſon of Quality, who made uſe of that Device to get Acceſs to his beautiful Miſtreſs. Love is ingenious in Artifices: Who would have thought, that, under the Name of Alcippus, a ſimple Attendant of the fair Artemiſa Princeſs [107] of Armenia, the gallant Alexander Son of the great and unfortunate Antony, by Queen Clcopatra, was concealed, who took upon himſelf that mean Condition for the ſake of ſeeing his adored Princeſs? Yet the Contrivance of Orontes, Prince of the Maſſagetes, was far more ingenious, and even dangerous; for this valiant and young Prince, happening to ſee the Picture of the beau⯑tiful Thaleſtris, Daughter of the Queen of the Amazons, he fell paſſionately in Love with her; and, knowing that the Entrance into that Coun⯑try was forbid to Men, he dreſſed himſelf in Womens Apparel; and, finding means to be introduced to the Queen, and her fair Daughter, whoſe Amity he gained by ſome very ſingular Services in the Wars, he lived ſeveral Years un⯑diſcovered in their Court: I ſee, therefore, no Reaſon to the contrary, but that this Writing-master might have been ſome illuſtrious Perſon, whom Love had diſguiſed; and, I am perſuaded, added ſhe, ſmiling, that I ſhall hear more of him anon, in a very different Character.

Indeed, Madam, ſaid Mrs. Morris, whom this Speech of Arabella had extremely ſurpriſed, I never heard any thing more about him, than what I have related; and, for what I know, he continues ſtill to teach Writing; for I don't ſup⯑poſe the Ducheſs's Diſpleaſure could affect him.

How is it poſſible, ſaid Arabella, that you can ſuppoſe ſuch an Offence to Probability? In my Opinion, 'tis much more likely, that this unfortunate Lover is dead thro' Deſpair; or, perhaps, wandering over the World in Search [108] of that Fair one, who was ſnatched from his Hopes.

If it was his Deſign to ſeek for her, Madam, reſumed Mrs. Morris, he need not have gone far, ſince ſhe was only ſent to London, whither he might eaſily have followed her.

There is no accounting for theſe Things, ſaid Arabella: Perhaps he has been impoſed upon, and made to believe, that it was ſhe herſelf that ba⯑niſhed him from her Preſence: 'Tis probable too, that he was jealous, and thought ſhe preferred ſome one of his Rivals to him. Jealouſy is inſepara⯑ble from true Love; and the slighteſt Matters ima⯑ginable will occaſion it: And, what is ſtill more wonderful, this Paſſion creates the greateſt Diſ⯑orders in the moſt ſenſible and delicate Hearts. Never was there a more refined and faithful Paſſion, than that of the renowned Artamenes for Mandana; and yet this Prince was driven al⯑moſt to Diſtraction by a Smile, which, he fan⯑ſied, he ſaw in the Face of his Divine Miſtreſs, at a time when ſhe had ſome Reaſon to believe he was dead; and he was ſo tranſported with Grief and Rage, that, tho' he was a Priſoner in his Enemy's Camp, where the Knowledge of his Quality would have procured him certain Death, yet he determined to hazard all Things for the fake of preſenting himſelf before Mandana, and upbraiding her with her Infidelity; when, in Reality, nothing was farther from the Thoughts of that fair and virtuous Princeſs, than the Light⯑neſs he accuſed her of: So that, as I ſaid before, it is not at all to be wondered at, if this diſguiſed Lover of your Lady was driven to Deſpair by Suſpicions as groundleſs, perhaps, as thoſe of [109] Artamenes, yet not the leſs cruel and torment⯑ing.

Mrs. Morris, finding Arabella held her Peace at theſe Words, went on with her Hiſtory in this manner:—Miſs Groves, Madam, being directed by her Woman in all things, took up her Lodgings in her Father's Houſe, who was a broken Tradeſman, and obliged to keep himſelf concealed for fear of his Creditors: Here ſhe formed her Equipage, which conſiſted of a Chair, one Footman, a Cook, and her Wo⯑man: As ſhe was indulged with the Command of what Money ſhe pleaſed, her Extravagance was boundleſs: She laviſhed away large Sums at Gaming, which was her favourite Diverſion; kept ſuch a Number of different Animals for Favourites, that their Maintenance amounted to a conſiderable Sum every Year: Her Wo⯑man's whole Family were ſupported at her Ex⯑pence; and, as ſhe frequented all public Places, and ſurpaſſed Ladies of the firſt Quality in Fine⯑ry, her Dreſs alone conſumed great Part of her Income. I need not tell you, Madam, that my Lady was a celebrated Beauty: You have your⯑ſelf been pleaſed to ſay, that ſhe is very hand⯑ſome. When ſhe firſt appeared at Court, her Beauty, and the uncommon Dignity of her Per⯑ſon, at ſuch early Years, made her the Object of general Admiration. The King was particu⯑larly ſtruck with her; and declared to thoſe about him, that Miſs Groves was the fineſt Woman at Court. The Ladies, however, found means to explain away all that was flattering in this Diſtinction: They ſaid, Miſs Groves was clumſy; and it was her Reſemblance to the unwieldy Ger⯑man [110] Ladies that made her ſo much admired by his Majeſty. Her Pride, and the Quality Airs ſhe affected, were the Subject of great Ridicule to thoſe that envied her Charms: Some Cen⯑ſures were maliciouſly caſt on her Birth; for, as ſhe was always ſtyled the Ducheſs of—'s Daughter, a Cuſtom ſhe introduced herſelf, ſhe ſeemed to diſclaim all Title to a legal Father. Miſs Groves, as univerſally admired as ſhe was, yet made but very few particular Conqueſts. Her Fortune was known to be very conſiderable, and her Mother's Jointure was to deſcend to her after her Death: Yet there was no Gentleman, who would venture upon a Wife of Miſs Groves's Taſte for Expence, as very few Eſtates, to which ſhe could pretend, would ſupport her Extrava⯑gance. —The Honourable Mr. L—Brother to the Earl of—, was the only one, amidſt a Croud of Admirers, who made any particular Addreſs to her. This Gentleman was tolera⯑bly handſome, and had the Art of making him⯑ſelf agreeable to the Ladies, by a certain Air of Softneſs and Tenderneſs, which never failed to make ſome Impreſſion upon thoſe he deſired to deceive.

Miſs Groves was raviſhed with her Conqueſt, and boaſted of it ſo openly, that People, who were acquainted with this Gentleman's Cha⯑racter, foreſeeing her Fate, could not help pi⯑tying her.

A very few Months Courtſhip completed the Ruin of poor Miſs Groves: She fell a Sacri⯑fice to Oaths which had been often proſtituted for the ſame inhuman Purpoſes; and became ſo fond of her Betrayer, that it was with great [111] Difficulty he could perſuade her not to give him, even in public, the moſt ridiculous Proofs of her Tenderneſs. Her Woman pretends, that ſhe was ignorant of this Intrigue, till Miſs Groves growing big with Child, it could no longer be concealed; it was at length agreed, ſhe ſhould lie-in at her own Lodgings, to prevent any Su⯑ſpicions from her retreating into the Country; but that Scheme was over-ruled by her Wo⯑man's Mother, who adviſed her to conceal her⯑ſelf in ſome Village, not far from Town, till the Affair was over.

Miſs Groves approved of this ſecond Propoſal, but took Advantage of her Shape, which, being far from delicate, would not eaſily diſcover any growing Bigneſs, to ſtay in Town as long as ſhe poſſibly could. When her Removal was neceſſary, ſhe went to the Lodgings provided for her, a few Miles diſtant from London: And, notwithſtanding the Excuſes which were framed for this ſudden Abſence, the true Cauſe was more than ſuſpected by ſome buſy People, who induſtriouſly inquired into her Affairs.

Mr. L—ſaw her but ſeldom during her Ill⯑neſs: The Fear of being diſcovered was his Pre⯑tence: But her Friends eaſily ſaw through this Diſguiſe, and were perſuaded Miſs Groves was waning in his Affections.

As ſhe had a very ſtrong Conſtitution, ſhe re⯑turned to Town at the End of three Weeks: The Child was dead, and ſhe looked hand⯑ſomer than ever. Mr. L—continued his Vi⯑ſits; and the Town to make Remarks of them. All this time the Ducheſs never trou⯑bled herſelf about the Conduct of this unfortu⯑nate [112] young Creature: And the People ſhe was with had not the Goodneſs to give her any Hint of her Miſconduct, and the Waſte of her For⯑tune: On the contrary, they almoſt turned her Head with their Flatteries, preyed upon her Fortune, and winked at her Irregularities.

She was now a ſecond time with Child: Her Character was pretty ſeverely handled by her Enemies: Mr. L—began openly to ſlight her: And ſhe was now ſeveral thouſand Pounds in Debt. The Mother and Siſters of her Woman, in whoſe Houſe ſhe ſtill was, were baſe enough to whiſper the Fault ſhe had been guilty of to all their Acquaintances. Her Story became ge⯑nerally known: She was ſhunned and neglected by every body; and even Mr. L—, who had been the Cauſe of her Ruin, intirely abandoned her, and boaſted openly of the Favours he had received from her.

Miſs Groves proteſted to her Friends, That he had promiſed her Marriage; but Mr. L—conſtantly denied it, and never ſcrupled to ſay, when he was queſtioned about it, That he found Miſs Groves too eaſy a Conqueſt to make any Perjury neceſſary. Her Tenderneſs, however, for this baſe Man, was ſo great, that ſhe never could bear to hear him railed at in her Preſence; but would quarrel with the only Friends ſhe had left, if they ſaid any thing to his Diſadvantage. As ſhe was now pretty far advanced with Child, ſhe would have retired into the Country; but the bad Condition of her Affairs made her Re⯑moval impoſſible: In this Extremity ſhe had Recourſe to her Uncle, a rich Merchant in the City, who, having taken all the neceſſary Pre⯑cautions [113] for his own Security, paid Miſs Groves's Debts, carrying on, in her Name, a Law-ſuit with the Ducheſs, for ſome Lands, which were to be put into her Hands, when ſhe was of Age, and which that great Lady detained. Miſs Groves, being reduced to live upon ſomething leſs than an Hundred a Year, quitted London, and came into this Part of the Country, where ſhe was received by Mrs. Barnett, one of her Woman's Siſters, who is married to a Country Gentleman of ſome Fortune: In her Houſe ſhe lay-in of a Girl, which Mr. L—ſent to de⯑mand, and will not be perſuaded to inform her how, or in what manner, he has diſpoſed of the Child.

Her former Woman leaving her, I was re⯑ceived in her Place, from whom I learnt all theſe Particulars: And Miſs Groves having gained the Affections of Mr. Barnett's Brother, her Beauty, and the large Fortune which ſhe has in Reverſion, has induced him, notwith⯑ſtanding the Knowledge of her paſt unhappy Con⯑duct, to marry her. But their Marriage is yet a Secret, Miſs Groves being apprehenſive of her Uncle's Diſpleaſure for not conſulting him in her Choice.

Her Huſband is gone to London, with an Intention to acquaint him with it; and, when he returns, their Marriage will be publicly owned.

CHAP. VI.

MRS. Morris ending her Narration, Arabella, who had not been able to reſtrain her Tears at ſome Parts of it, thanked her for the Trouble ſhe had been at; and aſ⯑ſured her of her Secrecy: Your Lady's Caſe, ſaid ſhe, is much to be lamented; and greatly reſembles the unfortunate Cleopatra's, whom Julius Caeſar privately marrying, with a Promiſe to own her for his Wife, when he ſhould be peaceable Maſter of the Roman Empire, left that great Queen big with Child, and, never in⯑tending to perform his Promiſe, ſuffered her to be expoſed to the Cenſures the World has ſo freely caſt upon her; and which ſhe ſo little deſerved.

Mrs. Morris, ſeeing the favourable Light in which Arabella viewed the Actions of her Lady, did not think proper to ſay any thing to unde⯑ceive her; but went out of the Cloſet, not a little mortified at her Diſappointment: For ſhe ſaw ſhe was likely to receive nothing for betray⯑ing her Lady's Secrets, from Arabella: Who ſeemed ſo little ſenſible of the Pleaſure of Scan⯑dal, as to be wholly ignorant of its Nature; and not to know it when it was told her.

Miſs Groves, who was juſt come to Lady Bella's Chamber-door, to inquire for her, was ſurpriſed to ſee her Woman come out of it; [115] and who, upon meeting her, expreſſed great Confuſion. As ſhe was going to aſk her ſome Queſtions concerning her Buſineſs there, Ara⯑bella came out of her Cloſet; and, ſeeing Miſs Groves in her Chamber, aſked her Pardon for ſtaying ſo long from her.

I have been liſtening to your Hiſtory, ſaid ſhe, with great Frankneſs, which your Woman has been relating: And I aſſure you I am ex⯑tremely ſenſible of your Misfortunes.

Miſs Groves, at theſe Words, bluſhed with extreme Confuſion; and Mrs. Morris turned pale with Aſtoniſhment and Fear. Arabella, not ſenſible that ſhe had been guilty of any In⯑diſcretion, proceeded to make Reflections upon ſome Part of her Story; which, though they were not at all diſadvantageous to that young Lady, ſhe received as ſo many Inſults: And aſked Lady Bella, If ſhe was not aſhamed to tamper with a Servant to betray the Secrets of her Miſtreſs?

Arabella, a little ſurpriſed at ſo rude a Que⯑ſtion, anſwered, however, with great Sweetneſs; and proteſted to her, that ſhe would make no ill Uſe of what ſhe had learned of her Affairs: For, in fine, Madam, ſaid ſhe, do you think I am leſs fit to be truſted with your Secrets, than the Princeſs of the Leontines was with thoſe of Clelia; between whom there was no greater Amity and Acquaintance, than with us? And you muſt certainly know, that the Secrets which that admirable Perſon entruſted with Lyſimena, were of a Nature to be more dangerous, if re⯑vealed, than yours. The Happineſs of Clelia depended upon Lyſimena's Fidelity: And the [116] Liberty, nay, haply, the Life, of Aronces, would have been in Danger, if ſhe had betrayed them. Though I do not intend to arrogate to myſelf the Poſſeſſion of thoſe admirable Qualities which adorned the Princeſs of the Leontines, yet I will not yield to her, or any one elſe, in Generoſity and Fidelity: And if you will be pleaſed to re⯑poſe as much Confidence in me, as thoſe illuſtri⯑ous Lovers did in her, you ſhall be convinced I will [...]abour as earneſtly for your Intereſt, as that fair Princeſs did for thoſe of Aronces and Clelia.

Miſs Groves was ſo buſied in reflecting upon the Baſeneſs of her Woman in expoſing her, that ſhe heard not a Word of this fine Harangue (at which Mrs. Morris, notwithſtanding the Cauſe ſhe had for Uneaſineſs, could hardly help laughing); but, aſſuming ſome of that Haughti⯑neſs in her Looks, for which ſhe uſed to be re⯑markable, ſhe told Lady Bella, that ſhe imputed her impertinent Curioſity to her Country Igno⯑rance, and ill Breeding: And ſhe did not doubt but ſhe would be ſerved in her own kind, and meet with as bad Fortune as ſhe had done; and, perhaps, deſerve it worſe than ſhe did: For there are more falſe Men in the World beſides Mr. L—; and ſhe was no handſomer than other People.

Saying this, ſhe flung out of the Room, her Woman following, leaving Arabella in ſuch Confuſion at a Behaviour of which ſhe had never before had an Idea, that for ſome Mo⯑ments ſhe remained immoveable.

Recollecting herſelf, at laſt, and conceiving, that Civility required ſhe ſhould endeavour to appeaſe this incenſed Lady, ſhe went down [117] Stairs after her; and, ſtopping her juſt as ſhe was going out of the Houſe, intreated her to be calm, and ſuffer her to vindicate herſelf from the Imputation of being impertinently curious to know her Affairs.

Miſs Groves, quite tranſported with Shame and Anger, refuſed abſolutely to ſtay.

At leaſt, Madam, ſaid Arabella, ſtay till my Coach can be got ready; and don't think of walking home, ſo ſlightly attended.

This Offer was as ſullenly anſwered as the other: And Arabella, finding ſhe was deter⯑mined to venture home, with no other Guard than her Woman, who ſilently followed her, ordered two of her Footmen to attend her at a ſmall Diſtance; and to defend her, if there ſhould be Occaſion.

For who knows, ſaid ſhe to Lucy, what Ac⯑cident may happen? Some one or other of her inſolent Lovers may take this Opportunity to carry her away; and I ſhould never forgive myſelf for being the Cauſe of ſuch a Misfortune to her.

Mrs. Morris having found it eaſy to recon⯑cile herſelf to her Lady, by aſſuring her, that Lady Bella was acquainted with great Part of her Story before; and that what ſhe told her, tended only to juſtify her Conduct, as ſhe might have been convinced by what Lady Bella ſaid; they both went home with a Reſolution to ſay nothing of what had paſſed, with relation to the Cauſe of the Diſguſt Miſs Groves had received: But only ſaid, in general, that Lady Bella was the moſt ridiculous Creature in the World; and [118] was ſo totally ignorant of good Breeding, that it was impoſſible to converſe with her.

CHAP. VII.

WHILE Arabella was ruminating on the unaccountable Behaviour of her new Acquaintance, ſhe received a Letter from her Uncle, informing her (for ſhe had ex⯑preſly forbid Mr. Glanville to write to her), that his Son and Daughter intended to ſet out for her Seat in a few Days.

This News was received with great Satiſ⯑faction by Arabella, who hoped to find an agreeable Companion in her Couſin; and was not ſo inſenſible of Mr. Glanville's Merit, as not to feel ſome kind of Pleaſure at the Thought of ſeeing him again.

This Letter was ſoon followed, by the Arri⯑val of Mr. Glanville, and his Siſter; who, upon the Sight of Arabella, diſcovered ſome Ap⯑pearance of Aſtoniſhment and Chagrin; for, notwithſtanding all her Brother had told her of her Accompliſhments, ſhe could not conceive it poſſible for a young Lady, bred up in the Country, to be ſo perfectly elegant and gen⯑teel as ſhe found her Couſin.

As Miſs Charlotte had a large Share of Co⯑quetry in her Compoſition, and was fond of Beauty in none of her own Sex but herſelf, ſhe [119] was ſorry to ſee Lady Bella poſſeſſed of ſo great a Share; and, being in Hopes her Brother had drawn a flattering Figure of her Couſin, ſhe was extremely diſappointed at finding the Ori⯑ginal ſo handſome.

Arabella, on the contrary, was highly pleaſed with Miſs Glanville; and, finding her Perſon very agreeable, did not fail to commend her Beauty: A ſort of Complaiſance mightily in Uſe among the Heroines, who knew not what Envy or Emulation meant.

Miſs Glanville received her Praiſes with great Politeneſs, but could not find in her Heart to return them: And, as ſoon as theſe Com⯑pliments were over, Mr. Glanville told Lady Bella, how tedious he had found the ſhort Ab⯑ſence ſhe had forced him to, and how great was his Satisfaction at ſeeing her again.

I ſhall not diſpute the Truth of your laſt Aſ⯑ſertion, replied Arabella, ſmiling, ſince I verily believe, you are mighty well ſatisfied at pre⯑ſent; but I know not how you will make it ap⯑pear, that an Abſence, which you allow to be ſhort, has ſeemed ſo tedious to you; for this is a manifeſt Contradiction: However, purſued ſhe, preventing his Reply, you look ſo well, and ſo much at Eaſe, that I am apt to believe, Abſence has agreed very well with you.

And yet I aſſure you, Madam, ſaid Mr. Glan⯑ville, interrupting her, that I have ſuffered more Uneaſineſs during this Abſence, than I fear you will permit me to tell you.

Since, replied Arabella, that Uneaſineſs has neither made you thinner, nor paler, I don't think you ought to be pitied: For, to ſay the [120] Truth, in theſe Sort of Matters, a Perſon's bare Teſtimony has but little Weight.

Mr. Glanville was going to make her ſome Anſwer; when Miſs Glanville, who, while they had been ſpeaking, was adjuſting her Dreſs at the Glaſs, came up to them, and made the Converſation more general.

After Dinner, they adjourned to the Gardens, where the gay Miſs Glanville, running eagerly from one Walk to another, gave her Brother as many Opportunities of talking to Lady Bella as he could wiſh: However, he ſtood in ſuch Awe of her, and dreaded ſo much another Baniſhment, that he did not dare, otherwiſe than by diſtant Hints, to mention his Paſſion; and Arabella, well enough pleaſed with a Re⯑ſpect that in ſome meaſure came up to her Ex⯑pectation, diſcovered no Reſentment at Inſinu⯑ations ſhe was at Liberty to diſſemble the Know⯑lege of: And if he could not, by her Behaviour, flatter himſelf with any great Hopes, yet he found as little Reaſon, in Arabella's Language, to deſpair.

Miſs Glanville, at the End of a few Weeks, was ſo tired of the magnificent Solitude ſhe lived in, that ſhe heartily repented her Journey; and inſinuated to her Brother, her Inclination to return to Town.

Mr. Glanville, knowing his Stay was regu⯑lated by his Siſter's, intreated her not to expoſe him to the Mortification of leaving Arabella ſo ſoon; and promiſed her he would contrive ſome Amuſements for her, which ſhould make her reliſh the Country better than ſhe had yet done.

[121] Accordingly, he propoſed to Arabella to go to the Races, which were to be held at—a few Miles from the Caſtle: She would have excuſed herſelf, upon account of her Mourn⯑ing; but Miſs Glanville diſcovered ſo great an Inclination to be preſent at this Diverſion, that Arabella could no longer refuſe to accompany her.

Since, ſaid ſhe to Miſs Glanville, you are fond of public Diverſions, it happens very luckily, that theſe Races are to be held at the Time you are here: I never heard of them before, and I preſume 'tis a good many Years ſince they were laſt celebrated. Pray, Sir, purſued ſhe, turning to Glanville, do not theſe Races, in ſome Degree, reſemble the Olympic Games? Do the Candidates ride in Chariots?

No, Madam, replied Glanville; the Jockeys are mounted upon the fleeteſt Courſers they can procure; and he who firſt reaches the Goal ob⯑tains the Prize.

And who is the fair Lady that is to beſtow it? reſumed Arabella: I dare engage one of her Lovers will enter the Liſts; ſhe will, doubtleſs, be in no leſs Anxiety than he; and the Shame of being overcome, will hardly affect him with more Concern, than herſelf; that is, provided he be ſo happy as to have gained her Affections. I cannot help thinking the fair Eliſmonda was extremely happy in this Particular: For ſhe had the Satisfaction to ſee her ſecret Admirer Victor in all the Exerciſes at the Olympic Games, and carry away the Prize from many Princes, and Perſons of rare Quality, who were Candidates with him; and he had alſo the Glory to receive [122] three Crowns in one Day, from the Hands of his adored Princeſs; who, queſtionleſs, be⯑ſtowed them upon him with an infinite deal of Joy.

What Sort of Races were thoſe, Madam? ſaid Miſs Glanville; whoſe Reading had been very confined.

The Olympic Games, Miſs, ſaid Arabella, ſo called from Olympia, a City near which they were performed, in the Plains of Elis, conſiſted of Foot and Chariot-Races; Combats with the Ceſtus; Wreſtling, and other Sports. They were inſtituted in Honour of the Gods and Heroes; and were therefore termed ſacred, and were conſidered as a Part of Religion.

They were a kind of School, or military Ap⯑prenticeſhip; in which the Courage of the Youth found conſtant Employment: And the Reaſon why Victory in thoſe Games was attended with ſuch extraordinary Applauſe, was, that their Minds might be quickened with great and noble Proſpects, when, in this Image of War, they arrived to a Pitch of Glory, approaching, in ſome reſpects, to that of the moſt famous Con⯑querors. They thought this Sort of Triumph one of the greateſt Parts of Happineſs of which Human Nature was capable: So that when Diagoras had ſeen his Sons crowned in the Olympic Games, one of his Friends made him this Compliment, Now, Diagoras, you may die ſatisfied; ſince you can't be a God. It would tire you, perhaps, was I to deſcribe all the Ex⯑erciſes performed there: But you may form a general Notion of them, from what you have doubtleſs read of Juſts and Tournaments.

[123] Really, ſaid Miſs Glanville, I never read about any ſuch Things.

No! replied Arabella, ſurpriſed: Well, then, I muſt tell you, that they hold a middle Place, between a Diverſion and a Combat; but the Olympic Games were attended with a much greater Pomp and Variety: And not only all Greece, but other neighbouring Nations, were in a manner drained, to furniſh out the Ap⯑pearance.

Well, for my Part, ſaid Miſs Glanville, I never before heard of theſe Sort of Races; thoſe I have been at were quite different. I know the Prizes and Bets are ſometimes very con⯑ſiderable.

And, doubtleſs, interrupted Arabella, there are a great many Heroes who ſignalize them⯑ſelves at theſe Races; not for the ſake of the Prize, which would be unworthy of great Souls, but to ſatisfy that burning Deſire of Glory, which ſpurs them on to every Occaſion of gain⯑ing it.

As for the Heroes, or Jockeys, ſaid Miſs Glanville, call them what you pleaſe, I believe they have very little Share, either of the Profit or Glory: For their Maſters have the one, and the Horſes the other.

Their Maſters! interrupted Arabella: What, I ſuppoſe, a great many foreign Princes ſend their Favourites to Combat, in their Name? I re⯑member to have read, that Alcibiades triumphed three times ſucceſſively at the Olympic Games, by means of one of his Domeſtics, who, in his Maſter's Name, entered the Liſts.

[124] Mr. Glanville, fearing his Siſter would make ſome abſurd Anſwer, and thereby diſoblige his Couſin, took up the Diſcourſe: And, turning it upon the Grecian Hiſtory, engroſſed her Con⯑verſation, for two Hours, wholly to himſelf; while Miſs Glanville (to whom all they ſaid was quite unintelligible) diverted herſelf with hum⯑ming a Tune, and tinkling her Couſin's Harp⯑ſichord; which proved no Interruption to the more rational Entertainment of her Brother and Arabella.

CHAP. VIII.

THE Day being come on which they de⯑ſigned to be preſent at the Races (or, as Arabella called them, the Games), Miſs Glan⯑ville, having ſpent four long Hours in dreſſing herſelf to the greateſt Advantage, in order, if poſſible, to eclipſe her lovely Couſin, whoſe Mourning, being much deeper, was leſs capable of Ornaments, came into her Chamber; and, finding her ſtill in her Morning Dreſs, For Heaven's ſake, Lady Bella, ſaid ſhe, when do you purpoſe to be ready? Why it is almoſt time to be gone, my Brother ſays, and here you are not a bit dreſſed!

[125] Don't be uneaſy, ſaid Arabella, ſmiling; and, going to her Toilet, I ſhan't make you wait long.

Miſs Glanville, ſeating herſelf near the Table, reſolved to be preſent while her Couſin was dreſſing, that ſhe might have an Opportunity to make ſome Remarks to her Diſadvantage: But ſhe was extremely mortified, to obſerve the Haſte and Negligence ſhe made her Women uſe in this important Employment; and that, notwithſtanding her Indifference, nothing could appear more lovely and genteel.

Miſs Glanville, however, pleaſed herſelf with the Certainty of ſeeing her Couſin's Dreſs ex⯑tremely ridiculed, for the peculiar Faſhion of her Gown: And the Veil, which, as becoming as it was, would, by its Novelty, occaſion great Diverſion among the Ladies, helped to comfort her for the Superiority of her Charms; which, partial as ſhe was to her own, ſhe could not help ſecretly confeſſing.

Arabella being dreſſed in much leſs time than her Couſin, Mr. Glanville was admitted, who led her down Stairs to her Coach, which was waiting: His Siſter (ſecretly repin⯑ing at the Advantage Arabella had over her, in having ſo reſpectful an Adorer) followed: And, being placed in the Coach, they ſet out with great Appearance of Good-humour on all Sides.

They got to—but juſt time enough to ſee the Beginning of the firſt Courſe: Arabella, who fanſied the Jockeys were Perſons of great Diſtinction, ſoon became intereſted in the Fate of one of them, whoſe Appearance pleaſed her [126] more than the others. Accordingly, ſhe made Vows for his Succeſs, and appeared ſo extremely rejoiced at the Advantage he had gained, that Miſs Glanville maliciouſly told her, People would make Remarks at the Joy ſhe expreſſed, and fanſy ſhe had a more than ordinary Intereſt in that Jockey, who had firſt reached the Goal.

Mr. Glanville, whom this impertinent Inſinu⯑ation of his Siſter had filled with Confuſion and Spite, ſat biting his Lips, trembling for the Effect it would produce in Arabella: But ſhe, giving quite another Turn to her Couſin's Words, I aſſure you, ſaid ſhe, with a Smile, I am not any further intereſted in the Fate of this Perſon, who has hitherto been ſucceſsful, than what the Handſomeneſs of his Garb, and the Superiority of his Skill, may demand, from an unprejudiced Spectator: And, though I per⯑ceive you imagine he is ſome concealed Lover of mine, yet I don't remember to have ever ſeen him: And I am confident it is not for my ſake that he entered the Liſts; nor is it my Preſence which animates him.

Lord bleſs me, Madam! replied Miſs Glan⯑ville, Who would ever think of ſuch ſtrange things as theſe you talk of? No-body will pre⯑tend to deny that you are very handſome, to be ſure; but yet, thank Heaven, the Sight of you is not ſo dangerous, but that ſuch ſort of Peo⯑ple, as theſe are, may eſcape your Chains.

Arabella was ſo wholly taken up with the Event of the Races, that ſhe gave but very little Heed to this ſarcaſtic Anſwer of Miſs Glanville; whoſe Brother, taking Advantage of an Oppor⯑tunity which Arabella gave him by putting her [127] Head quite out of the Coach, chid her very ſe⯑verely for the Liberty ſhe took with her Couſin. Arabella, by looking earneſtly out of the Win⯑dow, had given ſo full a View of her fine Per⯑ſon to a young Baronet, who was not many Paces from the Coach, that, being ſtruck with Admiration at the Sight of ſo lovely a Creature, he was going up to ſome of her Attendants to aſk who ſhe was, when he perceived Mr. Glan⯑ville, with whom he was intimately acquainted, in the Coach with her: Immediately he made himſelf known to his Friend, being exceſſively rejoiced at having got an Opportunity of be⯑ginning an Acquaintance with a Lady whoſe Sight had ſo charmed him.

Mr. Glanville, who had obſerved the pro⯑found Bow he made to Arabella, accompanied with a Glance that ſhewed an extreme Admi⯑ration of her, was very little pleaſed at this Meeting; yet he diſſembled his Thoughts well enough in his Reception of him. But Miſs Glanville was quite overjoyed, hoping ſhe would now have her Turn of Gallantry and Compli⯑ment: Therefore, accoſting him in her free Man⯑ner, Dear Sir George, ſaid ſhe, you come in a lucky Time to brighten up the Converſation: Relations are ſuch dull Company for one an⯑other, 'tis half a Minute ſince we have ex⯑changed a Word.

My Couſin, ſaid Arabella ſmiling, has ſo ſtrange a Diſpoſition for Mirth, that ſhe thinks all her Moments are loſt, in which ſhe finds nothing to laugh at: For my Part, I do ſo earneſtly long to know, to which of theſe Pre⯑tenders Fortune will give the Victory, that I [128] can ſuffer my Cares for them to receive no In⯑terruption from my Couſin's agreeable Gaiety.

Mr. Glanville, obſerving the Baronet gazed upon Arabella earneſtly while ſhe was ſpeaking thoſe few Words, reſolved to hinder him from making any Reply, by aſking him ſeveral Que⯑ſtions concerning the Racers, their Owners, and the Bets which were laid; to which Arabella added, And pray, Sir, ſaid ſhe, do me the Fa⯑vour to tell me, if you know who that gallant Man is, who has already won the firſt Courſe.

I don't know really, Madam, ſaid Sir George, what his Name is, extremely ſurpriſed at her Manner of aſking.

The Jockey had now gained the Goal a Se⯑cond time; and Arabella could not conceal her Satisfaction. Queſtionleſs, ſaid ſhe, he is a very extraordinary Perſon; but I am afraid we ſhall not have the Pleaſure of knowing who he is; for if he has any Reaſon for keeping himſelf concealed, he will evade any Inquiries after him, by ſlipping out of the Liſts while this Hurry and Tumult laſts, as Hortenſius did at the Olympic Games; yet, notwithſtanding all his Care, he was diſcovered by being obliged to fight a ſingle Combat with one of the Perſons whom he had worſted at thoſe Games.

Mr. Glanville, who ſaw his Siſter, by her lit⯑tle Coquetries with Sir George, had prevented him from hearing great Part of this odd Speech, propoſed returning to the Caſtle; to which Ara⯑bella agreed: But, conceiving Civility obliged her to offer the Convenience of a Lodging to a Stranger of Sir George's Appearance, and who was an Acquaintance of her Couſins, You muſt [129] permit me, ſaid ſhe to Mr. Glanville, to in⯑treat your noble Friend will accompany us to the Caſtle, where he will meet with better Ac⯑commodations than at any Inn he can find; for I conceive, that, coming only to be a Spectator of theſe Games, he is wholly unprovided with a Lodging.

The Baronet, ſurpriſed at ſo uncommon a Civility, was at a Loſs what Anſwer to make her at firſt; but, recollecting himſelf, he told her that he would, if ſhe pleaſed, do himſelf the Honour to attend her home; but, as his Houſe was at no great Diſtance from—, he would be put to no Inconveniency for a Lodging.

Miſs Glanville, who was not willing to part ſo ſoon with the Baronet, inſiſted, with her Couſin's Leave, upon his coming into the Coach; which he accordingly did, giving his Horſe to the Care of his Servant; and they pro⯑ceeded together to the Caſtle; Arabella ſtill continuing to talk of the Games, as ſhe called them, while poor Glanville, who was exceſſively confuſed, endeavoured to change the Diſcourſe, not without an Apprehenſion, that every Sub⯑iect he could think of, would afford Arabella an Occaſion of ſhewing her Foible; which, not⯑withſtanding the Pain it gave him, could not leſſen the Love he felt for her.

Sir George, whoſe Admiration of Lady Bella increaſed the longer he ſaw her, was extremely pleaſed with the Opportunity ſhe had given him of cultivating an Acquaintance with her: He therefore lengthened out his Viſit, in hopes of being able to ſay ſome fine Things to her before he went away; but Miſs Glanville, who ſtrove [130] by all the little Arts ſhe was Miſtreſs of, to en⯑gage his Converſation wholly to herſelf, put it abſolutely out of his Power; ſo that he was obliged to take his Leave without having the Satisfaction of even preſſing the fair Hand of Arabella; ſo cloſely was he obſerved by her Cou⯑ſin. Happy was it for him, that he was pre⯑vented by her Vigilance from attempting a Piece of Gallantry, which would, undoubtedly, have procured him a Baniſhment from her Preſence; but, ignorant, how kind Fortune was to him in balking his Deſigns, he was ungrateful enough to go away in a mighty ill Humour with this fickle Goddeſs: So little capable are poor Mor⯑tals of knowing what is beſt for them!

CHAP. IX.

LADY Bella, from the Familiarity with which Miſs Glanville treated this gay Gen⯑tleman, concluding him her Lover, and one who was apparently well received by her, had a ſtrong Curioſity to know her Adventures; and as they were walking the next Morning in the Garden, ſhe told her, that ſhe thought it was very ſtrange they had hitherto obſerved ſuch a Re⯑ſerve to each other, as to baniſh mutual Truſt and Confidence from their Converſation: Whence comes it, Couſin, added ſhe, being ſo young and lovely as you are, that you, queſtionleſs, have been engaged in many Adventures, you have [131] never repoſed Truſt enough in me to ſavour me with a Recital of them?

Engaged in many Adventures, Madam! re⯑turned Miſs Glanville, not liking the Phraſe: I believe I have been engaged in as few as your Ladyſhip.

You are too obliging, returned Arabella, who miſtook what ſhe ſaid for a Compliment; for ſince you have more Beauty than I, and have alſo had more Opportunities of making yourſelf beloved, queſtionleſs you have a greater Number of Admirers.

As for Admirers, ſaid Miſs Charlotte bridling, I fanſy I have had my Share! Thank God, I never found myſelf neglected; but, I aſſure you, Madam, I have had no Adventures, as you call them, with any of them.

No, really! interrutped Arabella, inno⯑cently.

No, really, Madam, retorted Miſs Glanville; and I am ſurpriſed you ſhould think ſo.

Indeed, my Dear, ſaid Arabella, you are very happy in this reſpect, and alſo very ſingu⯑lar; for I believe there are few young Ladies in the World, who have any Pretenſions to Beau⯑ty, that have not given Riſe to a great many Adventures; and ſome of them haply very fa⯑tal.

If you knew more of the World, Lady Bella, ſaid Miſs Glanville pertly, you would not be ſo apt to think, that young Ladies engage them⯑ſelves in troubleſome Adventures: Truly the Ladies that are brought up in Town are not ſo ready to run away with every Man they ſee.

[132] No, certainly, interrupted Arabella; they do not give their Conſent to ſuch Proceedings; but for all that, they are, doubtleſs, run away with many times; for truly there are ſome Men, whoſe Paſſions are ſo unbridled, that they will have recourſe to the moſt violent Methods to poſſeſs themſelves of the Objects they love. Pray do you remember how often Mandana was run away with?

Not I indeed, Madam, replied Miſs Glan⯑ville; I know nothing about her; but I ſuppoſe ſhe is a Jew, by her outlandiſh Name.

She was no Jew, ſaid Arabella, tho' ſhe fa⯑voured that People very much; for ſhe obtained the Liberty of great Numbers of them from Cy⯑rus, who had taken them Captives, and could deny her nothing ſhe aſked.

Well, ſaid Miſs Glanville; and I ſuppoſe ſhe denied him nothing he aſked; and ſo they were even.

Indeed but ſhe did tho', reſumed Arabella; for ſhe refuſed to give him a glorious Scarf which ſhe wore, tho' he begged it on his Knees.

And ſhe was very much in the right, ſaid Miſs Glanville; for I ſee no Reaſon why a Lo⯑ver ſhould expect a Gift of any Value from his Miſtreſs.

Doubtleſs, ſaid Arabella, ſuch a Gift was worth a Million of Services; and, had he ob⯑tained it, it would have been a glorious Di⯑ſtinction for him: However, Mandana refuſed it; and, ſeverely virtuous as you are, I am perſuaded you can't help thinking, ſhe was a little too ri⯑gorous in denying a Favour to a Lover like him—

[133] Severely virtuous, Lady Bella! ſaid Miſs Glanville, colouring with Anger: Pray what do you mean by that? Have you any Reaſon to imagine, I would grant any Favour to a Lover?

Why, if I did, Couſin, ſaid Arabella, would it derogate ſo much from your Glory, think you, to beſtow a Favour upon a Lover worthy your Eſteem, and from whom you had received a thouſand Marks of a moſt pure and faithful Paſ⯑ſion, and alſo a great Number of very ſingular Services?

I hope, Madam, ſaid Miſs Glanville, it will never be my Fate to be ſo much obliged to any Lover, as to be under a Neceſſity of granting him Favours in Requital.

I vow, Couſin, interrupted Arabella, you put me in mind of the fair and virtuous Antonia, who was ſo rigid and auſtere, that ſhe thought all Expreſſions of Love were criminal; and was ſo far from granting any Perſon Permiſſion to love her, that ſhe thought it a mortal Offence to be adored even in private.

Miſs Glanville, who could not imagine Ara⯑bella ſpoke this ſeriouſly, but that it was de⯑ſigned to ſneer at her great Eagerneſs to make Conqueſts, and the Liberties ſhe allowed herſelf in, which had probably come to her Knowlege, was ſo extremely vexed at the malicious Jeſt, as ſhe thought it, that, not being able to revenge herſelf, ſhe burſt into Tears.

Arabella's Good-nature made her be greatly affected at this Sight; and, aſking her Pardon for having undeſignedly occaſioned her ſo much Uneaſineſs, begged her to be compoſed, and [134] tell her in what ſhe had offended her, that ſhe might be able to juſtify herſelf in her Appre⯑henſions.

You have made no Scruple to own, Madam, ſaid ſhe, that you think me capable of granting Favours to Lovers, when, Heaven knows, I ne⯑ver granted a Kiſs without a great deal of Con⯑fuſion.

And you had certainly much Reaſon for Con⯑fuſion, ſaid Arabella, exceſſively ſurpriſed at ſuch a Confeſſion: I aſſure you I never injured you ſo much in my Thoughts, as to ſuppoſe you ever granted a Favour of ſo criminal a Nature.

Look you there now! ſaid Miſs Glanville, weeping more violently than before: I knew what all your round-about Speeches would come to: All you have ſaid in Vindication of grant⯑ing Favours, was only to draw me into a Con⯑feſſion of what I have done: How ungenerous was that!

The Favours I ſpoke of, Madam, ſaid Ara⯑bella, were quite of another Nature, than thoſe it ſeems you have ſo liberally granted: Such as giving a Scarf, a Bracelet, or ſome ſuch Thing, to a Lover, who had haply ſighed whole Years in Silence, and did not preſume to declare his Paſſion, till he had loſt beſt Part of his Blood in Defence of the Fair one he loved: It was when you maintained, that Mandana was in the right to refuſe her magnificent Scarf to the illuſtrious Cyrus, that I took upon me to oppoſe your Ri⯑gidneſs; and ſo much miſtaken was I in your Temper, that I fooliſhly compared you to the fair and wiſe Antonia, whoſe Severity was ſo remarkable; but really, by what I underſtand [135] from your own Confeſſion, your Diſpoſition re⯑ſembles that of the inconſiderate Julia, who would receive a Declaration of Love without Anger from any one; and was not over-ſhy, any more than yourſelf, of granting Favours al⯑moſt as conſiderable as that you have men⯑tioned.

While Arabella was ſpeaking, Miſs Glanville, having dried up her Tears, ſat ſilently ſwell⯑ing with Rage, not knowing whether ſhe ſhould openly avow her Reſentment for the injurious Language her Couſin had uſed to her, by go⯑ing away immediately, or, by making up the Matter, appear ſtill to be her Friend, that ſhe might have the more Opportunities of revenge⯑ing herſelf. The Impetuoſity of her Temper made her moſt inclined to the former; but the Knowlege that Sir George was to ſtay yet ſome Months in the Country, made her unwilling to leave a Place, where ſhe might often ſee a Man whoſe fine Perſon had made ſome Impreſſion upon her Heart; and, not enduring to leave ſuch a charming Conqueſt to Arabella, ſhe reſolved to ſuppreſs her Reſentment for the preſent; and liſtened, without any Appearance of Diſcom⯑poſure, to a fine Harangue of her Couſin upon the Neceſſity of Reſerve, and diſtant Behaviour, to Men who preſumed to declare themſelves Lovers, enforcing her Precepts with Examples drawn from all the Romances ſhe had ever read; at the End of which ſhe embraced her, and aſſured her, if ſhe had ſaid any thing harſh, it proceeded from her great Regard to her Glory, of which ſhe ardently wiſhed to ſee her as fond as herſelf.

[136] Miſs Glanville conſtrained herſelf to make a Reply that might not appear diſagreeable: And they were upon theſe Terms, when Mr. Glan⯑ville came up to them, and told Lady Bella, Sir George had ſent to intreat their Company at his Houſe that Day: But, added he, as I preſume you will not think proper to go, on account of your Mourning, neither my Siſter nor I will ac⯑cept the Invitation.

I dare ſay, interrupted Miſs Glanville haſtily, Lady Bella will not expect ſuch a needleſs Piece of Ceremony from us; and, if ſhe don't think proper to go, ſhe won't confine us.

By no means, Couſin, ſaid Arabella, ſmiling; and, being perſuaded Sir George makes the En⯑tertainment purely for your Sake, it would not be kind in me to deprive him of your Com⯑pany.

Mr. Glanville, being pleaſed to find his Cou⯑ſin diſcovered no Inclination to go, would have perſuaded his Siſter not to leave Lady Bella: But Miſs Glanville looked ſo much diſpleaſed at his Requeſt, that he was obliged to inſiſt upon it no more; and, both retiring to dreſs, Lady Bella went up to her Apartment, and betook herſelf to her Books, which ſupplied the Place of all Company to her.

Miſs Glanville, having taken more than or⯑dinary Pains in dreſſing herſelf, in order to ap⯑pear charming in the Eyes of Sir George, came in to pay her Compliments to Lady Bella before ſhe went, not doubting but ſhe would be cha⯑grined to ſee her look ſo well: But Lady Bella, on the contrary, praiſed the Clearneſs of her Complexion, and the Sparkling of her Eyes.

[137] I queſtion not, ſaid ſhe, but you will give Fetters to more Perſons than one To-day; but remember, I charge you, added ſhe ſmiling, while you are taking away the Liberty of others, to have a ſpecial Care of your own.

Miſs Glanville, who could not think it poſ⯑ſible, one Woman could praiſe another with any Sincerity, caſt a Glance at the Glaſs, fear⯑ing it was rather becauſe ſhe looked but indif⯑ferently, that her Couſin was ſo laviſh in her Praiſes; and, while ſhe was ſetting her Fea⯑tures in a Mirror which every Day repreſented a Face infinitely more lovely than her own, Mr. Glanville came in, who, after having very re⯑ſpectfully taken Leave of Lady Bella, led his Siſter to the Coach.

Sir George, who was extremely mortified to find Lady Bella not in it, handed Miſs Glan⯑ville out with an Air ſo reſerved, that ſhe rail⯑lied him upon it; and gave her Brother a very unpleaſing Emotion, by telling Sir George, ſhe hoped Lady Bella's not coming along with them, would not make him bad Company.

As he was too gallant to ſuffer an handſome young Lady, who ſpread all her Attractions for him, to believe he regretted the Abſence of an⯑other when ſhe was preſent; he coquetted with her ſo much, that Mr. Glanville was in hopes his Siſter would wholly engage him from Lady Bella.

CHAP. X.

IN the mean time, that ſolitary Fair one was alarmed by a Fear of a very unaccountable Nature; for, being in the Evening in her Cloſet, the Windows of which had a Proſpect of the Gardens, ſhe ſaw her illuſtrious concealed Lo⯑ver, who went by the Name of Edward, while he was in her Father's Service, talking with great Emotion to her Houſe-Steward, who ſeemed earneſtly to liſten to ſome Propoſitions he was making to him. Her Surprize at this Sight was ſo great, that ſhe had not Power to obſerve them any longer; but, ſeating herſelf in her Chair, ſhe had juſt Spirits enough to call Lucy to her Aſſiſtance; who, extremely frighted at the pale Looks of her Lady, gave her a Smelling-bottle, and was preparing to cut her Lace, when Arabella, preventing her, told her in a low Voice, that ſhe feared ſhe ſhould be betrayed into the Hands of an inſolent Lover, who was come to ſteal her away. Yes, added ſhe with great Emotion, I have ſeen this pre⯑ſumptuous Man holding a Converſation with one of my Servants; and tho' I could not poſ⯑ſibly, at this Diſtance, hear their Diſcourſe, yet the Geſtures they uſed in ſpeaking, explained it too well to me; and I have Reaſon to ex⯑pect, I ſhall ſuffer the ſame Violence that many illuſtrious Ladies have done before me; and be [139] carried away by Force from my own Houſe, as they were.

Alas! Madam! ſaid Lucy, terrified at this Diſcourſe, who is it that intends to carry your Ladyſhip away? Sure no Robbers will attempt any Miſchief at ſuch a time as this!

Yes, Lucy, replied Arabella, with great Gra⯑vity, the worſt kind of Robbers; Robbers who do not prey upon Gold and Jewels; but, what is infinitely more precious, Liberty and Honour. Do you know that Perſon who called himſelf Edward, and worked in theſe Gardens like a common Gardener, is now in the Houſe, corrupting my Servants; and, queſtionleſs, pre⯑paring to force open my Chamber, and carry me away? And Heaven knows when I ſhall be delivered from his Chains.

God forbid, ſaid Lucy, ſobbing, that ever ſuch a Lady ſhould have ſuch hard Hap! What Crime, I wonder, can you be guilty of, to de⯑ſerve to be in Chains?

My Crime, reſumed Arabella, is to have At⯑tractions which expoſe me to theſe inevitable Misfortunes, which even the greateſt Princeſſes have not eſcaped.—But, dear Lucy, can you not think of ſome Methods by which I may avoid the Evil which waits me? Who knows but that he may, within theſe few Moments, force a Paſſage into my Apartment? Theſe ſlight Locks can make but a poor Reſiſtance to the Violence he will be capable of uſing.

Oh dear Madam! cried Lucy, trembling, and preſſing near her, what ſhall we do?

I aſked your Advice, ſaid ſhe; but I perceive you are leſs able than myſelf to think of any [140] thing to ſave me.—Ah! Glanville, purſued ſhe, ſighing, would to Heaven thou wert here now!

Yes, Madam, ſaid Lucy, Mr. Glanville, I am ſure, would not ſuffer any one to hurt your Ladyſhip.

As thou valueſt my Friendſhip, ſaid Arabella, with great Earneſtneſs, never acquaint him with what has juſt now eſcaped my Lips: True, I did call upon him in this Perplexity; I did pronounce his Name; and that, haply, with a Sigh, which involuntarily ſorced its Way: And, queſtionleſs, if he knew his good Fortune, even amidſt the Danger of loſing me for ever, he would reſent ſome Emotions of Joy: But I ſhould die with Shame at having ſo indiſcreetly contributed to his Satisfaction: And, therefore, again I charge you, conceal, with the utmoſt Care, what I have ſaid.

Indeed, Madam, ſaid Lucy, I ſhall tell him nothing but what your Ladyſhip bids me; and I am ſo frighted, that I can think of nothing but that terrible Man, that wants to carry you away. Mercy on us! added ſhe, ſtarting, I think I hear ſomebody on the Stairs!

Do not be alarmed, ſaid Arabella, in a ma⯑jeſtic Tone: It is I who have moſt Reaſon to fear: Nevertheleſs, I hope the Grandeur of my Courage will not ſink under this Accident. Hark, ſomebody knocks at the Door of my Antechamber:—My own Virtue ſhall ſupport me:—Go, Lucy, and aſk who it is.

Indeed I can't, Madam, ſaid ſhe, clinging to her: Pray pardon me: Indeed I am ſo afraid, I cannot ſtir.

[141] Weak-ſouled Wench! ſaid Arabella, How unfit art thou for Accidents like theſe! Ah! had Cylenia and Narteſia been like thee, the fair Berenice, and the Divine Princeſs of Media, had not ſo eagerly intreated their Raviſhers to afford them their Company in their Captivity: But go, I order you, and aſk who it is that is at the Door of my Apartment: They knock again: Offer at no Excuſes; but do your Duty.

Lucy, ſeeing her Lady was really angry, went trembling out of the Cloſet; but would go no farther than her Bedchamber, from whence ſhe called out to know who was at the Door.

I have ſome Buſineſs with your Lady, ſaid the Houſe-Steward (for it was he that knocked): Can I ſpeak with her at preſent?

Lucy, a little reaſſured by his Voice, made no Anſwer; but, creeping ſoftly to the Door of the Antechamber, double-locked it; and then cried out in a Tranſport, No, I will take Care you ſhall not come to my Lady.

And why, pray, Mrs. Lucy? ſaid the Steward: What have I done, that you are ſo much my Enemy?

You are a Rogue, ſaid Lucy, growing very courageous, becauſe the Door was locked be⯑tween them.

A Rogue! ſaid he, What Reaſon have you for calling me a Rogue? I aſſure you I will ac⯑quaint my Lady with your Inſolence. I came to ſpeak to her Ladyſhip about Edward; who prayed me to intercede for him, that he may be taken again into her Service: For he ſays, my Lady never believed any thing againſt him; [142] and that was my Buſineſs: But, when I ſee her, I'll know whether you are allowed to abuſe me in this manner.

Arabella, by this time, was advanced as far as the Bedchamber, longing to know what ſort of Conference Lucy was holding with her intended Raviſher: When that faithful Confi⯑dante, ſeeing her, came running to her, and whiſpered her, that the Houſe-Steward was at the Door, and ſaid he wanted to intercede for Edward.

Ah! the Traitor! ſaid Arabella, retiring again: Has he, then, really bargained with that diſloyal Man, to deliver up his Miſtreſs? I am undone, Lucy, ſaid ſhe, unleſs I can find a Way to eſcape out of the Houſe. They will, queſtionleſs, ſoon force the Doors of my Apart⯑ment.

Suppoſe, ſaid Lucy, your Ladyſhip went down the Stairs that lead from your Dreſſing⯑room into the Garden; and you may hide your⯑ſelf in the Gardener's Houſe till Mr. Glanville come.

I approve, ſaid Arabella, of one Part of your Propoſal: But I ſhall not truſt myſelf in the Gardener's Houſe; who, queſtionleſs, is in the Plot with the reſt of my perfidious Servants, ſince none of them have endeavoured to adver⯑tiſe me of my Danger. If we can gain the Gardens undiſcovered, we may get out by that Door at the Foot of the Terrace, which leads into the Fields; for you know I always keep the Key of that private Door: So, Lucy, let us commend ourſelves to the Direction of Provi⯑dence, and be gone immediately.

[143] But what ſhall we do, Madam, ſaid Lucy, when we are got out?

Why, ſaid Arabella, you ſhall conduct me to your Brother's; and, probably, we may meet with ſome generous Cavalier by the Way, who will protect us till we get thither: However, as I have as great a Danger to fear within Doors, as without, I will venture to make my Eſcape, though I ſhould not be ſo fortunate as to meet with any Knight who will undertake to pro⯑tect me from the Danger which I may appre⯑hend in the Fields.

Saying this, ſhe gave the Key of the Door to Lucy, whoſe Heart beat violently with Fear; and, covering herſelf with ſome black Cypreſs, which ſhe wore in the Nature of a Veil, went ſoftly down the little Staircaſe to the Terrace, followed by Lucy (who looked eagerly about her every Step that ſhe went); and, having gained the Garden-door, haſtily unlocked it, and fled, as faſt as poſſible, croſs the Fields, in order to procure a Sanctuary at William's Houſe: Ara⯑bella, begging Heaven to throw ſome generous Cavalier in her Way, whoſe Protection ſhe might implore, and, taking every Tree at a Diſtance for a Horſe and Knight, haſtened her Steps to meet her approaching Succour; which, as ſoon as ſhe came near, miſerably balked her Expectations.

Though William's Farm was not more than two Miles from the Caſtle; yet Arabella, un⯑uſed to ſuch a rude Way of Travelling, began to be greatly fatigued: The Fear ſhe was in of being purſued by her apprehended Raviſher, had ſo violent an Effect upon her Spirits, that ſhe [144] was hardly able to proſecute her Flight; and, to complete her Misfortunes, happening to ſtumble over a Stump of a Tree that lay in her Way, ſhe ſtrained her Ancle; and the violent Anguiſh ſhe felt, threw her into a Swoon.

Lucy, upon whoſe Arm ſhe leaned, perceiv⯑ing her fainting, ſcreamed out aloud, not know⯑ing what to do with her in that Condition: She placed her upon the Ground; and, ſupporting her Head againſt that fatal Stump, began to rub her Temples, weeping exceſſively all the time. Her Swoon ſtill continuing, the poor Girl was in inconceivable Terror: Her Brother's Houſe was now but a little Way off; but it being im⯑poſſible for her to carry her Lady thither with⯑out ſome Help, ſhe knew not what to reſolve upon.

At length, thinking it better to leave her for a few Moments, to run for Aſſiſtance, than to ſit by her and ſee her periſh for want of it, ſhe left her, though not without extreme Agony; and flew, with the utmoſt Eagerneſs, to her Brother's. She was lucky enough to meet him juſt coming out of his Door; and, telling him the Condition in which ſhe left her Lady, he, without aſking any Queſtions about the Occaſion of ſo ſtrange an Accident, notwith⯑ſtanding his Amazement, ran with all Speed to the Place where Lucy had left her: But, to their Aſtoniſhment and Sorrow, ſhe was not to be found: They walked a long time in Search of her; and Lucy, being almoſt diſtracted with Fear leſt ſhe had been carried away, made Complaints that ſo puzzled her Brother he knew not what to ſay to her: But, finding their [145] Search fruitleſs, they agreed to go home to the Caſtle, ſuppoſing, with ſome Appearance of Reaſon, that they might hear of her there.

Here they found nothing but Grief and Con⯑fuſion. Mr. Glanville and his Siſter were juſt returned, and had been at Lady Bella's Apart⯑ment; but, not finding her there, they aſked her Women where ſhe was, who, not know⯑ing any thing of her Flight, concluded ſhe was in the Garden with Lucy. Mr. Glanville, ſur⯑priſed at her being at that Hour in the Garden, ran eagerly to engage her to come in, being ap⯑prehenſive ſhe would take Cold, by ſtaying ſo late in the Air: But, not finding her in any of her uſual Walks, he ordered ſeveral of the Servants to aſſiſt him in ſearching the whole Garden, ſending them to different Places: But they all returned without Succeſs; which filled him with the utmoſt Conſternation.

He was returning, exceſſively uneaſy, to the Houſe, when he ſaw Lucy; who had been juſt told, in anſwer to her Inquiries about her Lady, that they were gone to look for her in the Garden; and running up to Mr. Glanville, who hoped to hear News of Lady Bella from her, Oh! Sir, ſaid ſhe, is my Lady found?

What! Lucy, ſaid Mr. Glanville (more alarmed than before), do not you know where ſhe is? I thought you had been with her.

Oh! dear, cried Lucy, wringing her Hands; for certain my poor Lady was ſtolen away while ſhe was in that fainting Fit. Sir, ſaid ſhe to Glanville, I know who the Perſon is that my Lady ſaid (and almoſt broke my Heart) would [146] keep her in Chains: He was in the Houſe not many Hours ago.

Mr. Glanville, ſuſpecting this was ſome new Whim of Arabella's, would not ſuffer Lucy to ſay any more before the Servants, who ſtood gaping with Aſtoniſhment at the ſtrange Things ſhe uttered; but bid her follow him to his Apartment, and he would hear what ſhe could inform him concerning this Accident. He would, if poſſible, have prevented his Siſter from being preſent at the Story; but, not being able to form any Excuſe for not ſuffering her to hear every thing that related to her Couſin, they all three went into his Chamber; where he de⯑ſired Lucy to tell him what ſhe knew about her Lady.

You muſt know, Sir, ſaid Lucy, ſobbing, that there came a Man here to take away my Lady: A great Man he is, though he worked in the Gardens; for he was in Love with her: And ſo he would not own who he was.

And pray, interrupted Miſs Glanville, Who told you he was a great Man, as you ſay?

My Lady told me, ſaid Lucy: But, how⯑ſomever, he was turned away; for the Gar⯑dener ſays he catched him ſtealing Carp.

A very great Man, indeed, ſaid Miſs Glan⯑ville, that would ſteal Carp!

You muſt know, Madam, ſaid ſhe, that was only a Pretence: For he went there, my Lady ſays, to drown himſelf.

Bleſs me! cried Miſs Glanville, laughing; the Girl's diſtracted, ſure. Lord! Brother, don't liſten to her nonſenſical Tales; we ſhall never find my Couſin by her.

[147] Leave her to me, ſaid Mr. Glanville, whiſ⯑pering: Perhaps I may diſcover ſomething by her Diſcourſe, that will give us ſome Light into this Affair.

Nay, I'll ſtay, I am reſolved, anſwered ſhe; for I long to know where my Couſin is: Tho', do you think what this Girl ſays is true, about a great Man diſguiſed in the Gardens? Sure my Couſin could never tell her ſuch Stuff: But, now I think of it, added ſhe, Lady Bella, when we were ſpeaking about the Jockey, talked ſomething about a Lover: I now believe it is as the Girl ſays. Pray let's hear her out.

Mr. Glanville was ready to die with Vexation, at the Charmer of his Soul's being thus expoſed; but there was no Help for it.

Pray, ſaid he to Lucy, tell us no more about this Man: But, if you can gueſs where your Lady is, let me know.

Indeed I can't, Sir, ſaid ſhe; for my Lady and I both ſtole out of the Houſe, for fear Edward ſhould break open the Doors of her Apartment; and we were running as faſt as poſſible to my Brother's Houſe (where ſhe ſaid ſhe would hide herſelf till you came); but my poor dear Lady fell down and hurt herſelf ſo much, that ſhe fainted away: I tried what I could to fetch her again; but ſhe did not open her Eyes: So I ran like Lightning to my Brother, to come and help me to carry her to the Farm; but, when we came back, ſhe was gone.

What do you ſay? cried Mr. Glanville, with a diſtracted Look: Did you leave her in that Condition in the Fields? And was ſhe not to be found when you came back?

[148] No, indeed, Sir, ſaid Lucy, weeping, we could not find her, though we wandered about a long time.

Oh! Heavens! ſaid he, walking about the Room in a violent Emotion, Where can ſhe be? What is become of her? Dear Siſter, purſued he, order ſomebody to ſaddle my Horſe: I'll traverſe the Country all Night in queſt of her.

You had beſt inquire, Sir, ſaid Lucy, if Edward is in the Houſe: He knows, may be, where my Lady is.

Who is he? cried Glanville.

Why the great Man, Sir, ſaid Lucy, whom we thought to be a Gardener, who came to carry my Lady away; which made her get out of the Houſe as faſt as ſhe could.

This is the ſtrangeſt Story, ſaid Miſs Glanville, that ever I heard: Sure nobody would be ſo mad to attempt ſuch an Action; my Couſin has the oddeſt Whims!

Mr. Glanville, not able to liſten any longer, charged Lucy to ſay nothing of this Matter to any one; and then ran eagerly out of the Room, ordering two or three of the Servants to go in Search of their Lady: He then mounted his Horſe in great Anguiſh of Mind, not knowing whither to direct his Courſe.

CHAP. XI.

BUT to return to Arabella, whom we left in a very melancholy Situation: Lucy had not been gone long from her before ſhe opened her Eyes; and, beginning to come per⯑fectly to herſelf, was ſurpriſed to find her Woman not near her: The Moon ſhining very bright, ſhe looked round her, and called Lucy as loud as ſhe was able; but not ſeeing her, or hearing any Anſwer, her Fears became ſo power⯑ful, that ſhe had like to have relapſed into her Swoon.

Alas! unfortunate Maid that I am! cried ſhe, weeping exceſſively, queſtionleſs I am betrayed by her on whoſe Fidelity I relied, and who was acquainted with my moſt ſecret Thoughts: She is now with my Raviſher, directing his Purſuit, and I have no Means of eſcaping from his Hands! Cruel and ungrateful Wench, thy un⯑paralleled Treachery grieves me no leſs than all my other Misfortunes: But why do I ſay, Her Treachery is unparalleled? Did not the wicked Arianta betray her Miſtreſs into the Power of her inſolent Lover? Ah! Arabella, thou art not ſingle in thy Miſery, ſince the divine Man⯑dana was, like thyſelf, the Dupe of a merce⯑nary Servant.

Having given a Moment or two to theſe ſad Reflections, ſhe roſe from the Ground with an [150] Intention to walk on▪ but her Ancle was ſo pain⯑ful, that ſhe could hardly move: Her Tears began now to flow with greater Violence: She ex⯑pected every Moment to ſee Edward approach her; and was reſigning herſelf up to Deſpair, when a Chaiſe, driven by a young Gentleman, paſſed by her. Arabella, thanking Heaven for ſending this Relief, called out a [...] loud as ſhe could, conjuring him to ſtay.

The Gentleman, hearing a Woman's Voice, ſtopped immediately, and aſked what ſhe wanted.

Generous Stranger, ſaid Arabella, advancing as well as was ſhe able, do not refuſe your Aſſiſtance to ſave me from a moſt terrible Danger: I am purſued by a Perſon whom, for very urgent Reaſons, I deſire to avoid. I conjure you, therefore, in the Name of her you love beſt, to protect me; and may you be crowned with the Enjoyment of all your Wiſhes, for ſo charitable an Action!

If the Gentleman was ſurpriſed at this Addreſs, he was much more aſtoniſhed at the Beauty of her who made it: Her Stature; her Shape, her inimitable Complexion; the Luſtre of her fine Eyes, and the thouſand Charms that adorned her whole Perſon, kept him a Minute ſilently gazing upon her, without having the Power to make her an Anſwer.

Arabella, finding he did not ſpeak, was ex⯑tremely diſappointed. Ah! Sir, ſaid ſhe, What do you deliberate upon? Is it poſſible you can deny ſo reaſonable a Requeſt, to a Lady in my Circumſtances?

[151] For God's ſake, Madam, ſaid the Gentle⯑man, alighting, and approaching her, let me know who you are, and how I can be of any Service to you.

As for my Quality, ſaid Arabella, be aſſured it is not mean; and let this Knowlege ſuffice at preſent: The Service I deſire of you is, to con⯑vey me to ſome Place where I may be in Safety for this Night: To-morrow I will intreat you to let ſome Perſons, whom I ſhall name to you, know where I am; to the end they may take proper Meaſures to ſecure me from the Attempts of an inſolent Man, who has driven me from my own Houſe, by the Deſigns he was going to execute.

The Gentleman ſaw there was ſome Myſtery in her Caſe, which ſhe did not chooſe to ex⯑plain; and, being extremely glad at having ſo beautiful a Creature in his Power, told her ſhe might command him in all ſhe pleaſed; and, helping her into the Chaiſe, drove off as faſt as he could; Arabella ſuffering no Apprehenſions from being alone with a Stranger, ſince nothing was more common to Heroines than ſuch Ad⯑ventures; all her Fears being of Edward, whom ſhe fanſied every Moment ſhe ſaw purſuing them: And, being extremely anxious to be in ſome Place of Safety, ſhe urged her Protector to drive as faſt as poſſible; who, willing to have her at his own Houſe, complied with her Requeſt; but was ſo unlucky in his Haſte, as to overturn the Chaiſe. Though neither Arabella nor him⯑ſelf were hurt by the Fall, yet the Neceſſity there was to ſtay ſome time to put the Chaiſe in a Condition to carry them any farther, filled [152] her with a thouſand Apprehenſions, leſt they ſhould be overtaken.

In the mean time, the Servants of Arabella, among whom Edward, not knowing how much he was concerned in her Flight, was reſolved to diſtinguiſh himſelf by his Zeal in ſearching for her, had diſperſed themſelves about in dif⯑ferent Places: Chance conducted Edward to the very Spot where ſhe was: When Arabella, perceiving him while he was two or three Paces off, Oh! Sir, cried ſhe, behold my Perſecutor! Can you reſolve to defend me againſt the Violence he comes to offer me?

The Gentleman, looking up, and ſeeing a Man in Livery approaching them, aſked her, If that was the Perſon ſhe complained of; and if he was her Servant?

If he is my Servant, Sir, replied ſhe, bluſh⯑ing, he never had my Permiſſion to be ſo: And, indeed, no one elſe can boaſt of my having granted them ſuch a Liberty.

Do you know whoſe Servant he is, then, Madam? replied the Gentleman, a little ſur⯑priſed at her Anſwer; which he could not well underſtand.

You throw me into a great Embarraſſment, Sir, reſumed Arabella, bluſhing more than be⯑fore: Queſtionleſs, he appears to be mine; but, ſince, as I told you before, he never diſ⯑covered himſelf to me, and I never permitted him to aſſume that Title, his Services, if ever I received any from him, were not at all conſidered by me, as Things for which I was obliged to him.

[153] The Gentleman, ſtill more amazed at An⯑ſwers ſo little to the Purpoſe, was going to de⯑ſire her to explain herſelf upon this ſtrange Af⯑fair; when Edward, coming up cloſe to Ara⯑bella, cried out in a Tranſport, Oh! Madam! thank God you are found.

Hold, impious Man! ſaid Arabella, and do not give Thanks for that which, haply, may prove thy Puniſhment. If I am found, thou wilt be no better for it: And, if thou continueſt to perſecute me, thou wilt probably meet with thy Death, where thou thinkeſt thou haſt found thy Happineſs.

The poor Fellow, who underſtood not a Word of this Diſcourſe, ſtared upon her like one that had loſt his Wits; when the Protector of Arabella, approaching him, aſked him, with a ſtern Look, What he had to ſay to that Lady, and why he preſumed to follow her?

As the Man was going to anſwer him, Mr. Glanville came galloping up; and Edward, ſee⯑ing him, ran up to him, and informed him, that he had met with Lady Bella, and a Gentle⯑man, who ſeemed to have been overturned in a Chaiſe, which he was endeavouring to refit; and that her Ladyſhip was offended with him for coming up to her; and alſo, that the Gen⯑tleman had uſed ſome threatening Language to him upon that Account.

Mr. Glanville, exceſſively ſurpriſed at what he heard, ſtopped; and, ordering a Servant who came along with him, to run back to the Caſtle, and bring a Chaiſe thither to carry Lady Bella home, he aſked Edward ſeveral more Queſtions relating to what ſhe and the Gentle⯑man [154] had ſaid to him: And, notwithſtanding his Knowlege of her ridiculous Humour, he could not help being alarmed by her Behaviour, nor concluding that there was ſomething very myſterious in the Affair.

While he was thus converſing with Edward, Arabella, who had ſpied him almoſt as ſoon, was filled with Apprehenſion to ſee him hold ſo quiet a Parly with her Raviſher: The more ſhe reflected upon this Accident, the more her Su⯑ſpicions increaſed; and, perſuading herſelf at laſt, that Mr. Glanville was privy to his Deſigns, this Belief, however improbable, wrought ſo powerfully upon her Imagination, that ſhe could not reſtrain her Tears.

Doubtleſs, ſaid ſhe, I am betrayed, and the perjured Glanville is no longer either my Friend or Lover: He is this Moment concerting Mea⯑ſures with my Raviſher, how to deliver me into his Power; and, like Philidaſpes, is glad of an Opportunity, by this Treachery, to be rid of a Woman whom his Parents and hers had deſtined for his Wife.

Mr. Glanville, having learned all he could from Edward, alighted; and, giving him his Horſe to hold, came up to Arabella: And, after expreſſing his Joy at meeting with her, begged her to let him know what Accident had brought her, unattended, from the Caſtle, at that time of Night.

If by this Queſtion, ſaid the incenſed Ara⯑bella, you would perſuade me you are ignorant of the Cauſe of my Flight, know, your Diſſimu⯑lation will not ſucceed; and that, having Reaſon to believe you are equally guilty with him from [155] whoſe intended Violence I fled, I ſhall have re⯑courſe to the Valour of this Knight you ſee with me, to defend me, as well againſt you, as that Raviſher, with whom I ſee you leagued.—Ah! unworthy Couſin, purſued ſhe, What doſt thou propoſe to thyſelf by ſo black a Treachery? What is to be the Price of my Liberty, which thou ſo freely diſpoſeſt of? Has thy Friend there, ſaid ſhe (pointing to Edward), a Siſter, or any Relation, for whom thou bartereſt, by delivering me up to him? But, aſſure thyſelf, this Stratagem ſhall be of no Uſe to thee: For, if thou art baſe enough to oppreſs my valiant Deliverer with Numbers, and thinkeſt, by Vio⯑lence, to get me into thy Power, my Cries ſhall arm Heaven and Earth in my Defence. Providence may, haply, ſend ſome generous Cavaliers to my Reſcue; and, if Providence fails me, my own Hand ſhall give me Freedom; for that Moment thou offereſt to ſeize me, that Moment ſhall be the laſt of my Life.

While Arabella was ſpeaking, the young Gentle⯑man and Edward, who liſtened to her, eagerly, thought her Brain was diſturbed: But Mr. Glanville was in a terrible Conſuſion, and ſi⯑lently curſed his ill Fate, to make him in Love with a Woman ſo ridiculous.

For Heaven's ſake, Couſin, ſaid he, ſtriving to repreſs ſome Part of his Diſorder, Do not give way to theſe extravagant Notions: There is nobody intends to do you any Wrong.

What! interrupted ſhe, would you perſuade me, that that Impoſtor there, pointing to Ed⯑ward, has not a Deſign to carry me away; [156] which you, by ſupporting him, are not equally guilty of?

Who? I! Madam! cried out Edward: Sure your Ladyſhip does not ſuſpect me of ſuch a ſtrange Deſign! God knows I never thought of ſuch a Thing!

Ah! Diſſembler! interrupted Arabella, do not make uſe of that ſacred Name to maſk thy impious Falſhoods: Confeſs with what Intent you came into my Father's Service diſguiſed.

I never came diſguiſed, Madam, returned Edward.

No! ſaid Arabella: What means that Dreſs in which I ſee you, then?

'Tis the Marquis's Livery, Madam, ſaid Edward, which he did not order to be taken from me when I left his Service.

And with what Purpoſe didſt thou wear it? ſaid ſhe, Do not your Thoughts accuſe you of your Crime?

I always hoped, Madam—ſaid he.

You hoped! interrupted Arabella: frowning, Did I ever give you Reaſon to hope? I will not deny but I had Compaſſion on you; but even That you was ignorant of.

I know, Madam, you had Compaſſion on me, ſaid Edward; for your Ladyſhip, I always thought, did not believe me guilty.

I was weak enough, ſaid ſhe, to have Com⯑paſſion on you, though I did believe you guilty.

Indeed, Madam, returned Edward, I al⯑ways hoped, as I ſaid before (but your Ladyſhip would not hear me out), that you did not be⯑lieve any malicious Reports; and therefore you had Compaſſion on me.

[157] I had no Reports of you, ſaid ſhe, but what my own Obſervation gave me; and that was ſufficient to convince me of your Fault.

Why, Madam, ſaid Edward, did your Lady⯑ſhip ſee me ſteal the Carp then, which was the Fault unjuſtly laid to my Charge?

Mr. Glanville, as much Cauſe as he had for Uneaſineſs, could with great Difficulty reſtrain Laughter at this ludicrous Circumſtance; for he gueſſed what Crime Arabella was accuſing him of: As for the young Gentleman, he could not conceive what ſhe meant, and longed to hear what would be the End of ſuch a ſtrange Con⯑ference. But poor Arabella was prodigiouſly confounded at his mentioning ſo low an Affair; not being able to endure that Glanville and her Protector ſhould know a Lover of her's could be ſuſpected of ſo baſe a Theft.

The Shame ſhe conceived at it, kept her ſilent for a Moment: But, recovering herſelf at laſt, No, ſaid ſhe, I knew you better than to give any Credit to ſuch an idle Report: Perſons of your Condition do not commit ſuch paltry Crimes.

Upon my Soul, Madam, ſaid the young Gentleman, Perſons of his Condition often do worſe.

I don't deny it, Sir, ſaid Arabella; and the Deſign he meditated of carrying me away was infinitely worſe.

Really, Madam, returned the Gentleman, if you are ſuch a Perſon as I apprehend, I don't ſee how he durſt make ſuch an At⯑tempt.

[158] It is very poſſible, Sir, ſaid ſhe, that I might be carried away, though I was of greater Qua⯑lity than I am: Were not Mandana, Candace, Clelia, and many other Ladies who underwent the ſame Fate, of a Quality more illuſtrious than mine?

Really, Madam, ſaid he, I know none of theſe Ladies.

No, Sir! ſaid Arabella; extremely mortified.

Let me intreat you, Couſin, interrupted Glan⯑ville (who feared this Diſpute would be very tedious), to expoſe yourſelf no longer to the Air at this time of Night: Suffer me to conduct you home.

It concerns my Honour, ſaid ſhe, that this generous Stranger ſhould not think I am the only one that was ever expoſed to theſe inſolent Attempts. You ſay, Sir, purſued ſhe, that you don't know any of theſe Ladies I mention⯑ed before: Let me aſk you, then, If you are acquainted with Partheniſſa, or Cleopatra? who were both, for ſome Months, in the Hands of their Raviſhers.

As for Partheniſſa, Madam, neither have I heard of her; nor do I remember to have heard of any more than one Cleopatra: But ſhe was never raviſhed, I am certain; for ſhe was too willing.

How! Sir, ſaid Arabella: Was Cleopatra ever willing to run away with her Raviſher?

Cleopatra was a Whore, was ſhe not, Madam? ſaid he.

Hold thy Peace, unworthy Man, ſaid Ara⯑bella; and profane not the Memory of that fair and glorious Queen, by ſuch injurious Lan⯑guage: That Queen, I ſay, whoſe Courage was [159] equal to her Beauty; and her Virtue ſurpaſſed by neither. Good Heavens! What a black Defamer have I choſen for my Protector!

Mr. Glanville, rejoicing to ſee Arabella in a Diſpoſition to be offended with her new Ac⯑quaintance, reſolved to ſooth her a little, in hopes of prevailing upon her to return home. Sir, ſaid he to the Gentleman, who could not conceive why the Lady ſhould ſo warmly de⯑fend Cleopatra, you were in the Wrong to caſt ſuch Reflections upon that great Queen (re⯑peating what he had heard his Couſin ſay be⯑fore): For all the World, purſued he, knows ſhe was married to Julius Caeſar.

Though I commend you, ſaid Arabella, for taking the Part of a Lady ſo baſely vilified; yet let not your Zeal for her Honour induce you to ſay more than is true for its Juſtification; for thereby you weaken, inſtead of ſtrengthening, what may be ſaid in her Defence. One Falſhood always ſuppoſes another, and renders all you can ſay ſuſpected: Whereas pure, un⯑mixed Truth, carries Conviction along with it, and never fails to produce its deſired Effect.

Suffer me, Couſin, interrupted Glanville, to repreſent to you, the Inconveniency you will certainly feel, by ſtaying ſo late in the Air: Leave the Juſtification of Cleopatra to ſome other Opportunity; and take care of your own Preſervation.

What is it you require of me? ſaid Arabella.

Only, reſumed Glanville, that you would be pleaſed to return to the Caſtle, where my Siſter, and all your Servants, are inconſolable for your Abſence.

[160] But who can aſſure me, anſwered ſhe, that I ſhall not, by returning home, enter volunta⯑rily into my Priſon? For, to ſay the Truth, I ſtill more than ſuſpect you abet the Deſigns of this Man; ſince I behold you in his Party, and ready, no doubt, to draw your Sword in his Defence: How will you be able to clear yourſelf of this Crime? Yet I will venture to return to my Houſe, provided you will ſwear to me, you will offer me no Violence, with regard to your Friend there: And alſo I inſiſt, that he, from this Moment, diſclaim all Inten⯑tions of perſecuting me, and baniſh himſelf from my Preſence for ever. Upon this Con⯑dition I pardon him, and will likewiſe pray to Heaven to pardon him alſo. Speak, preſump⯑tuous Unknown, ſaid ſhe to Edward, Wilt thou accept of my Pardon upon the Terms I offer it thee? And wilt thou take thyſelf to ſome Place where I may never behold thee again?

Since your Ladyſhip, ſaid Edward, is reſolved not to receive me into your Service, I ſhan't trouble you any more: But I think it hard to be puniſhed for a Crime I was not guilty of.

'Tis better, ſaid Arabella, turning from him, that thou ſhouldſt complain of my Rigour, than the World tax me with Lightneſs and Indiſcre⯑tion. And now, Sir, ſaid ſhe to Glanville, I muſt truſt myſelf to your Honour, which I con⯑feſs I do a little ſuſpect: But, however, 'tis poſſible you have repented, like the poor Prince Thraſybulus, when he ſubmitted to the Sug⯑geſtions of a wicked Friend, to carry away the fair Alcionida, whom he afterwards reſtored. Speak, Glanville, purſued ſhe, are you deſirous [161] of imitating that virtuous Prince, or do you ſtill retain your former Sentiments?

Upon my Word, Madam, ſaid Glanville, you will make me quite mad, if you go on in this manner: Pray let me ſee you ſafe home; and then, if you pleaſe, you may forbid my Entrance into the Caſtle, if you ſuſpect me of any bad Intentions towards you.

'Tis enough, ſaid ſhe; I will truſt you. As for you, Sir, ſpeaking to the young Gentleman, you are ſo unworthy, in my Apprehenſions, by the Calumnies you have uttered againſt a Per⯑ſon of that Sex which merits all your Admira⯑tion and Reverence, that I hold you very unfit to be a Protector of any of it: Therefore I diſpenſe with your Services upon this Occaſion; and think it better to truſt myſelf to the Conduct of a Perſon, who, like Thraſybulus, by his Re⯑pentance, has reſtored himſelf to my Confi⯑dence, than to one, who, though, indeed, he has never betrayed me, yet ſeems very capable of doing ſo, if he had the Power.

Saying this, ſhe gave her Hand to Glanville, who helped her into the Chaiſe that was come from the Caſtle; and the Servant, who brought it, mounting his Horſe, Mr. Glanville drove her Home, leaving the Gentleman, who, by this time, had refitted his Chaiſe, in the greateſt Aſtoniſhment imaginable at her un⯑accountable Behaviour.

CHAP. I.

ARABELLA, continuing to rumi⯑nate upon her Adventure during their little Journey, appeared ſo low and reſerved, that Mr. Glan⯑ville, tho' he ardently wiſhed to know all the Particulars of her Flight, and Meeting with that Gentleman, whoſe Com⯑pany he found her in, was obliged to ſuppreſs his Curioſity for the preſent, out of a Fear of diſpleaſing her. As ſoon as they alighted at the [164] Caſtle, her Servants ran to receive her at the Gates, expreſſing their Joy to ſee her again, by a thouſand confuſed Exclamations.

Miſs Glanville, being at her Toilet when ſhe heard of her Arrival, ran down to welcome her, in her Hurry forgetting, that as her Woman had been curling her Hair, ſhe had no Cap on.

Arabella received her Compliments with a little Coolneſs; for, obſerving that her Grief for her Abſence had not made her neglect any of her uſual Solicitude about her Perſon, ſhe could not conceive it had been very great: There⯑fore, when ſhe had made ſome ſlight Anſwer to the hundred Queſtions ſhe aſked in a Breath, ſhe went up to her Apartment; and, calling Lucy, who was crying with Joy for her Return, ſhe queſtioned her ſtrictly concerning her leaving her in the Fields, acknowleging to her, that ſhe ſuſpected her Fidelity, tho' ſhe wiſhed, at the ſame time, ſhe might be able to clear herſelf.

Lucy, in her Juſtification, related, after her punctual Way, all that had happened: By which, Arabella was convinced ſhe had not be⯑trayed her; and was alſo in ſome Doubt, whe⯑ther Mr. Glanville was guilty of any Deſign againſt her.

Since, ſaid ſhe to Lucy, thou art reſtored to my good Opinion, I will, as I have always done, unmaſk my Thoughts to thee. I con⯑feſs then, with Shame and Confuſion, that I cannot think of Mr. Glanville's aſſiſting the Un⯑known to carry me away, without reſenting a moſt poignant Grief: Queſtionleſs, my Weak⯑neſs will ſurpriſe thee; and could I conceal it [165] from myſelf, I would from thee; but, alas! it is certain, that I do not hate him; and I believe I never ſhall, guilty as he may be in my Appre⯑henſions.

Hate him! Madam, ſaid Lucy: God forbid you ſhould ever hate Mr. Glanville, who, I am ſure, loves your Ladyſhip as well as he does his own Siſter!

You are very confident, Lucy, ſaid Arabella bluſhing, to mention the Word Love to me: If I thought my Couſin had bribed thee to it, I ſhould be greatly incenſed: However, tho' I forbid you to talk of his Paſſion, yet I permit you to tell me the Violence of his Tranſ⯑ports when I was miſſing; the Threats he ut⯑tered againſt my Raviſhers; the Complaints he made againſt Fortune; the Vows he of⯑fered for my Preſervation; and, in fine, whatever Extravagances the Exceſs of his Sor⯑row forced him to commit.

I aſſure you, Madam, ſaid Lucy, I did not hear him ſay any of all this.

What! interrupted Arabella: And didſt thou not obſerve the Tears trickle from his Eyes, which, haply, he ſtrove to conceal? Did he not ſtrike his Boſom with the Vehemence of his Grief; and caſt his accuſing and deſpairing Eyes to Heaven, which had permitted ſuch a Misfortune to befal me?

Indeed, Madam, I did not, reſumed Lucy; but he ſeemed to be very ſorry; and ſaid, He would go and look for your Ladyſhip.

Ah! the Traitor! interrupted Arabella in a Rage: Fain would I have found out ſome Ex⯑cuſe for him, and juſtified him in my Appre⯑henſions; [166] but he is unworthy of theſe ſavourable Thoughts: Speak of him no more, I command you; he is guilty of aſſiiſting my Raviſher to carry me away; and therefore merits my eter⯑nal Diſpleaſure: But tho' I could find Reaſons to clear him even of that Crime, yet he is guilty of Indifference and Inſenſibility for my Loſs, ſince he neither died with Grief at the News of it; nor needed the Interpoſition of his Siſter, or the Deſire of delivering me, to make him live.

Arabella, when ſhe had ſaid this, was ſilent; but could not prevent ſome Tears ſtealing down her fair Face: Therefore, to conceal her Un⯑eaſineſs, or to be at more Liberty to indulge it, ſhe ordered Lucy to make haſte and undreſs her; and, going To-bed, paſſed the ſmall Re⯑mainder of the Night, not in Reſt, which ſhe very much needed, but, in Reflections on all the Paſſages of the preceding Day: And, finding, or imagining ſhe found, new Reaſons for con⯑demning Mr. Glanville, her Mind was very far from being at Eaſe.

In the Morning, lying later than uſual, ſhe received a Meſſage from Mr. Glanville, in⯑quiring after her Health; to which ſhe an⯑ſwered, That he was too little concerned in the Preſervation of it, to make it neceſſary to ac⯑quaint him.

Miſs Glanville ſoon after ſent to deſire Per⯑miſſion to drink her Chocolate by her Bedſide; which as ſhe could not in Civility refuſe, ſhe was very much perplexed how to hide her Mel⯑ancholy from the Eyes of that diſcerning Lady, who, ſhe queſtioned not, would interpret it in favour of her Brother.

[167] Upon Miſs Glanville's Appearance, ſhe forced herſelf to aſſume a chearful Look, aſking her Pardon, for receiving her in Bed; and com⯑plaining of bad Reſt, which had occaſioned her lying late.

Miſs Glanville, after anſwering her Compli⯑ments with almoſt equal Politeneſs, proceeded to aſk her an hundred Queſtions concerning the Cauſe of her Abſence from the Caſtle: Your Woman, purſued ſhe, laughing, told us a ſtrange Medley of Stuff about a great Man, who was a Gardener; and wanted to carry you away: Sure there was nothing in it! Was there?

You muſt excuſe me, Couſin, ſaid Arabella, if I do not anſwer your Queſtions preciſely now: 'Tis ſufficient that I tell you, Certain Reaſons obliged me to act in the Manner I did, for my own Preſervation; and that, another time, you ſhall know my Hiſtory; which will explain many things you ſeem to be ſurpriſed at, at preſent.

Your Hiſtory, ſaid Miſs Glanville! Why, will you write your own Hiſtory then?

I ſhall not write it, ſaid Arabella; tho', que⯑ſtionleſs, it will be written after my Death.

And muſt I wait till then for it, reſumed Miſs Glanville, gaily?

No, no, interrupted Arabella: I mean to gratify your Curioſity ſooner; but it will not be yet a good time; and, haply, not till you have acquainted me with yours.

Mine! ſaid Miſs Glanville: It would not be worth your hearing; for really I have nothing to tell, that would make an Hiſtory.

[168] You have, queſtionleſs, returned Arabella, gained many Victories over Hearts; have oc⯑caſioned many Quarrels between your Servants, by favouring ſome one, more than the others: Probably, you have cauſed ſome Bloodſhed; and have not eſcaped being carried away once or twice: You have alſo, I ſuppoſe, undergone ſome Perſecution, from thoſe who have the Diſpoſal of you, in Favour of a Lover whom you have an Averſion to; and laſtly, there is haply ſome one among your Admirers, who is happy enough not to be hated by you.

I aſſure you, interrupted Miſs Glanville, I hate none of my Admirers; and I can't help think⯑ing you very unkind to uſe my Brother as you do: I am ſure, there is not one Man in an hun⯑dred, that would take ſo much from your Hands as he does.

Then there is not one Man in an hundred, reſumed Arabella, whom I ſhould think worthy to ſerve me: But, pray, Madam, What ill Uſage is it your Brother complains of? I have treated him with much leſs Severity than he had Reaſon to expect; and, notwithſtanding he had the Preſumption to talk to me of Love, I have endured him in my Sight; an Indulgence, for which I may haply be blamed in After-ages.

Why, ſure, Lady Bella, ſaid Miſs Glanville, it would be no ſuch Crime for my Brother to love you!

But it was a mortal Crime to tell me ſo, in⯑terrupted Arabella.

And why was it ſuch a mortal Crime to tell you ſo, ſaid Miſs Glanville? Are you the firſt Woman by Millions, that has been told ſo?

[169] Doubtleſs, returned Arabella, I am the firſt Woman of my Quality, that ever was told ſo by any Man, till after an infinite Number of Services, and ſecret Sufferings: And truly, I am of the illuſtrious Mandana's Mind; for ſhe ſaid, That ſhe ſhould think it an unpardonable Preſumption, for the greateſt King on Earth to tell her he loved her, tho' after Ten Years of the moſt faithful Services, and concealed Tor⯑ments.

Ten Years! cried out Miſs Glanville, in Amazement; Did ſhe conſider what Altera⯑tions ten Years would make in her Face, and how much older ſhe would be at the End of Ten Years, than ſhe was before?

Truly, ſaid Arabella, it is not uſual to conſi⯑der ſuch little Matters ſo nicely; one never has the Idea of an Heroine older than Eighteen, tho' her Hiſtory begins at that Age; and the Events, which compoſe it, contain the Space of Twenty more.

But, dear Couſin, reſumed Miſs Glanville, do you reſolve to be Ten Years a courting? Or rather, will you be loved in Silence Ten Years, and be courted the other Ten; and ſo marry when you are an old Woman?

Pardon me, Couſin, reſumed Arabella; I muſt really find Fault with the Coarſeneſs of your Language. Courting, and Old Woman! What ſtrange Terms! Let us, I beſeech you, end this Diſpute: If you have any thing to ſay in Juſtification of your Brother, which, I ſuppoſe, was the chief Intention of your Viſit, I ſhall not be rude enough to reſtrain you; tho' I could wiſh you would not lay me under the Neceſ⯑ſity [170] of hearing what I cannot perſuade myſelf to believe.

Since, returned Miſs Glanville, I know of no Crime my Brother has been guilty of, I have nothing to ſay in his Juſtification: I only know, that he is very much mortified at the Meſſage you ſent him this Morning; for I was with him when he received it: But pray, What has he done to offend you?

If Mr. Glanville, interrupted Arabella, hopes for my Pardon, he muſt purchaſe it by his Re⯑pentance, and a ſincere Confeſſion of his Fault; which you may much better underſtand from himſelf, than from me: And, for this Purpoſe, I will condeſcend to grant him a private Au⯑dience, at which I deſire you would be preſent; and alſo, I ſhould take it well, if you will let him know, that he owes this Favour wholly to your Interpoſition.

Miſs Glanville, who knew her Brother was extremely deſirous of ſeeing Arabella, was glad to accept of theſe ſtrange Terms; and left her Chamber, in order to acquaint him with that Lady's Intentions.

CHAP. II.

IN the mean time, that Fair-one, being riſen, and negligently dreſſed, as was her Cuſtom, went into her Cloſet, ſending to give Miſs [171] Glanville Notice, That ſhe was ready to ſee her. This Meſſage immediately brought both the Brother and the Siſter to her Apartment: And Miſs Glanville, at her Brother's Requeſt, ſtay⯑ing in the Chamber, where ſhe buſied herſelf in looking at her Couſin's Jewels, which lay upon the Toilet, he came alone into the Clo⯑ſet, in ſo much Confuſion at the Thoughts of the ridiculous Figure he made in complying with Arabella's fantaſtical Humours, that his Looks perſuading her, there was ſome great Agitation in his Mind, ſhe expected to ſee him fall at her Feet, and endeavour to deprecate her Wrath by a Deluge of Tears.

Mr. Glanville however diſappointed her in that reſpect; for, taking a Seat near her, he began to intreat, her with a ſmiling Counte⯑nance, to tell him in what he had offended her; proteſting, that he was not conſcious of doing or ſaying any thing to diſpleaſe her.

Arabella was greatly confuſed at this Queſtion, which ſhe thought ſhe had no Reaſon to expect; it not being poſſible for her to tell him ſhe was offended, that he was not in abſolute Deſpair for her Abſence, without, at the ſame time, confeſſing ſhe looked upon him in the Light of a Lover, whoſe Expreſſions of a violent Paſſion would not have diſpleaſed her: Therefore, to diſengage herſelf from the Perplexity his Queſtion threw her into, ſhe was obliged to offer ſome Violence to her Ingenuouſneſs; and, contrary to her real Belief, tax him again with a Deſign of betray⯑ing her into the Power of the Unknown.

Mr. Glanville, tho' exceſſively vexed at her perſiſting in ſo ridiculous an Error, could hardly [172] help ſmiling at the ſtern Manner in which ſhe ſpoke; but, knowing of what fatal Conſequence it would be to him, if he indulged any Gaiety in ſo ſolemn a Conference, he compoſed his Looks to a Gravity ſuitable to the Occaſion; and aſked her, in a very ſubmiſſive Tone, What Motive ſhe was pleaſed to aſſign for ſo extra⯑ordinary a Piece of Villainy, as that ſhe ſuppoſed him guilty of?

Truly, anſwered ſhe, bluſhing, I do not pre⯑tend to account for the Actions of wicked and ungenerous Perſons.

But, Madam, reſumed Glanville, if I muſt needs be ſuſpected of a Deſign to ſeize upon your Per⯑ſon, methinks it would have been more rea⯑ſonable to ſuppoſe, I would rather uſe that Vio⯑lence in Favour of my own Pretenſions, than thoſe of any other whatever; for, tho' you have expreſly forbid me to tell you I love you, yet I hope, you ſtill continue to think I do.

I aſſure you, returned Arabella, aſſuming a ſevere Look, I never gave myſelf the Trouble to examine your Behaviour with Care enough to be ſenſible, if you ſtill were guilty of the Weak⯑neſs, which diſpleaſed me; but, upon a Suppo⯑ſition, that you repented of your Fault, I was willing to live with you upon Terms of Civi⯑lity and Friendſhip, as became Perſons in that Degree of Relationſhip in which we are: There⯑fore, if you are wiſe, you will not renew the Re⯑membrance of thoſe Follies I have long ſince pardoned; nor ſeek Occaſions of offending me by new ones of the ſame kind, leſt it produce a more ſevere Sentence than that I formerly laid upon you.

[173] However, Madam, returned Mr. Glanville, you muſt ſuffer me to aſſure you, That my own Intereſt, which was greatly concerned in your Safety, and my Principles of Honour, would never allow me to engage in ſo villainous an Enterprize, as that of abetting any Perſon in ſtealing you away: Nor can I conceive, how you poſſibly could imagine a Fellow, who was your menial Servant, could form ſo preſump⯑tuous and dangerous a Deſign.

By your Manner of ſpeaking, reſumed Ara⯑bella, one would imagine you were really igno⯑rant, both of the Quality of that preſumptuous Man, as well as his deſigned Offence: But yet, 'tis certain, I ſaw you in his Company; and ſaw you ready to draw your Sword in his Defence, againſt my Deliverer. Had I not the Evidence of my own Senſes, for your Guilt, I muſt confeſs, I could not be perſuaded of it by any other Means: Therefore, ſince Appear⯑ances are certainly againſt you, it is not ſtrange, if I cannot conſent to acquit you in my Apprehen⯑ons, till I have more certain Confirmation of your Innocence, than your bare Teſtimony only; which, at preſent, has not all the Weight with me it had ſome time ago.

I proteſt, Madam, ſaid Mr. Glanville, who was ſtrangely perplexed, I have Reaſon to think my Caſe extremely hard, ſince I have brought myſelf to be ſuſpected by you, only through my Eagerneſs to find you, and Solicitude for your Welfare.

Doubtleſs, interrupted Arabella, if you are innocent, your Caſe is extremely hard; yet it is not ſingular; and therefore you have [174] leſs Reaſon to complain: The valiant Corio⯑lanus, who was the moſt paſſionate and faith⯑ful Lover imaginable, having, by his admira⯑ble Valour, aſſiſted the Raviſhers of his adored Cleopatra, againſt thoſe who came to reſcue her; and, by his Arm alone, oppoſed to great Num⯑bers of their Enemies, facilitated the Execuion of their Deſign, had the Mortification after⯑wards to know, that he had, all that time, been fighting againſt that Divine Princeſs, who loaded him with the moſt cruel Reproaches for the Injury he had done her: Yet Fortune was ſo kind, as to give him the Means of repairing his Fault, and reſtoring him to ſome Part of her good Opinion; for, covered with Wounds as he was, and fatigued with fighting, before, yet he undertook, in that Condition, to pre⯑vent her Raviſhers from carrying her off; and, for ſeveral Hours, continued fighting alone with near Two hundred Men, who were not able to overcome him, notwithſtanding his extreme Wearineſs, and the Multitude of Blows which they aimed at him: Therefore, Glanville, con⯑ſidering you, as Cleopatra did that unfortunate Prince, who was before ſuſpected by her, as neither guilty nor innocent, I can only, like her, wiſh you may find ſome Occaſion of juſtifying yourſelf, from the Crime laid to your Charge: Till then, I muſt be under a Neceſſity of baniſh⯑ing you from my Preſence, with the ſame con⯑ſolatory Speech ſhe uſed to that unfortunate Prince:—‘Go, therefore, Glanville, go, and endeavour your own Juſtification; I deſire you ſhould effect it, no leſs than you do your⯑ſelf; and, if my Prayers can obtain from [175] Heaven this Favour for you, I ſhall not ſcruple to offer ſome in your behalf.’

CHAP. III.

ARABELLA, when ſhe had pronounced theſe Words, bluſhed exceſſively, think⯑ing ſhe had ſaid too much: But, not ſeeing any Signs of extreme Joy in the Face of Glan⯑ville, who was ſilently curſing Cleopatra, and the Authors of thoſe Romances, that had ruined ſo noble a Mind; and expoſed him to perpe⯑tual Vexations, by the unaccountable Whims they had raiſed—Why are you not gone, ſaid ſhe, while I am in an Humour not to repent of the Favour I have ſhewn you?

You muſt excuſe me, Couſin, ſaid Mr. Glanville, peeviſhly, if I do not think ſo highly as you do of the Favour. Pray how am I obliged to you for depriving me of the Pleaſure of ſeeing you, and ſending me on a Wild-gooſe Chace, after Occaſions to juſtify myſelf of a Crime I am wholly innocent of, and would ſcorn to commit?

Though, reſumed Arabella, with great Calm⯑neſs, I have Reaſon to be diſſatisfied with the cool and unthankful manner in which you re⯑ceive [176] my Indulgence, yet I ſhall not change the favourable Diſpoſition I am in towards you, un⯑leſs you provoke me to it by new Acts of Diſ⯑obedience: Therefore, in the Language of Cleopatra, I ſhall tell you.—

Upon my Soul, Madam, interrupted Glan⯑ville, I have no Patience with that rigorous Gipſy, whoſe Example you follow ſo exactly, to my Sorrow: Speak in your own Language, I beſeech you; for I am ſure neither hers, nor any one's upon Earth, can excel it.

Yet, ſaid Arabella, ſtriving to repreſs ſome Inclination to ſmile at this Sally, notwithſtand⯑ing your unjuſt Prohibitions, I ſhall make uſe of the Language of that incomparable Lady, to tell you my Thoughts; which are, That 'tis poſſible you might be ſufficiently juſtified in my Apprehenſions, by the Anxiety it now appears you had for my Safety, by the Probability which I find in your Diſcourſe, and the good Opinion I have of you, were it not requiſite to make your Innocence apparent to the World, that ſo it might be lawful for Arabella to readmit you, with Honour, into her former Eſteem and Friendſhip.

Mr. Glanville, ſeeing it would be in vain to attempt to make her alter her fantaſtical Deter⯑mination at this time, went out of the Cloſet without deigning to make any Reply to his Sentence, though delivered in the Language of the admirable Cleopatra: But his ill Humour was ſo viſible in his Face, that Arabella, who miſtook it for an Exceſs of Deſpair, could not help feeling ſome kind of Pity for the Rigour which the Laws of Honour and Romance [177] obliged her to uſe him with. And, while ſhe ſat meditating upon the Scene which had juſt paſſed, Mr. Glanville returned to his own Room, glad that his Siſter, not being in Ara⯑bella's Chamber, where he had left her, had no Opportunity of obſerving his Diſcontent, which ſhe would not fail to inquire the Cauſe of.

Here he ſat, ruminating upon the Follies of Arabella, which he found grew more glaring every Day: Every thing furniſhed Matter for ſome new Extravagance; her Character was ſo ridiculous, that he could propoſe nothing to himſelf but eternal Shame and Diſquiet, in the Poſſeſſion of a Woman, for whom he muſt always bluſh, and be in Pain. But her Beauty had made a deep Impreſſion on his Heart: He admired the Strength of her Underſtanding; her lively Wit; the Sweetneſs of her Temper; and a Thouſand amiable Qualities which di⯑ſtinguiſhed her from the reſt of her Sex: Her Follies, when oppoſed to all thoſe Charms of Mind and Perſon, ſeemed inconſiderable and weak; and, though they were capable of giving him great Uneaſineſs, yet they could not leſſen a Paſſion which every Sight of her ſo much the more confirmed.

As he ſeared it was impoſſible to help loving her, his Happineſs depended upon curing her of her romantic Notions; and, though he knew not how to effect ſuch a Change in her as was neceſſary to complete it, yet he would not de⯑ſpair, but comſorted himſelf with Hopes of what he had not Courage to attempt. Some⯑times he fanſied Company, and an Acquaint⯑ance with the World, would produce the Al⯑teration [178] he wiſhed: Yet he dreaded to ſee her expoſed to Ridicule by her fantaſtical Behaviour, and become the Jeſt of Perſons who were not poſſeſſed of half her Underſtanding.

While he traverſed his Chamber, wholly engroſſed by theſe Reflections, Miſs Glanville was entertaining Sir George, of whoſe coming ſhe was informed while ſhe was in Arabella's Chamber.

CHAP. IV.

MISS Glanville, ſuppoſing her Brother would be glad not to be interrupted in his Conference with Lady Bella, did not allow any one to acquaint them with Sir George's Viſit; and, telling the Baronet her Couſin was indiſpoſed, had, by theſe means, all his Con⯑verſation to herſelf.

Sir George, who ardently wiſhed to ſee Lady Bella, protracted his Viſit, in hopes that he ſhould have that Satisfaction before he went away. And that fair Lady, whoſe Thoughts were a little diſcompoſed by the Deſpair ſhe ap⯑prehended Mr. Glanville was in, and fearful of the Conſequences, when ſhe had ſat ſome time after he left her, ruminating upon what had happened, quitted her Cloſet, to go and inquire of Miſs Glanville, in what Condition his Mind [179] ſeemed to be when he went away; for ſhe never doubted but that he was gone, like Coriolanus, to ſeek out for ſome Occaſion to manifeſt his Innocence.

Hearing, therefore, the Voice of that Lady, who was talking and laughing very loud in one of the Summer-parlours, and being terrified with the Apprehenſion, that it was her Brother with whom ſhe was thus diverting herſelf, ſhe opened the Door of the Room precipitately; and, by her Entrance, filled Sir George with extreme Pleaſure; while her unexpected Sight produced a quite contrary Effect on Miſs Glan⯑ville.

Arabella, eaſed of her Fear, that it was Mr. Glanville, who, inſtead of dying with Deſpair, was giving Occaſion for that noiſy Laugh of his Siſter, ſaluted the Baronet with great Civility; and, turning to Miſs Glanville, I muſt needs chide you, ſaid ſhe, for the Inſenſibility with which it appears you have parted with your Brother.

Bleſs me, Madam, interrupted Miſs Glan⯑ville, what do you mean? Whither is my Brother gone?

That, indeed, I am quite ignorant of, re⯑ſumed Arabella; and I ſuppoſe he himſelf hard⯑ly knows what Courſe he ſhall take: But he has been with you, doubtleſs, to take his Leave.

Take his Leave! repeated Miſs Glanville: Has he left the Caſtle ſo ſuddenly then, and gone away without me?

The Enterprize upon which he is gone, ſaid Arabella, would not admit of a Lady's Com⯑pany: And, ſince he has left ſo conſiderable an [180] Hoſtage with me as yourſelf, I expect he will not be long before he return; and, I hope, to the Satisfaction of us both.

Miſs Glanville, who could not penetrate into the Meaning of her Couſin's Words, began to be ſtrangely alarmed: But, preſently, ſuppoſing ſhe had a mind to divert herſelf with her Fears, ſhe recovered herſelf, and told her ſhe would go up to her Brother's Chamber, and look for him.

Arabella did not offer to prevent her, being very deſirous of knowing, whether he had not left a Letter for her upon his Table, as was the Cuſtom in thoſe Caſes: And, while ſhe was gone, Sir George ſeized the Opportunity of ſay⯑ing an hundred gallant Things to her, which ſhe received with great Indifference; the moſt extravagant Compliments being what ſhe ex⯑pected from all Men: And, provided they did not directly preſume to tell her they loved her, no Sort of Flattery or Adulation could diſpleaſe her.

In the mean time, Miſs Glanville, having found her Brother in his Chamber, repeated to him what Lady Bella had ſaid, as ſhe ſuppoſed, to fright her.

Mr. Glanville, hearing this, and that Sir George was with her, haſtened to them as faſt as poſſible, that he might interrupt the fooliſh Stories he did not doubt ſhe was telling.

Upon Miſs Glanville's Appearance with her Brother, Arabella was aſtoniſhed.

I apprehended, Sir, ſaid ſhe, that you were ſome Miles from the Caſtle by this time: But your Delay and Indifference convince me, you [181] neither expect nor wiſh to find the means of be⯑ing juſtified in my Opinion.

Pray, Couſin, interrupted Glanville (ſpeaking ſoftly to her), let us leave this Diſpute to ſome other time.

No, Sir, reſumed ſhe, aloud, my Honour is concerned in your Juſtification: Nor is it fit I ſhould ſubmit to have the Appearance of Amity for a Perſon who has not yet ſufficiently cleared himſelf of a Crime, with too much Reaſon laid to his Charge. Did Coriolanus, think you, act in this manner? Ah! if he had, doubtleſs, Cleopatra would never have pardoned him: Nor will I any longer ſuffer you to give me repeated Cauſes of Diſcontent.

Sir George, ſeeing Confuſion in Mr. Glanville's Countenance, and Rage in Arabella's, began to think, that what he had at firſt took for a Jeſt, was a ſerious Quarrel between them, at which it was not proper he ſhould be preſent; and was preparing to go: When Arabella, ſtopping him with a graceful Action—

If, noble Stranger, ſaid ſhe, you are ſo par⯑tial to the Failings of a Friend, that you will undertake to defend any unjuſtifiable Action he may be guilty of, you are at Liberty to depart: But, if you will promiſe to be an unprejudiced Hearer of the Diſpute between Mr. Glanville and myſelf, you ſhall know the Adventure which has given Riſe to it; and will be Judge of the Reaſonableneſs of the Commands I have laid on him.

Though, Madam, ſaid Sir George (bowing very low to her), Mr. Glanville is my Friend, yet there is no Likelihood I ſhall eſpouſe his In⯑tereſt [182] againſt yours: And a very ſtrong Prepoſ⯑ſeſſion I feel in Favour of you, already per⯑ſuades me, that I ſhall give Sentence on your Side, ſince you have honoured me ſo far, as to conſtitute me Judge of this Difference.

The ſolemn Manner in which Sir George (who began to ſuſpect Lady Bella's peculiar Turn) ſpoke this, pleaſed her infinitely; while Mr. Glanville, vexed as he was, could hardly forbear laughing: When Arabella, after a Look of Approbation to Sir George, replied;

I find I have unwillingly engaged myſelf to more than I firſt intended: For, to enable you to judge clearly of the Matter in Diſpute, 'tis neceſſary you ſhould know my whole Hiſtory.

Mr. Glanville, at this Word, not being able to conſtrain himſelf, uttered a Groan, of the ſame Nature with thoſe which are often heard in the Pit at the Repreſentation of a new Play. Sir George underſtood him perfectly well; yet ſeemed ſurpriſed: And Arabella, ſtarting up,

Since, ſaid ſhe, I have given you no new Cauſe of Complaint, pray, from whence pro⯑ceeds this Increaſe of Affliction?

I aſſure you, Couſin, anſwered he, my Af⯑fliction, if you pleaſe to term it ſo, increaſes every Day; and I believe it will make me mad at laſt: For this unaccountable Humour of yours is not to be borne.

You do not ſeem, replied Arabella, to be far from Madneſs already: And if your Friend here, upon hearing the Paſſages between us, ſhould pronounce you guilty, I ſhall be at a Loſs, whether I ought to treat you as a Mad⯑man, or a Criminal. Sir, added ſhe, turning [183] to Sir George, you will excuſe me, if, for cer⯑tain Reaſons, I can neither give you my Hiſtory myſelf, nor be preſent at the Relation of it: One of my Women, who is moſt in my Confidence, ſhall acquaint you with all the Particulars of my Life: After which I expect Mr. Glanville will abide by your Deciſion, as, I aſſure myſelf, I ſhall be contented to do.

Saying this, ſhe went out of the Parlour, in order to prepare Lucy for the Recital ſhe was to make.

Mr. Glanville, reſolving not to be preſent at this new Abſurdity, ran out after her; and went into the Garden, with a ſtrong Inclination to hate the lovely Viſionary who gave him ſuch perpetual Uneaſineſs; leaving his Siſter alone with the Baronet, who diverted herſelf extreme⯑ly with the Thoughts of hearing her Couſin's Hiſtory; aſſuring the Baronet, that he might ex⯑pect ſomething very curious in it, and find Mat⯑ter ſufficient to laugh at; for ſhe was the moſt whimſical Woman in the World.

Sir George, who reſolved to profit by the Knowlege of her Foible, made very little Re⯑ply to Miſs Glanville's Sneers; but waited pa⯑tiently for the promiſed Hiſtory, which was much longer coming than he imagined.

CHAP. V.

ARABELLA, as ſoon as ſhe left them, went up to her Apartment; and, calling Lucy into her Cloſet, told her that ſhe had made Choice of her, ſince ſhe was beſt ac⯑quainted with her Thoughts, to relate her Hiſtory to her Couſins, and a Perſon of Quality who was with them.

Sure your Ladyſhip jeſts with me, ſaid Lucy: How can I make a Hiſtory about your Lady⯑ſhip?

There is no Occaſion, replied Arabella, for you to make a Hiſtory: There are Accidents enough in my Life to afford Matter for a long one: All you have to do is to relate them as exactly as poſſible. You have lived with me from my Childhood, and are inſtructed in all my Adventures; ſo that you muſt be certainly very capable of executing the Taſk I have ho⯑noured you with.

Indeed, ſaid Lucy, I muſt beg your Ladyſhip will excuſe me: I never could tell how to re⯑peat a Story when I have read it; and I know it is not ſuch ſimple Girls as I can tell Hiſtories: It is only ſit for Clerks, and ſuch Sort of People, that are very learned.

You are learned enough for that Purpoſe, ſaid Arabella; and, if you make ſo much Difficulty in performing this Part of your Duty, pray how [185] came you to imagine you were fit for my Ser⯑vice, and the Diſtinction I have favoured you with? Did you ever hear of any Woman that refuſed to relate her Lady's Story, when deſired? Therefore, if you hope to poſſeſs my Favour and Confidence any longer, acquit yourſelf handſomely of this Taſk, to which I have pre⯑ferred you.

Lucy, terrified at the Diſpleaſure ſhe ſaw in her Lady's Countenance, begged her to tell her what ſhe muſt ſay.

Well! exclaimed Arabella: I am certainly the moſt unfortunate Woman in the World! Every thing happens to me in a contrary manner from any other Perſon! Here, inſtead of my deſiring you to ſoften thoſe Parts of my Hiſtory where you have greateſt room to flatter; and to conceal, if poſſible, ſome of thoſe Diſorders my Beauty has occaſioned; you aſk me to tell you what you muſt ſay; as if it was not neceſ⯑ſary you ſhould know as well as myſelf, and be able, not only to recount all my Words and Actions, even the ſmalleſt and moſt inconſider⯑able, but alſo all my Thoughts, however in⯑ſtantaneous; relate exactly every Change of my Countenance; number all my Smiles, Half-ſmiles, Bluſhes, Turnings pale, Glances, Pauſes, Full-ſtops, Interruptions; the Riſe and Falling of my Voice; every Motion of my Eyes; and every Geſture which I have uſed for theſe Ten Years paſt; nor omit the ſmalleſt Circumſtance that relates to me.

Lord bleſs me! Madam, ſaid Lucy, exceſ⯑ſively aſtoniſhed, I never, till this Moment, it ſeems, knew the hundredth thouſandth Part [186] of what was expected from me: I am ſure, if I had, I would never have gone to Service; for I might well know I was not fit for ſuch Slavery.

There is no ſuch great Slavery in doing all I have mentioned to you, interrupted Arabella: It requires, indeed, a good Memory, in which I never thought you deficient; for you are punctual to the greateſt Degree of Exactneſs in recounting every thing one deſires to hear from you.

Lucy, whom this Praiſe ſoothed into good Humour, and flattered with a Belief, that ſhe was able, with a little Inſtruction, to perform what her Lady required, told her, if ſhe pleaſed only to put her in a Way how to tell her Hiſtory, ſhe would engage, after doing it once, to tell it again whenever ſhe was deſired.

Arabella, being obliged to comply with the odd Requeſt, for which there was no Precedent in all the Romances her Library was ſtuffed with, began to inform her in this manner:

Firſt, ſaid ſhe, you muſt relate my Birth, which you know is very illuſtrious; and, be⯑cauſe I am willing to ſpare you the Trouble of repeating Things, that are not abſolutely neceſ⯑ſary, you muſt apologize to your Hearers for ſlipping over what paſſed in my Infancy, and the firſt Eight or Ten Years of my Life; not failing, however, to remark, that, from ſome ſprightly Sallies of Imagination, at thoſe early Years, thoſe about me conceived marvellous Hopes of my future Underſtanding: From thence you muſt proceed to an accurate Deſcription of my Perſon.

[187] What! Madam, interrupted Lucy, muſt I tell what Sort of Perſon you have, to People who have ſeen you but a Moment ago?

Queſtionleſs you muſt, replied Arabella; and herein you follow the Examples of all the 'Squires and Maids who relate their Maſters and Ladies Hiſtories: For, though it be to a Brother, or near Relation, who has ſeen them a thouſand times, yet they never omit an exact Account of their Perſons.

Very well, Madam, ſaid Lucy: I ſhall be ſure not to forget that Part of my Story. I wiſh I was as perfect in all the reſt.

Then, Lucy, you muſt repeat all the Con⯑verſations I have ever held with you upon the Subjects of Love and Gallantry, that your Au⯑dience may be ſo well acquainted with my Humour, as to know exactly, before they are told, how I ſhall behave, in whatever Adven⯑tures befal me.—After that, you may proceed to tell them, how a noble Unknown ſaw me at Church; how prodigiouſly he was ſtruck with my Appearance; the tumultuous Thoughts that this firſt View of me occaſioned in his Mind.—

Indeed, Madam, interrupted Lucy again, I can't pretend to tell his Thoughts: For how ſhould I know what they were? None but himſelf can tell that.

However that may be, ſaid Arabella, I ex⯑pect you ſhould decypher all his Thoughts, as plainly as he himſelf could do; otherwiſe my Hiſtory will be very imperfect: Well, I ſuppoſe you are at no loſs about that whole Adventure, in which you yourſelf bore ſo great a Share; ſo [188] need not give you any further Inſtructions concerning it: Only you muſt be ſure, as I ſaid before, not to omit the leaſt Circum⯑ſtance in my Behaviour, but relate every thing I did, ſaid, and thought, upon that Oc⯑caſion. The diſguiſed Gardener muſt appear next in your Story: Here you will of neceſſity be a little deficient, ſince you are not able to acquaint your Hearers with his true Name and Quality; which, queſtionleſs, is very illuſtrious. However, above all, I muſt charge you not to mention that egregious Miſtake about the Carp; for, you know how—

Here Miſs Glanville's Entrance put a Stop to the Inſtructions Lucy was receiving: For ſhe told Arabella, that Sir George was gone.

How! returned ſhe, is he gone? Truly I am not much obliged to him for the Indif⯑ference he has ſhewed to hear my Story.

Why, really, Madam, ſaid Miſs Glanville, neither of us expected you would be as good as your Word, you were ſo long in ſending your Woman down: And my Brother perſuaded Sir George you were only in Jeſt; and Sir George has carried him home to Dinner.

And is it at Sir George's, replied Arabella, that your Brother hopes to meet with an Occa⯑ſion of clearing himſelf? He is either very in⯑ſenſible of my Anger, or very conſcious of his own Innocence.

Miſs Glanville, having nothing to ſay in Anſwer to an Accuſation ſhe did not under⯑ſtand, changed the Diſcourſe: And the two Ladies paſſed the reſt of the Day together, with tolerable Good-humour on Miſs Glanville's Side; [189] who was in great hopes of making a Conqueſt of the Baronet, before whom Arabella had made herſelf ridiculous enough: But that Lady was far from being at Eaſe; ſhe had laid herſelf under a Neceſſity of baniſhing Mr. Glanville, if he did not give ſome convincing Proof of his Innocence; which, as Matters ſtood, ſhe thought would be very hard for him to procure; and, as ſhe could not abſolutely believe him guilty, ſhe was concerned ſhe had gone ſo far.

CHAP. VI.

MR. Glanville, coming home in the Even⯑ing, a little elevated with the Wine, of which he had drank too freely at Sir George's, being told the Ladies were together, entered the Room where they were ſitting; and, beholding Arabella, whoſe Penſiveneſs had given an in⯑chanting Softneſs to her Face, with a Look of extreme Admiration—

Upon my Soul, Couſin, ſaid he, if you con⯑tinue to treat me ſo cruelly, you'll drive me mad. How I could adore you this Moment, added he, gazing paſſionately at her, if I might but hope you did not hate me!

Arabella, who did not perceive the Condition he was in, was better pleaſed with this Addreſs than any he had ever uſed; and, therefore, inſtead [190] of chiding him, as ſhe was wont, for the Free⯑dom of his Expreſſions, ſhe caſt her bright Eyes upon the Ground, with ſo charming a Confuſion, that Glanville, quite tranſported, threw himſelf on his Knees before her; and, taking her Hand, attempted to preſs it to his Lips: But ſhe, haſtily withdrawing it—

From whence is this new Boldneſs? ſaid ſhe: And what is it you would implore by that pro⯑ſtrate Poſture? I have told you already upon what Conditions I will grant you my Pardon. Clear yourſelf of being an Accomplice with my deſigned Raviſher, and I am ready to reſtore you to my Eſteem.

Let me periſh, Madam, returned Glanville, if I would not die to pleaſe you, this Moment!

It is not your Death that I require, ſaid ſhe: And, though you ſhould never be able to juſtify yourſelf in my Opinion, yet you might, haply, expiate your Crime, by a leſs Puniſhment than Death.

What ſhall I do, then, my Angelic Couſin? reſumed he.

Truly, ſaid ſhe, the Senſe of your Offence ought ſo mortally to afflict you, that you ſhould invent ſome ſtrange kind of Penance for your⯑ſelf, ſevere enough to prove your Penitence ſin⯑cere.—You know, I ſuppoſe, what the unfor⯑tunate Orontes did, when he found he had wronged his adored Thaleſtris by an injurious Suſpicion.

I wiſh he had hanged himſelf, ſaid Mr. Glan⯑ville, riſing up in a Paſſion, at ſeeing her again in her Altitudes.

[191] And why, pray, Sir, ſaid Arabella, are you ſo ſevere upon that poor Prince? who was, haply, infinitely more innocent than yourſelf.

Severe, Madam! ſaid Glanville, fearing he had offended her: Why, to be ſure, he was a ſad Scoundrel, to uſe his adored Thaleſtris as he did: And I think one cannot be too ſevere upon him.

But, returned Arabella, Appearances were againſt her; and he had ſome Shadow of Reaſon for his Jealouſy and Rage: Then, you know, amidſt all his Tranſports, he could not be pre⯑vailed upon to draw his Sword againſt her.

What did that ſignify? ſaid Glanville: I ſup⯑poſe he ſcorned to draw his Sword upon a Woman: That would have been a Shame in⯑deed.

That Woman, Sir, reſumed Arabella, was not ſuch a contemptible Antagoniſt as you think her: And Men, as valiant, poſſibly, as Orontes (though, queſtionleſs, he was one of the moſt valiant Men in the World), have been cut in Pieces by the Sword of that brave Amazon.

Lord bleſs me! ſaid Miſs Glanville, I ſhould be afraid to look at ſuch a terrible Woman: I am ſure ſhe muſt be a very maſculine Sort of Creature.

You are much miſtaken, Miſs, ſaid Arabella: For Thaleſtris, tho' the moſt ſtout and cou⯑rageous of her Sex, was, nevertheleſs, a per⯑fect Beauty; and had as much Harmony and Softneſs in her Looks and Perſon, as ſhe had Courage in her Heart, and Strength in her Blows.

Indeed, Madam, reſumed Miſs Glanville, you can never perſuade me, that a Woman who can [192] ſight, and cut People to Pieces with her Blows, can have any Softneſs in her Perſon: She muſt needs have very maſculine Hands, that could give ſuch terrible Blows: And I can have no Notion of the Harmony of a Perſon's Looks, who, by what you ſay, muſt have the Heart of a Tyger. But, indeed, I don't think there ever could be ſuch a Woman.

What! Miſs, interrupted Arabella: Do you pretend to doubt, that there ever was ſuch a Perſon as Thaleſtris, Queen of the Amazons? Does not all the World know the Adventures of that illuſtrious Princeſs; her Affection for the unjuſt Orontes, who accuſed her of having a ſcandalous Intrigue with Alexander, whom ſhe went to meet, with a very different Deſign, up⯑on the Borders of her Kingdom? The injurious Letter he wrote her, upon this Suſpicion, made her reſolve to ſeek for him all over the World, to give him that Death he had merited, by her own Hand: And it was in thoſe Rencounters that he had with her, while ſhe was thus in⯑cenſed, that he forbore to defend himſelf againſt her, though her Sword was often pointed to his Breaſt.

But, Madam, interrupted Mr. Glanville, pray what became of this Queen of the Ama⯑zons? Was ſhe not killed at the Siege of Troy?

She never was at the Siege of Troy, returned Arabella: But ſhe aſſiſted the Princes who be⯑ſieged Babylon, to recover the Liberty of Sta⯑tira and Pariſatis: And it was in the oppoſite Party that ſhe met with her faithleſs Lover.

If he was faithleſs, Madam, ſaid Mr. Glan⯑ville, he deſerved to die: And I wiſh, with all [193] my Soul, ſhe had cut him in Pieces with that famous Sword of hers that had done ſuch Won⯑ders.

Yet this faithleſs Man, reſumed Arabella, whom you ſeem to have ſuch an Averſion to, gave ſo glorious a Proof of his Repentance and Sor⯑row, that the fair Queen reſtored him to her Favour, and held him in much dearer Affection than ever: For, after he was convinced of her Innocence, he was reſolved to puniſh himſelf with a Rigour equal to the Fault he had been guilty of; and, retiring to the Woods, abandoned for ever the Society of Men; dwelling in a Cave, and living upon bitter Herbs, paſſing the Days and Nights in continual Tears and Sor⯑row for his Crime: And here he propoſed to end his Life, had not the fair Thaleſtris found him out in this Solitude; and, ſtruck with the Sincerity of his Repentance, pardoned him; and, as I have ſaid before, reſtored him to her Favour.

And, to ſhew you, ſaid Glanville, that I am capable of doing as much for you; I will, if you inſiſt upon it, ſeek out for ſome Cave, and do Penance in it, like that Orontes, provided you will come and fetch me out of it, as that ſame fair Queen did him.

I do not require ſo much of you, ſaid Ara⯑bella; for I told you before, that, haply, you are juſtified already in my Opinion; but yet it is neceſſary, you ſhould find out ſome Method of convincing the World of your Innocence; other⯑wiſe it is not fit I ſhould live with you upon Terms of Friendſhip and Civility.

[194] Well, well, Madam, ſaid Glanville, I'll convince you of my Innocence, by bringing that Raſcal's Head to you, whom you ſuſpect I was inclined to aſſiſt in ſtealing you away.

If you do that, reſumed Arabella, doubtleſs you will be iuſtified in my Opinion, and the World's alſo; and I ſhall have no Scruple to treat you with as much Friendſhip as I did be⯑fore.

My Brother is much obliged to you, Ma⯑dam, interrupted Miſs Glanville, for putting him upon an Action, that would coſt him his Life!

I have ſo good an Opinion of your Brother's Valour, ſaid Arabella, that I am perſuaded he will find no Difficulty in performing his Pro⯑miſe; and I make no queſtion but I ſhall ſee him covered with the Spoils of that Impoſtor, who would have betrayed me; and I flatter myſelf, he will be in a Condition to bring me his Head, as he bravely promiſes, without endangering his own Life.

Does your Ladyſhip conſider, ſaid Miſs Glan⯑ville, that my Brother can take away no Per⯑ſon's Life whatever, without endangering his own?

I conſider, Madam, ſaid Arabella, your Bro⯑ther as a Man poſſeſſed of Virtue and Courage enough to undertake to kill all my Enemies and Perſecutors, though I had ever ſo many; and I preſume, he would be able to perform as many glorious Actions for my Service, as either Juba, Caeſario, Artamenes, or Artaban, who, though not a Prince, was greater than any of them.

[195] If thoſe Perſons you have named, ſaid Miſs Glanville, were Murderers, and made a Practice of killing People, I hope my Brother will be too wiſe to follow their Examples: A ſtrange kind of Virtue and Courage indeed, to take away the Lives of one's Fellow-Creatures! How did ſuch Wretches eſcape the Gallows, I won⯑der?

I perceive, interrupted Arabella, what kind of Apprehenſions you have: I ſuppoſe you think, if your Brother was to kill my Enemy, the Law would puniſh him for it: But pray undeceive yourſelf, Miſs: The Law has no Power over Heroes; they may kill as many Men as they pleaſe, without being called to any Account for it; and the more Lives they take away, the greater is their Reputation for Virtue and Glory. The illuſtrious Artaban, from the Condition of a private Man, raiſed himſelf to the ſublimeſt Pitch of Glory by his Valour; for he not only would win half a dozen Battles in a Day; but, to ſhew that Victory followed him where-ever he went, he would change Parties, and immediately the Vanquiſhed became Con⯑querors; then, returning to the Side he had quitted, changed the Laurels of his former Friends into Chains. He made nothing of tumbling Kings from their Thrones, and giving away half a dozen Crowns in a Morning; for his Generoſity was equal to his Courage; and to this Height of Power did he raiſe himſelf by his Sword. Beginning at firſt with petty Conqueſts, and not diſdaining to oppoſe his glorious Arm to ſometimes leſs than a Score of his Enemies; ſo, by degrees, enuring himſelf [196] to conquer inconſiderable Numbers, he came at laſt to be the Terror of whole Armies, who would fly at the Sight of his ſingle Sword.

This is all very aſtoniſhing indeed, ſaid Miſs Glanville: However, I muſt intreat you, not to inſiſt upon my Brother's quarrelling and fight⯑ [...]ng with People, ſince it will be neither for your Honour, nor his Safety; for I am afraid, if he was to commit Murder to pleaſe you, the Laws would make him ſuffer for it; and the World would be very free with its Cenſures on your Ladyſhip's Reputation, for putting him upon ſuch ſhocking Crimes.

By your Diſcourſe, Miſs, replied Arabella, one would imagine, you knew as little in what the good Reputation of a Lady conſiſts, as the Safety of a Man; for certainly the one depends intirely upon his Sword, and the other upon the Noiſe and Buſtle ſhe makes in the World. The Blood that is ſhed for a Lady, enhances the Value of her Charms; and the more Men a Hero kills, the greater his Glory, and, by Conſequence, the more ſecure he is. If to be the Cauſe of a great many Deaths, can make a Lady infamous; certainly none were ever more ſo, than Mandana, Cleopatra, and Statira, the moſt illuſtrious Names in Anti⯑quity; for each of whom, haply, an hundred thouſand Men were killed: Yet none were ever ſo unjuſt, as to profane the Virtue of thoſe Di⯑vine Beauties, by caſting any Cenſures upon them for theſe glorious Effects of their Charms, and the heroic Valour of their Admirers.

I muſt confeſs, interrupted Miſs Glanville, I ſhould not be ſorry to have a Duel or Two [197] fought for me in Hyde-park; but then I would not have any Blood ſhed for the World.

Glanville here interrupting his Siſter with a Laugh, Arabella alſo could not forbear ſmiling at the harmleſs Kind of Combats her Couſin was fond of.

But to put an End to the Converſation, and the Diſpute which gave Riſe to it, ſhe obliged Mr. Glanville to promiſe to fight with the Im⯑poſtor Edward, whenever he found him; and either take away his Life, or force him to con⯑feſs, he had no Part in the Deſign he had me⯑ditated againſt her.

This being agreed upon, Arabella, conduct⯑ing Miſs Glanville to her Chamber, retired to her own; and paſſed the Night with much greater Tranquillity, than ſhe had done the preceding; being ſatisfied with the Care ſhe had taken of her own Glory, and perſuaded that Glanville was not unfaithful; a Circum⯑ſtance, that was of more Conſequence to her Happineſs, than ſhe was yet aware of.

CHAP. VII.

WHILE theſe things paſſed at the Caſtle, Sir George was meditating on the Means he ſhould uſe to acquire the Eſteem of Lady Bella, of whoſe Perſon he was a little [198] enamoured, but of her Fortune a great deal more.

By the Obſervations he had made on her Be⯑haviour, he diſcovered her peculiar Turn: He was well read in Romances himſelf, and had actually employed himſelf ſome Weeks in giv⯑ing a new Verſion of the Grand Cyrus; but the prodigious Length of the Taſk he had under⯑taken, terrified him ſo much, that he gave it over: Nevertheleſs, he was perfectly well ac⯑quainted with the chief Characters in moſt of the French Romances; could tell every thing that was borrowed from them, in all the new Novels that came out; and, being a very accu⯑rate Critic, and a mortal Hater of Dryden, ri⯑diculed him for want of Invention, as it appeared by his having recourſe to theſe Books for the moſt ſhining Characters and Incidents in his Plays. Almanzor, he would ſay, was the Copy of the famous Artaban in Cleopatra, whoſe Ex⯑ploits Arabella had expatiated upon to Miſs Glanville, and her Brother: His admired Cha⯑racter of Melantha in Marriage à-la-mode, was drawn from Beriſſa in the Grand Cyrus; and the Story of Oſmyn and Benſayda, in his Con⯑queſt of Granada, taken from Seſoſtris and Time⯑rilla in that Romance.

Fraught therefore with the Knowlege of all the Extravagances and Peculiarities in thoſe Books, he reſolved to make his Addreſſes to Arabella in the Form they preſcribed; and, not having Delicacy enough to be diſguſted with the Ridicule in her Character, ſerved himſelf with her Foible, to effect his Deſigns.

[199] It being neceſſary, in order to his better Ac⯑quaintance with Arabella, to be upon very friendly Terms with Miſs Glanville and her Brother, he ſaid a thouſand gallant Things to one, and ſeemed ſo little offended with the Gloom he obſerved upon the Countenance of the other, who poſitively aſſured him, that Arabella meant only to laugh at him, when ſhe promiſed him her Hiſtory, that he intreated him, with the moſt obliging Earneſtneſs, to fa⯑vour him with his Company at his Houſe, where he omitted no ſort of Civility, to confirm their Friendſhip and Intimacy; and perſuaded him, by ſeveral little and ſeemingly unguarded Ex⯑preſſions, that he was not ſo great an Admirer of Lady Bella, as her agreeable Couſin Miſs Glanville.

Having thus ſecured a Footing in the Caſtle, he furniſhed his Memory with all the neceſſary Rules of making Love in Arabella's Taſte, and deferred his next Viſit no longer than till the following Day; but Mr. Glanville being in⯑diſpoſed, and not able to ſee Company, he knew it would be in vain to expect to ſee Arabella, ſince it was not to be imagined, Miſs Glan⯑ville could admit of a Viſit, her Brother being ill; and Lady Bella muſt be alſo neceſſarily en⯑gaged with her.

Contenting himſelf, therefore, with having inquired after the Health of the Two Ladies, he returned home, not a little vexed at his Diſ⯑appointment.

Mr. Glanville's Indiſpoſition, increaſing every Day, grew at laſt dangerous enough to fill his Siſter with extreme Apprehenſions. Arabella, [200] keeping up to her Forms, ſent regularly every Day, to inquire after his Health; but did not offer to go into his Chamber, though Miſs Glanville was almoſt always there.

As ſhe conceived his Sickneſs to be occaſioned by the Violence of his Paſſion for her, ſhe ex⯑pected ſome Overture ſhould be made her by his Siſter, to engage her to make him a Viſit; ſuch a Favour being never granted by any Lady to a ſick Lover, till ſhe was previouſly informed, her Preſence was neceſſary to hinder the In⯑creaſe of his Diſtemper.

Miſs Glanville would not have failed to re⯑preſent to her Couſin the Incivility and Care⯑leſneſs of her Behaviour, in not deigning to come and ſee her Brother in his Indiſpoſition, had not Mr. Glanville, imputing this Neglect to the Nicety of her Notions, which he had upon other Occaſions experienced, abſolutely forbid her to ſay any thing to her Couſin upon this Subject.

Miſs Glanville being thus forced to Silence, by the Fear of giving her Brother Uneaſineſs, Arabella was extremely diſappointed to find, that, in Five Days Illneſs, no Application had been made to her, either by the ſick Lover, or his Siſter, who ſhe thought intereſted herſelf too little in his Recovery; ſo that her Glory obliging her to lay ſome Conſtraint upon her⯑ſelf, ſhe behaved with a Coolneſs and Inſenſi⯑bility, that increaſed Miſs Glanville's Averſion to her, while, in Reality, ſhe was extremely concerned for her Couſin's Illneſs; but not ſuppoſing it dangerous, ſince they had not re⯑courſe to the uſual Remedy, of beſeeching a [201] Viſit from the Perſon whoſe Preſence was alone able to work a Cure, ſhe reſolved to wait patiently the Event.

However, ſhe never failed in her Reſpect to Miſs Glanville, whom ſhe viſited every Morn⯑ing, before ſhe went to her Brother; and alſo conſtantly dined with her in her own Apart⯑ment, inquiring always, with great Sweetneſs, concerning her Brother's Health; when per⯑ceiving her in Tears one Day, as ſhe came in, as uſual, to dine with her, ſhe was extremely alarmed; and aſked with great Precipitation, If Mr. Glanville was worſe?

He is ſo bad, Madam, returned Miſs Glan⯑ville, that I believe it will be neceſſary to ſend for my Papa, for fear he ſhould die, and he not ſee him.

Die, Miſs! interrupted Arabella eagerly: No, he muſt not die; and ſhall not, if the Pity of Arabella is powerful enough to make him live. Let us go then, Couſin, ſaid ſhe, her Eyes ſtreaming with Tears; let us go and viſit this dear Brother, whom you lament: Haply my Sight may repair the Evils my Rigour has cauſed him; and ſince, as I imagine, he has forborn, through the profound Reſpect he has for me, to requeſt the Favour of a Viſit, I will voluntarily beſtow it on him, as well for the Affection I bear you, as becauſe I do not wiſh his Death.

You do not wiſh his Death, Madam! ſaid Miſs Glanville, exceſſively angry at a Speech, in her Opinion, extremely inſolent: Is it ſuch a mighty Favour, pray, not to wiſh the Death of my Brother, who never injured you? I am [202] ſure, your Behaviour has been ſo extremely in⯑human, that I have repented a thouſand times, we ever came to the Caſtle.

Let us not waſte the time in idle Reproaches, ſaid Arabella: If my Rigour has brought your Brother into this Condition, my Compaſſion can draw him out of it: It is no more than what all do ſuffer, who are poſſeſſed of a vio⯑lent Paſſion; and few Lovers ever arrive to the Poſſeſſion of their Miſtreſſes, without being ſe⯑veral times brought almoſt to their Graves, either by their Severity, or ſome other Cauſe: But nothing is more eaſy, than to work a Cure, in theſe Caſes; for the very Sight of the Perſon beloved ſometimes does it, as it happened to Artamenes, when the Divine Mandana con⯑deſcended to viſit him: A few kind Words, ſpoken by the fair Princeſs of Perſia to Oroon⯑dates, recalled him from the Gates of Death; and one Line from Pariſatis's Hand, which brought a Command to Lyſimachus to live, made him not only reſolve, but even able, to obey her.—

Miſs Glanville, quite out of Patience at this tedious Harangue, without any Regard to Cere⯑mony, flounced out of the Room; and ran to her Brother's Chamber, followed by Arabella, who imputed her rude Haſte to a Suſpicion, that her Brother was worſe.

CHAP. VIII.

AT their Entrance into the Room, Miſs Glanville inquired of the Phyſician, juſt going out, How he found her Brother? Who replied, that his Fever was increaſed ſince laſt Night; and that it would not (ſeeing Arabella preparing to go to his Bedſide) be proper to diſturb him.

Saying this, he bow'd, and went out; and Miſs Glanville, repeating what the Phyſician had ſaid, begged her to defer ſpeaking to him till another time.

I know, ſaid ſhe, that he apprehends, the Sight of me will cauſe ſo many tumultuous Motions in the Soul of his Patient, as may prove prejudicial to him: Nevertheleſs, ſince his Diſorder is, queſtionleſs, more in his Mind than Body, I may prove, haply, a better Phyſician than he; ſince I am more likely, than he, to cure an Illneſs I have cauſed—

Saying this, ſhe walked up to Mr. Glanville's Bedſide, who, ſeeing her, thanked her, with a weak Voice, for coming to ſee him; aſſuring her, he was very ſenſible of the Favour ſhe did him—

You muſt not, ſaid ſhe, bluſhing, thank me too much, leſt I think the Favour I have done you, is really of more Conſequence than I imagined, ſince it merits ſo many Acknowlege⯑ments: [204] Your Phyſician tells us, purſued ſhe, that your Life is in Danger; but I perſuade myſelf, you will value it ſo much from this Moment, that you will not protract your Cure any longer.

Are you mad, Madam, whiſpered Miſs Glan⯑ville, who ſtood behind her, to tell my Bro⯑ther, that the Phyſician ſays he is in Danger? I ſuppoſe you really wiſh he may die, or you would not talk ſo.

If, anſwered ſhe, whiſpering again to Miſs Glanville, you are not ſatisfied with what I have already done for your Brother, I will go as far as Modeſty will permit me: And gently pulling open the Curtains;

Glanville, ſaid ſhe, with a Voice too much raiſed for a ſick Perſon's Ear, I grant to your Siſter's Solicitations, what the fair Statira did to an Intereſt yet more powerful, ſince, as you know, it was her own Brother, who pleaded in Favour of the dying Orontes: Therefore, conſidering you in a Condition haply no leſs dangerous, than that of that paſſionate Prince, I condeſcend, like her, to tell you, that I do not wiſh your Death; that I intreat you to live; and, laſtly, by all the Power I have over you, I command you to recover.

Ending theſe Words, ſhe cloſed the Curtain, that her tranſported Lover might not ſee her Bluſhes and Confuſion, which were ſo great, that, to conceal them, even from Miſs Glan⯑ville, ſhe hurried out of the Room, and retired to her own Apartment, expecting, in a little time, to receive a Billet, under the ſick Man's Hand, importing, that, in Obedience to her [205] Commands, he was recovered, and ready to throw himſelf at her Feet, to thank her for that Life ſhe had beſtowed upon him, and to de⯑dicate the Remains of it to her Service.

Miſs Glanville, who ſtayed behind her, in a ſtrange Surprize at her ridiculous Behaviour; though ſhe longed to know what her Brother thought of it, finding he continued ſilent, would not diſturb him. The Shame he con⯑ceived at hearing ſo abſurd a Speech from a Woman he paſſionately loved; and the Deſire he had, not to hear his Siſter's Sentiments up⯑on it; made him counterfeit Sleep, to avoid any Diſcourſe with her upon ſo diſagreeable a Subject.

That Day his Fever increaſed; and the next, the Phyſician pronouncing him in great Dan⯑ger, a Meſſenger was diſpatched to Town, to haſten the Coming of Sir Charles; and poor Miſs Glanville was quite inconſoleable, under the Apprehenſions of loſing him.

Arabella, not to derogate from her Character, affected great Firmneſs of Mind upon this Oc⯑caſion; ſhe uſed the moſt perſuaſive Eloquence to moderate her Couſin's Affliction, and cauſed all imaginable Care to be taken of Mr. Glan⯑ville: While any one was preſent, her Looks diſcovered only a calm and decent Sorrow; yet when ſhe was alone, or had only her dear Lucy with her, ſhe gave free Vent to her Tears; and diſcovered a Grief for Mr. Glanville's Ill⯑neſs, little different from that ſhe had felt for her Father's.

As ſhe now viſited him conſtantly every Day, ſhe took an Opportunity, when ſhe was alone [206] by his Bedſide, to chide him for his Diſobedi⯑ence, in not recovering, as ſhe had command⯑ed him.

Dear Couſin, anſwered he faintly, Can you imagine, Health is not my Choice? And do you think, I would ſuffer theſe Pains, if I could poſſibly eaſe myſelf of them?

Thoſe Pains, replied Arabella, miſtaking his Complaint, ought to have ceaſed, when the Cauſe of them did; and when I was no longer rigorous, you ought no longer to have ſuffer⯑ed: But tell me, ſince you are, queſtionleſs, one of the ſtrangeſt Men in the World, and the hardeſt to be comforted; nay, and I may add, the moſt diſobedient of all, that ever wore the Fetters of Love; Tell me, I ſay, what muſt I do to content you?

If I live, Couſin, ſaid Glanville—

Nay, interrupted Arabella, ſince my Empire over you is not ſo abſolute as I thought; and ſince you think fit to reſerve to yourſelf the Liberty of dying, contrary to my Deſire; I think I had better reſolve, not to make any Treaty with you: However, as I have gone thus far, I will do ſomething more; and tell you, ſince I have commanded you to live, I will alſo permit you to love me, in order to make the Life I have beſtowed on you, worthy your Acceptance. Make me no Reply, ſaid ſhe, putting her Hand on his Mouth; but be⯑gin from this Moment to obey me.

Saying this, ſhe went out of the Room—

A few Hours after, his Fever being come to a Height, he grew delirious, and talked very wildly; but a favourable Criſis enſuing, he fell [207] into a ſound and quiet Sleep, and continued in it for ſeveral Hours: Upon his waking, the Phyſician declared, his Fever was greatly aba⯑ted; and the next Morning, pronounced him out of Danger—

Miſs Glanville, tranſported with Joy, ran to Lady Bella, and informed her of this good News; but as ſhe did not make her the Acknowledge⯑ments ſhe expected, for being the Cauſe of his Recovery, ſhe behaved with more Reſerve than Miſs Glanville thought was neceſſary: Which renewed her former Diſguſts; yet, dread⯑ing to diſpleaſe her Brother, ſhe concealed it from the Obſervation of her Couſin—

Arabella, being deſirous of completing her Lover's Cure by ſome more favourable Ex⯑preſſions, went to his Chamber, accompanied by Miſs Glanville.

I ſee, ſaid ſhe, approaching to his Bedſide, with an inchanting Smile, that you know how to be obedient, when you pleaſe; and I begin to know, by the Price you ſet upon your Obe⯑dience, that ſmall Favours will not content you.

Indeed, my deareſt Couſin, ſaid Glanville, who had found her more intereſted in his Re⯑covery than he expected, you have been very obliging, and I will always moſt gratefully own it.

I am glad, interrupted Arabella, that Gra⯑titude is not baniſhed from all your Family; and that that Perſon in it, for whom I have the moſt Senſibility, is not intirely diveſted of it—

I hope, ſaid Mr. Glanville, my Siſter has given you no Cauſe to complain of her.

[208] Indeed but ſhe has, replied Arabella; for, notwithſtanding ſhe is obliged to me for the Life of a Brother, whom queſtionleſs ſhe loves very well; nevertheleſs, ſhe did not deign to make me the leaſt Acknowledgement for what I have done in your Favour: However, Glan⯑ville, provided you continue to obſerve that Reſpect and Fidelity towards me, which I have Reaſon to hope for from you; your Condition ſhall be never the worſe for Miſs Glanville's un⯑acknowleging Temper; and I now confirm the Grant I Yeſterday made you, and repeat it again; That I permit you to love me, and promiſe you not to be diſpleaſed at any Teſti⯑monies you will give me of your Paſſion, pro⯑vided you ſerve me with an inviolable Fidelity.

But, Madam, returned Mr. Glanville, to make my Happineſs complete, you muſt alſo promiſe to love me; or elſe what ſignifies the Permiſſion you give me to love you?

You are almoſt as unacknowleging as your Siſter, reſumed Arabella, bluſhing; and if your Health was perfectly re-eſtabliſhed, queſtionleſs, I ſhould chide you for your Preſumption; but ſince ſomething muſt be allowed to ſick Per⯑ſons, whoſe Reaſon, one may ſuppoſe, is weak⯑ened by their Indiſpoſition, I will pardon your Indiſcretion at this time, and counſel you to wait patiently for what Heaven will determine in your Favour: Therefore endeavour to merit my Affection by your Reſpect, Fidelity, and Services; and hope from my Juſtice, what⯑ever it ought to beſtow—

Ending this Speech, with a Solemnity of Ac⯑cent, that gave Mr. Glanville to underſtand, [209] any Reply would offend her, he ſilently kiſſed her fair Hand, which ſhe held out to him; a Favour, the Terms upon which they now were, and his Sickneſs, gave him a Right to expect— And, finiſhing her Viſit for that time, left him to his Repoſe; being extremely pleaſed at the Proſpect of his Recovery, and very well ſatisfied at having ſo gracefully got over ſo great a Diffi⯑culty, as that of giving him Permiſſion to love her: For by the Laws of Romance, when a Lady has once given her Lover that Permiſſion, ſhe may lawfully allow him to talk to her upon the Subject of his Paſſion, accept all his Gallan⯑tries, and claim an abſolute Empire over all his Actions; reſerving to herſelf the Right of fix⯑ing the Time when ſhe may own her Affection: And when that important Step is taken, and his Conſtancy put to a few Years more Trial; when he has killed all his Rivals, and reſcued her from a thouſand Dangers; ſhe at laſt condeſcends to reward him with her Hand; and all her Ad⯑ventures are at an End for the future.

CHAP. I.

SIR George, who had never miſſed a Day, during Mr. Glanville's Illneſs, in ſending to the Caſtle, now he was able to ſee Company, viſited him very frequently; and ſometimes had the Happineſs to meet with Arabella in his Chamber: But, knowing the Conditions of her Father's Will, and Mr. Glanville's Pretenſions, he was obliged to lay ſo much Conſtraint upon himſelf, in the Preſence of Miſs Glanville, and her Brother, that [212] he hardly durſt truſt his Eyes, to expreſs his Ad⯑miration of her, for Fear of alarming them with any Suſpicion of his Deſigns: However, he did not fail to recommend himſelf to her Eſteem, by a Behaviour to her full of the moſt perfect Reſpect; and very often, ere he was aware, uttered ſome of the extravagant Com⯑pliments, that the Gallants in the French Ro⯑mances uſe to their Miſtreſſes.

If he walked with her in the Gardens, he would obſerve, that the Flowers, which were before languiſhing and pale, bloomed with freſh Beauty at her Approach; that the Sun ſhined out with double Brightneſs, to exceed, if poſſible, the Luſtre of her Eyes; and that the Wind, fond of kiſſing her celeſtial Countenance, played with her fair Hair; and, by gentle Murmurs, declared its Happineſs—

If Miſs Glanville happened to be preſent, when he talked to her in this Strain, ſhe would ſuppoſe he was ridiculing her Couſin's fan⯑taſtical Turn; and when ſhe had an Opportu⯑nity of ſpeaking to him alone, would chide him, with a great deal of good Humour, for giving hrr ſo much Diverſion at her Couſin's Ex⯑pence.

Sir George, improving this Hint, perſuaded Miſs Glanville by his Anſwers, that he really laughed at Arabella; and, being now leſs fear⯑ful of giving any Suſpicion to the gay Coquet, ſince ſhe aſſiſted him to deceive her, he applied himſelf, with more Aſſiduity than ever, to inſi⯑nuate himſelf into Arabella's Flavour.

However, the Neceſſity he was under of be⯑ing always of Arabella's Opinion, ſometimes [213] drew him into little Difficulties with Miſs Glan⯑ville. Knowing that young Lady was extremely fond of Scandal, he told her, as a moſt agree⯑able Piece of News, one Afternoon when he was there, that he had ſeen Miſs Groves, who, he ſuppoſed, had come into the Country upon the ſame Account as ſhe had done a Twelve⯑month before: Her Marriage being yet a Secret, the complaiſant Baronet threw out an Hint or two, concerning the Familiarity and Correſpondence there was between her and the Gentleman to whom ſhe was really ſecretly married.

Miſs Glanville, making the moſt of this Intel⯑ligence, ſaid a thouſand ſevere Things againſt the unfortunate Miſs Groves; which Arabella, always benevolent and kind, could not bear.

I perſuade myſelf, ſaid ſhe to her Couſin, that you have been miſinformed concerning this Beauty, whoſe Misfortunes you aggravate by your cruel Cenſures; and whoever has given you the Hiſtory of her Life, has, haply, done it with great Injuſtice—

Why, Madam, interrupted Miſs Glanville, do you think you are better acquainted with her Hiſtory, as you call it, who have never been in Town, where her Follies made her ſo remark⯑able, than Perſons who were Eye-witneſſes of all her ridiculous Actions?

I apprehend, ſaid Arabella, that I, who have had a Relation made to me of all the Paſſages of her Life, and have been told all her moſt ſecret Thoughts, may know as much, if not more, than Perſons who have lived in the ſame Place with her, and have not had that Advan⯑tage; [214] and I think, I know enough to vindi⯑cate her from many cruel Aſperſions.

Pray, Madam, returned Miſs Glanville, will your Ladyſhip pretend to defend her ſcandalous Commerce with Mr. L—?

I know not, Miſs, ſaid Arabella, why you call her Intercourſe with that perjured Man by ſo unjuſt an Epithet. If Miſs Groves be unchaſte, ſo was the renowned Cleopatra, whoſe Marriage with Julius Caeſar is controverted to this Day.

And what Reaſons, Madam, ſaid Miſs Glan⯑ville, have you for ſuppoſing, Miſs Groves was married to Mr. L—, ſince all the World knows to the contrary?

Very ſufficient ones, ſaid Arabella; ſince it is hardly poſſible to ſuppoſe, a young Lady of Miſs Groves's Quality would ſtain the Luſtre of her Deſcent by ſo ſhameful an Intrigue; and alſo, ſince there are Examples enough to be found of Perſons, who ſuffered under the ſame unhappy Circumſtances as herſelf; yet were perfectly innocent, as was that great Queen I have men⯑tioned; who queſtionleſs, you, Sir, are ſuffi⯑ciently convinced, was married to that illuſtrious Conqueror; who, by betraying ſo great and ſo fair a Queen, in great meaſure tarniſhed the Glory of his Laurels—

Married, Madam! replied Sir George: Who preſumes to ſay, that fair Queen was not mar⯑ried to that illuſtrious Conqueror?

Nay, you know, Sir, interrupted Arabella, many People did ſay, even while ſhe was living, that ſhe was not married; and have branded her Memory with infamous Calumnies, upon Ac⯑count of the Son ſhe had by Caeſar, the brave [215] Caeſario, who, under the Name of Cleomedon, performed ſuch Miracles of Valour in Ethiopia.

I aſſure you, Madam, ſaid Sir George, I was always a great Admirer of the famous Cleome⯑don, who was certainly the greateſt Hero in the World.

Pardon me, Sir, ſaid Arabella; Cleomedon was, queſtionleſs, a very valiant Man; but he, and all the Heroes that ever were, muſt give place to the unequalled Prince of Mauritania; that illuſtrious, and for a long time unfortunate, Lover of the Divine Cleopatra, who was Daugh⯑ter, as you queſtionleſs know, of the great Queen we have been ſpeaking of—

Dear Heart! ſaid Miſs Glanville, What is all this to the Purpoſe? I would fain know, whether Sir George believes, Miſs Groves was ever married to Mr. L—.

Doubtleſs, I do, ſaid he; for, as Lady Bella ſays, ſhe is in the ſame unhappy Circumſtance with the great Cleopatra; and if Julius Caeſar could be guilty of denying his Marriage with that Queen, I ſee no Reaſon to ſuppoſe, why Mr. L—might not be guilty of the ſame kind of Injuſtice.

So then, interrupted Miſs Glanville, bluſhing with Spite, you will really offer to maintain, that Miſs Groves was married? Ridiculous! How ſuch a Report would be laughed at in Lon⯑don!

I aſſure you, replied Arabella, if ever I go to London, I ſhall not ſcruple to maintain that Opinion to every one, who will mention that Fair-one to me; and uſe all my Endeavours to confirm them in it.

[216] Your Ladyſhip would do well, ſaid Miſs Glanville, to perſuade People, that Miſs Groves, at Fifteen, did not want to run away with her Writing-maſter.

As I am perſuaded myſelf, ſaid Arabella, that Writing maſter was ſome noble Stranger in Diſguiſe, who was paſſionately in Love with her, I ſhall not ſuffer any body, in my Hearing, to propagate ſuch an unlikely Story; but ſince he was a Perſon worthy of her Affection, if ſhe had run away with him, her Fault was not without Example, and even Excuſe: You know what the fair Artemiſa did for Alexander, Sir, pur⯑ſued ſhe, turning to Sir George: I would fain know your Sentiments upon the Action of that Princeſs, which ſome have not ſcrupled to con⯑demn—

Whoever they are, Madam, ſaid Sir George, who condemn the fair Artemiſa for what ſhe did for Alexander, are Miſcreants and Slan⯑derers; and though that beautiful Princeſs has been dead more than Two thouſand Years, I would draw my Sword in Defence of her Cha⯑racter, againſt all who ſhould preſume, in my Preſence, to caſt any Cenſures upon it.

Since you are ſo courageous, ſaid Miſs Glan⯑ville, laughing exceſſively at this Sally, which, ſhe thought, was to ridicule her Couſin; it is to be hoped, you will defend a living Lady's Character, who may thank you for it; and make the World believe, that her Correſpond⯑ence with Mr. L—was intirely innocent; and that ſhe never had any Deſign to run away with her Writing-maſter.

[217] Are you reſolved, Couſin, ſaid Lady Bella, to perſiſt in that ridiculous Miſtake, and take a Nobleman for a Writing-maſter only be⯑cauſe his Love put him upon ſuch a Stratagem to obtain his Miſtreſs?

Indeed, Lady Bella, ſaid Miſs Glanville, ſmile⯑ing, you may as well perſuade me, the Moon is made of a Cream Cheeſe, as that any Noble⯑man turned himſelf into a Writing-maſter, to obtain Miſs Groves—

Is it poſſible, Miſs, ſaid Arabella, that you can offer ſuch an Affront to my Underſtanding, as to ſuppoſe, I would argue upon ſuch a ridi⯑culous Syſtem; and compare the Second glo⯑rious Luminary of the Heavens to ſo unwor⯑thy a Reſemblance? I have taken ſome Pains to contemplate the Heavenly Bodies; and, by Reading and Obſervation, am able to compre⯑hend ſome Part of their Excellence: Therefore it is not probable, I ſhould deſcend to ſuch trivial Compariſons; and liken a Planet, which, haply, is not much leſs than our Earth, to a thing ſo inconſiderable, as that you name—

Pardon me, dear Couſin, interrupted Miſs Glanville, laughing louder than before, if I di⯑vert myſelf a little with the Extravagance of your Notions. Really I think, you have no Reaſon to be angry, if I ſuppoſed you might make a Compariſon between the Moon and a Cream Cheeſe; ſince you ſay, that ſame Moon, which don't appear broader than your Gardener's Face, is not much leſs than the whole World: Why, certainly, I have more Reaſon to truſt my own Eyes, than ſuch whim⯑ſical Notions as theſe.

[218] Arabella, unwilling to expoſe her Couſin's Ig⯑norance, by a longer Diſpute upon this Sub⯑ject, begged her to let it drop for the preſent; and, turning to Sir George, I am very glad, ſaid ſhe, that having always had ſome Inclination to excuſe, and even defend, the Flight of Arte⯑miſa with Alexander, my Opinion is warranted by that of a Perſon ſo generous as yourſelf: In⯑deed, when we conſider, that this Princeſs for⯑ſook her Brother's Dominions, and fled away with a Lover whom ſhe did not hate; queſtion⯑leſs, her Enemies accuſe her, with ſome Ap⯑pearance of Reaſon, of too great Imbecillity.

But, Madam, replied Sir George, her Ene⯑mies will not take the Pains to examine her Reaſons for this Conduct—

True, Sir, reſumed Arabella; for ſhe was in Danger of ſeeing a Prince, who loved her, put to a cruel and infamous Death upon a public Scaf⯑fold; and ſhe did not reſolve to fly with him, till all her Tears and Prayers were found in⯑effectual to move the King her Brother to Mercy.

Tho', replied Sir George, I am extremely angry with the indiſcreet Cepio, who diſcovered Alexander to the Armenian King; yet what does your Ladyſhip think of that gallant Action of his, when he ſaw him upon the Scaffold, and the Executioner ready to cut off his Head? How brave it was of him, to paſs undauntedly thro' the prodigious Number of Guards that environ⯑ed the Scaffold; and, with his drawn Sword, run the Executioner through-the Body, in the Sight of them all! Then giving the Prince another [219] Sword, engage more than Two thouſand Men in his Defence!

Queſtionleſs, replied Arabella, it was a glo⯑rious Action; and when I think, how the King of Armenia was enraged to ſee ſuch a Multi⯑tude of Soldiers fly from the Swords of Two Men, I cannot chooſe but divert myſelf with the Conſternation he was in: Yet that was no⯑thing to the horrible Deſpair, which tormented him afterwards, when he found, that Alexander, after being again taken and impriſoned, had broken his Chains, and carried away with him the Princeſs Artimeſa his Siſter.

CHAP. II.

AS Arabella was in this Part of her Diſ⯑courſe, a Servant came to inform her, that Sir Charles Glanville was juſt alighted. Upon which, Miſs Glanville flew to receive her Father; and Arabella, walking a little ſlower after her, gave Sir George an Opportunity of holding a little longer Converſation with her.

I dare believe, Madam, ſaid he, when you read the Story of the unfortunate Alexander, your fair Eyes did not refuſe to ſhed ſome Tears at the barbarous and ſhameful Death he was going to ſuffer: Yet I aſſure you▪ me⯑lancholy as his Situation was, it was alſo very [220] glorious for him, ſince he had the ſublime Satisfaction of dying for the Perſon he adored; and had the raviſhing Pleaſure to know, that his Fate would draw Tears from that lovely Prin⯑ceſs, for whom he ſacrificed his Life: Such a Condition, Madam, ought to be envied rather than pitied; for, next to the Happineſs of poſ⯑ſeſſing the Perſon one adores, certainly the Glory of dying for her is moſt to be coveted.

Arabella, pleaſingly ſurpriſed to hear Lan⯑guage ſo conformable to her own Ideas, looked for a Moment upon the Baronet, with a moſt inchanting Complaiſancy in her Eyes—

It muſt be confeſſed, Sir, ſaid ſhe, that you ſpeak very rationally upon theſe Matters; and by the Tenderneſs and Generoſity of your Sen⯑timents, you give me Cauſe to believe, that your Heart is prepoſſeſſed with ſome▪ Object worthy of inſpiring them.

Sir George ſeeming, as if he ſtruggled to ſup⯑preſs a Sigh; You are in the right, Madam, ſaid he, to ſuppoſe, that if my Heart be prepoſſeſſed with any Object, it is with one, who is capable of inſpiring a very ſublime Paſ⯑ſion; and I aſſure you, if ever it ſubmits to any Fetters, they ſhall be impoſed on me by the faireſt Perſon in the World—

Since Love is not voluntary, replied Ara⯑bella, ſmiling, it may happen, that your Heart may be ſurpriſed by a meaner Beauty, than ſuch a one as you deſcribe: However, as a Lover has always an extraordinary Partiality for the beloved Object, 'tis probable, what you ſay may come to paſs; and you may be [221] in Love with the faireſt Perſon in the World, in your own Opinion.

They were now ſo near the Houſe, that Sir George could reply no other ways, than by a very paſſionate Glance, which Arabella did not ob⯑ſerve, being in haſte to pay her Reſpects to her Uncle, whom ſhe met juſt going to Mr. Glan⯑ville. Her Looks were directed to him. Sir Charles ſaluting her with great Affection, they all went into Mr. Glanville's Chamber, who received his Father with the utmoſt Reſpect and Tenderneſs; extremely regretting the Trouble he had been at in taking a Journey to the Caſtle upon his Account; and gently blaming his Siſter for her Precipitancy in alarming him ſo ſoon.

Sir Charles, extremely overjoyed to find him ſo well recovered, would not allow him to blame Miſs Glanville for what ſhe had done: but, addreſſing himſelf to his Niece, he thanked her for the Care ſhe had taken of Mr. Glan⯑ville, in very obliging Terms.

Arabella could not help bluſhing at her Uncle's Compliment, ſuppoſing he thanked her for having reſtored her Couſin to his Health.

I aſſure you, Sir, ſaid ſhe, Mr. Glanville is leſs obliged to my Commands, than to the Goodneſs of his Conſtitution, for his Recovery; and herein he was not ſo obedient, as many Perſons I could name to him.

Mr. Glanville, willing to prevent the Com⯑pany's Obſervation upon this Speech, began to acquaint his Father with the Riſe and Pro⯑greſs of his Diſtemper: But though the old Gentleman liſtened with great Attention to his [222] Son, while he was ſpeaking; yet not having loſt a Word of what Arabella had ſaid, as ſoon as he was done, he turned to his Niece, and aſked her, how ſhe could be ſo unjuſt, to accuſe his Son of Diſobedience, becauſe he did not reco⯑ver, when ſhe commanded him? Why, Ma⯑dam, added he, you want to carry your Power farther then ever any Beauty did before you; ſince you pretend to make People ſick and well, whenever you pleaſe.

Really, Sir, replied Arabella, I pretend to no more Power, than what I preſume all others of my Sex have upon the like Occaſions; and ſince nothing is more common, than for a Gentleman, though ever ſo ſick, to recover in Obedience to the Commands of that Perſon, who has an abſolute Power over his Life, I conceive, I have a Right to think myſelf in⯑jured, if Mr. Glanville, contrary to mine, had thought proper to die—

Since, ſaid the old Gentlemen, ſmiling, my Son has ſo well obeyed your Commands in re⯑covering his Health, I ſhall tremble, leſt, in Obedience to a contrary Command of yours, he ſhould die, and deprive me of an Heir; a Miſ⯑fortune, which, if it ſhould happen, I ſhould place to your Account.

I aſſure you, Sir, ſaid Arabella, very gravely, I have too great an Eſteem for Mr. Glanville, to condemn him to ſo ſevere a Puniſhment as Death for light Offences: And ſince it is not very probable, that he will ever commit ſuch Crimes againſt me, as can be only expiated by his Death; ſuch as Infidelity, Diſobedience, [223] and the like; you have no Reaſon to fear ſuch a Misfortune by my means—

Alas! replied Sir George, you Beauties make very nice Diſtinctions in theſe Caſes; and think, if you do not directly command your Lovers to die, you are no-ways accountable for their Death: And when a Lover, as it often happens, dies through Deſpair of ever being able to make himſelf beloved; or, being doomed to Baniſhment or Silence, falls into a Fever, from which nothing but Kindneſs can recover him▪ and, that being denied, he patiently expires; [...] ſay, when theſe Things happen, as they cer⯑tainly do every Day; How can you hold your ſelves guiltleſs of their Deaths, which are ap⯑parently occaſioned, either by your Scorn or Inſenſibility?

Sir Charles and Miſs Glanville were ex⯑tremely diverted at this Speech of Sir George's; and Mr. Glanville, though he would have wiſh⯑ed he had been raillying any other Perſon's Follies than his Couſin's, yet could not help ſmiling at the ſolemn Accent, in which he delivered him⯑ſelf—

Arabella, mightily pleaſed with his Manner of talking, was reſolved to furniſh him with more Occaſions of diverting the Company at her Ex⯑pence.

I ſee, anſwered ſhe, you are one of thoſe Perſons, who call a juſt Decorum, which all Ladies, who love Glory as they ought to do, are obliged to preſerve, by the Name of Seve⯑rity: But pray, what would you have a Lady do, whom an importunate Lover preſumes to declare his Paſſion to? You know it is not per⯑mitted [224] us to liſten to ſuch Diſcourſes; and you know alſo, whoever is guilty of ſuch an Offence, merits a moſt rigorous Puniſhment: Moreover, you find, that when a Sentence of Baniſhment or Silence is pronounced upon them, theſe unhappy Criminals are ſo conſcious of the of Juſtice their Doom, that they never murmur againſt their Judge who condemns them; and therefore, whatever are their Fates, in Conſe⯑quence of that Anger they have incurred, the Ladies, thus offended, ought not to be charged with it, as any cruel Exertion of their Power.

Such Eloquence as yours, Madam, replied Sir George, might defend Things yet more un⯑juſtifiable: However, you muſt give me Leave, as being intereſted in the Safety of my Sex, ſtill to be of Opinion, that no Man ought to be hated, becauſe he adores a beautiful Object, and conſecrates all his Moments to her Ser⯑vice.

Queſtionleſs, reſumed Arabella, he will not be hated, while, out of the Reſpect and Reverence he bears her, he carefully conceals his Paſſion from her Knowlege; but as ſoon as ever he breaks through the Bounds, which that Re⯑ſpect preſcribes him, and lets her underſtand his true Sentiments, he has Reaſon to expect a moſt rigorous Sentence, ſince he certainly, by that Preſumption, has greatly deſerved it.

If the Ladies, replied Sir George, were more equitable, and would make ſome Diſtinction between thoſe who really love them in a paſ⯑ſionate and reſpectful Silence, and others who do not feel the Power of their Charms, they might ſpare themſelves the Trouble of hearing [225] what ſo mortally offends them: But when a Lady ſees a Man every Day, who by his Looks, Sighs, and Solicitude to pleaſe her, by his num⯑berleſs Services and conſtant Attendance of her, makes it evident, that his Soul is poſſeſſed with a violent Paſſion for her; I ſay, when a Lady ſees, and yet will not ſee, all this, and perſiſts in uſing a paſſionate Adorer with all the Indif⯑ference due to a Man wholly inſenſible of the Power of her Charms; what muſt he do in ſuch a mortifying Situation, but make known his Torments to her that occaſions them, in order to prevail upon her to have ſome Senſe of what he does and feels hourly for her ſake?

But ſince he gains nothing by the Diſcovery of his Paſſion, reſumed Arabella; but, on the contrary, loſes the Advantages he was before poſſeſſed of, which were very great, ſince he might ſee and diſcourſe with his Miſtreſs every Day; and, haply, have the Honour to do her a great many petty Services, and receive ſome of her Commands; all theſe Advantages he loſes, when he declares he loves: And truly, I think, a Man who is ſo unwiſe as to hazard a certain Happineſs for a very improbable Hope, deſerves to be puniſhed, as well for his Folly as Preſumption; and, upon both theſe Accounts, Baniſhment is not too rigorous a Sentence.

CHAP. III.

THOUGH, replied Mr. Glanville, you are very ſevere in the Treatment you think it neceſſary our Sex ſhould receive from yours; yet I wiſh ſome of our Town Beauties were, if not altogether of your Opinion, yet ſuffi⯑ciently ſo, as to make it not a Slavery for a Man to be in their Company; for unleſs one talks of Love to theſe fair Conquets the whole time one is with them, they are quite diſ⯑pleaſed, and look upon a Man who can think any thing, but themſelves, worthy his Thoughts or Obſervation, with the utmoſt Contempt. How often have you and I, Sir George, purſued he, pitied the Condition of the few Men of Senſe, who are ſometimes among the Croud of Beaux, who attend the Two Siſter Beauties to all Places of polite Diverſion in Town? For thoſe Ladies think it a mortal Injury done to their Charms, if the Men about them have Eyes or Ears for any Object but their Faces, or any Sound but that of their Voices: So that the Connoiſſeurs in Muſic, who attend them to Ranelagh, muſt ſtop their Ears, like Ulyſſes, when the Siren Fraſi ſings; and the Wits, who gallant them to the Side box, muſt lay a much greater Conſtraint upon themſelves, in order to [227] reſiſt the Soul-moving Garrick; and appear in⯑ſenſible, while he is upon the Stage.

Upon my Soul, added Sir George (forgetting the Character he aſſumed) when I have ſeen ſome Perſons of my Acquaintance talking to the eldeſt of theſe Ladies, while one of Con⯑greve's Comedies has been acting; his Face quite turned from the Stage, and hers over⯑ſpread with an eternal Smile; her fine Eyes ſometimes lifted up in a beautiful Surprize, and a little inchanting Giggle half-hid with her Fan▪ in ſpite of their Inattention, I have been ready to imagine, he was entertaining her with Re⯑marks upon the Play, which ſhe was judi⯑cious enough to underſtand; and yet I have afterwards been informed by himſelf, that nothing was leſs in their Thoughts; and all that Variety in her Face, and that extreme ſeeming Earneſtneſs in his Diſcourſe, was oc⯑caſioned by the moſt trifling Subjects imagin⯑able: He perhaps had been telling her, how the Sight of her Squirrel, which peeped out of her Pocket, ſurpriſed ſome Ladies ſhe was viſiting; and what they ſaid upon her Pondneſs for it, when ſhe was gone; blaming them at the ſame time for their want of Delicacy, in not knowing how to ſet a right Value upon ſuch pleaſing Animals: Hence proceeded her Smiles, the lifting up of her Eyes, the half-ſtifled Laugh, and all the pretty Geſtures that appeared ſo wonderfully charming to all thoſe who did not hear their Diſcourſe: And it is upon ſuch Trifies as theſe, or elſe on the inexhauſtible Subject of their Charms, that all who are am⯑bitious [228] of being near theſe Miracles, are under a Neceſſity of talking.

And pray, interrupted Arabella, What Sub⯑jects afford Matter for a more pleaſing Variety of Converſation, than thoſe of Beauty and Love? Can we ſpeak of any Object ſo capable of delighting as Beauty, or of any Paſſion of the Mind more ſublime and pleaſing than Love?

With Submiſſion, Madam, ſaid Glanville, I conceive, all that can be ſaid, either of Beauty, or of Love, may be compriſed in a very few Words: All who have Eyes, and behold true Beauty, will be ready to confeſs it is a very pleaſing Object; and all that can be ſaid of it, may be ſaid in very few Words; for when we have run over the Catalogue of Charms, and mentioned fine Eyes, fine Hair, delicate Com⯑plexion, regular Features, and an elegant Shape, we can only add a few Epithets more, ſuch as Lovely, Dangerous, Inchanting, Inreſiſtible, and the like; and every thing that can be ſaid of Beauty is exhauſted. And ſo likewiſe it is with Love; we know that Admiration pre⯑cedes it, that Beauty kindles it, Hope keeps it alive, and Deſpair puts an End to it; and that Subject may be as ſoon diſcuſſed as the other, by the judicious Uſe of proper Words; ſuch as Wounds, Darts, Fires, Languiſhings, Dyings, Torture, Rack, Jealouſy, and a few more of no Signification, but upon th [...]s Subject.

Certainly, Sir, ſaid Arabella, you have not well conſidered what you ſay, ſince you main⯑tain, that Love and Beauty are Subjects eaſily and quickly diſcuſſed: Take the Pains, I beſeech you, to reflect a little upon thoſe numerous and [229] long Converſations, which theſe Subjects have given Riſe to in Clelia, and the Grand Cyrus, where the moſt illuſtrious and greateſt Perſonages in the World manage the Diſputes; and the agreeable Diverſity of their Sentiments on thoſe Heads affords a moſt pleaſing and rational En⯑tertainment: You will there find, that the greateſt Conquerors, and Heroes of invincible Valour, reaſon with the moſt exact and ſcru⯑pulous Nicety upon Love and Beauty; the Su⯑periority of fair and brown Hair controverted by Warriors, with as much Eagerneſs as they diſpute for Victory in the Field; and the dif⯑ferent Effects of that Paſſion upon different Hearts defined with the utmoſt Accuracy and Eloquence.

I muſt own, interrupted Sir Charles, I ſhould have but a mean Opinion of thoſe Warriors, as you call them, who could buſy themſelves in talking of ſuch Trifles; and be apt to imagine ſuch inſignificant Fellows, who could wrangle about the Colour of their Mi⯑ſtreſſes Hair, would be the firſt to turn their Backs upon the Enemy in Battle.

Is it poſſible, Sir, reſumed Arabella, glow⯑ing with Indignation, that you can entertain ſuch unworthy Thoughts of Heroes, who merit the Admiration and Praiſe of all Ages for their ineſtimable Valour, whom the Spears of a whole Army oppoſed to each of their ſingle Swords would not oblige to fly? What think you, Sir, purſued ſhe, looking at Sir George, of the injurious Words my Uncle has uttered againſt thoſe heroic Princes, whoſe Courage, I believe, you are as well acquainted with as my⯑ſelf? [230] The great Oroondates, the invincible Ar⯑taban, the valiant and fortunate Artamenes, the irreſiſtible Juba, the incomparable Cleomedon, and an hundred other Heroes I could name, are all injured by this unjuſt Aſſertion of my Uncle; ſince certainly they were not more famous for their noble and wonderful Actions in War, than for the Sublimity and Conſtancy of their Af⯑fections in Love.

Some of theſe Heroes you have named, re⯑plied Sir George, had the Misfortune, even in their Lives, to be very cruelly vilified: The great Oroondates was a long time accuſed of Treachery to his Divine Princeſs; the valiant and unfortunate Artamenes was ſuſpected of Inconſtancy; and the irreſiſtible Juba re⯑proached with Infidelity and Baſeneſs, by both his Miſtreſs and Friend.

I never knew you was ſo well acquainted with theſe Perſons, interrupted Mr. Glanville; and I fanſy it is but very lately that you have given yourſelf the Trouble to read Romances.

I am not of your Opinion, ſaid Arabella. Sir George, queſtionleſs, has appropriated great Part of his Time to the Peruſal of thoſe Books, ſo capable of improving him in all uſeful Know⯑lege; the Sublimity of Love, and the Quinteſ⯑ſence of Valour; which Two Qualities, if poſ⯑ſeſſed in a ſuperlative Degree, form a true and perfect Hero, as the Perfection of Beauty, Wit, and Virtue, make a Heroine worthy to be ſerved by ſuch an illuſtrious Perſonage; and I dare ſay, Sir George has profited ſo much by the great Examples of Fidelity and Courage he has placed before his Eyes, that no Conſideration [231] whatever could make him for one Moment fail in his Conſtancy to the Divine Beauty he adores; and, inſpired by her Charms, he would ſcorn to turn his Back, as my Uncle phraſes it, upon an Army of an hundred thouſand Men.

I am extremely obliged to you, Madam, ſaid Sir George, bowing his Head to the Ground, to hide a Smile he could not poſſibly reſtrain, for the good Opinion you have of my Courage and Fidelity.

As for Sir George's Courage, Couſin, ſaid Mr. Glanville laughing, I never diſputed it: And though it be indeed a very extraordinary Exertion of it, to fight ſingly againſt an Army of an hundred thouſand Men; yet ſince you are pleaſed to think it probable, I am as willing to believe Sir George may do it as any other Man; but, as for his Fidelity in Matters of Love, I greatly ſuſpect it, ſince he has been charged with ſome very flagrant Crimes of that Na⯑ture.

How, Sir! reſumed Arabella, Have you ever been faithleſs then? and, after having ſworn, haply, to devote your whole Life to the Service of ſome Beauty, have you ever violated your Oaths, and been baſe enough to forſake her?

I have too much Complaiſance, Madam, ſaid Sir George, to contradict Mr. Glanville, who has been pleaſed poſitively to aſſert, that I have been faithleſs, as you moſt unkindly phraſe it.

Nay, Sir, replied Arabella, this Accuſation is not of a Nature to be neglected; and though a King ſhould ſay it, I conceive, if you are innocent, you have a Right to contradict him, [232] and clear yourſelf: Do you conſider how deeply this Aſſertion wounds your Honour and Happi⯑neſs for the future? What Lady, think you, will receive your Services, loaded as you are with the terrible Imputation of Inconſtancy?

Oh! as for that, Madam, ſaid Miſs Glan⯑ville, I believe no Lady will think the worſe of Sir George for being faithleſs: For my Part, I declare, nothing pleaſes me ſo much, as gaining a Lover from another Lady; which is a greater Compliment to one's Beauty, then the Addreſſes of a Man that never was in Love before—

You may remember, Couſin, replied Ara⯑bella, that I ſaid once before, your Spirit and Humour reſembled a certain great Princeſs very much; and I repeat it again, never was there a greater Conformity in Tempers and Inclina⯑tions.

My Daughter, ſaid Sir Charles, is mightily obliged to you, Lady Bella, for comparing her to a great Princeſs: Undoubtedly you mean it as a Compliment.

If you think, ſaid Arabella, that barely com⯑paring her to a Princeſs be a Compliment, I muſt take the Liberty to differ from you: My Couſin is not ſo many Degrees below a Princeſs, as that ſuch a Compariſon ſhould be thought extraordinary; for if her Anceſtors did not wear a Crown, they might, haply, have deſerved it; and her Beauty may one Day procure her a Servant, whoſe Sword, like that of the great Artaban, may win her a Sceptre; who, with a noble Confidence, told his Princeſs, when the Want of a Crown was objected to him, I wear [233] a Sword, Madam, than can perform things more difficult, that what you require; and if a Crown be all that I want to make me worthy of you, tell me what Kingdom in the World you chooſe to reign in, and I will lay it at your Feet.

That was a Promiſe, replied Sir George, fit only for the great Artaban to make: But, Ma⯑dam, if you will permit me to make any Com⯑pariſon between that renowned Warrior and myſelf, I would venture to tell you, that even the great Artaban was not exempted from the Character of Inconſtancy any more than my⯑ſelf, ſince, as you certainly know, he was in Love with Three great Princeſſes ſucceſſively.

I grant you, replied Arabella, that Artaban did wear the Chains of Three Princeſſes ſucceſ⯑ſively: But it muſt alſo be remembred in his Juſtification, that the Two Firſt of theſe Beau⯑ties refuſed his Adorations, and treated him with Contempt, becauſe he was not a Prince: There⯑fore, recovering his Liberty, by thoſe Diſdains they caſt on him, he preſerved that illuſtrious Heart from Deſpair, to tender it with more paſſionate Fidelity to the Divine Princeſs of the Parthians; who, though greatly their Superior in Quality and Beauty, did permit him to love her. However, I muſt confeſs, I find ſome⯑thing like Levity in the Facility he found in breaking his Fetters ſo often; and when I con⯑ſider, that among all thoſe great Heroes, whoſe Hiſtories I have read, none but himſelf ever bore, without dying, the Cruelties he experi⯑enced from thoſe Princeſſes, I am ſometimes tempted to accuſe him myſelf of Inconſtancy: [234] But indeed every thing we read of that Prodigy of Valour is wholly miraculous; and ſince the Performance of Impoſſibilities was reſerved for him, I conclude this Miracle alſo, among many others, was poſſible to him, whom nothing was ever able to reſiſt upon Earth. However, pur⯑ſued ſhe, riſing, I ſhall not abſolutely condemn you, till I have heard your Adventures from your own Mouth, at a convenient Time, when I ſhall be able to judge how far you merit the odious Appellation of Inconſtancy.

Saying this, ſhe ſaluted her Uncle, who had for ſome time been converſing in a low Voice with his Son, with a Grace wholly charming, and retired to her Apartment. Miſs Glanville following her a few Moments after (the Com⯑pliment, extravagant as it was, which ſhe had paid her, having procured her ſome Good-will from the vain and intereſted Miſs Glanville), they converſed together with a great deal of good Humour till Dinner-time, which, be⯑cauſe Mr. Glanville was not abſolutely reco⯑vered, was ſerved in his Chamber.

CHAP. IV.

AS Mr. Glanville took a great deal of Pains to turn the Diſcourſe upon Subjects, on which the charming Arabella could expatiate, [235] without any Mixture of that Abſurdity, which mingled itſelf in a great many others; the reſt of that Day and ſeveral others, were paſſed very agreeably: At the End of which, Mr. Glanville being perfectly recovered, and able to go abroad; the Baronet propoſed to take the Diverſion of Hunting; which Arabella, who was uſed to it, conſented to partake of; but being informed, that Miſs Glanville could not ride, and choſe to ſtay at home, ſhe would have kept her Company, had not Sir Charles inſiſted upon the contrary.

As Sir George, and ſome other Gentlemen, had invited themſelves to be of the Party; Ara⯑bella, on her coming down to mount her Horſe, found a great many young Gallants, ready to offer her their Aſſiſtance upon this Occaſion: Accepting therefore, with great Politeneſs, this Help from a Stranger, who was neareſt her, ſhe mounted her Horſe, giving Occaſion to every one that was preſent, to admire the Grace with which ſhe ſat and managed him. Her Shape being as perfect as any Shape could poſſibly be, her Riding-habit diſcovered all its Beauties: Her Hat, and the white Feather waving over Part of her fine black Hair, gave a peculiar Charm to her lovely Face: And ſhe appeared with ſo many Advantages in this Dreſs and Poſture, that Mr. Glanville, forgetting all her Abſurdities, was wholly loſt in the Contempla⯑tion of ſo many Charms, as her whole Perſon was adorned with.

Sir George, though he really admired Arabella, was not ſo paſſionately in Love as Mr. Glan⯑ville; and, being a keen Sportſman, eagerly pur⯑ſued [236] the Game, with the reſt of the Hunters; but Mr. Glanville minded nothing but his Cou⯑ſin, and kept cloſe by her.

After having rode a long time, Arabella, con⯑ceiving it a Piece of Cruelty, not to give her Lover an Opportunity of talking to her, as, by his extreme Solicitude, he ſeemed ardently to deſire, coming to a delightful Valley, ſhe ſtop⯑ped; and told Mr. Glanville, that, being weary of the Chace, ſhe ſhould alight, and repoſe herſelf a little under the Shade of thoſe Trees.

Mr. Glanville, extremely pleaſed at this Propoſition, diſmounted; and, having helped her to alight, ſeated himſelf by her on the Graſs.

Arabella, expecting he would begin to talk to her of his Paſſion, could not help bluſhing at the Thoughts of having given him ſuch an Oppor⯑tunity; and Mr. Glanville, endeavouring to ac⯑commodate himſelf to her Ideas of a Lover, expreſſed himſelf in Terms extravagant enough to have made a reaſonable Woman think he was making a Jeſt of her: All which, how⯑ever, Arabella was extremely pleaſed with; and ſhe obſerved ſuch a juſt Decorum in her An⯑ſwers, that, as the Writers of Romance phraſe it, if ſhe did not give him any abſolute Hopes of being beloved, yet ſhe ſaid enough to make him conclude ſhe did not hate him.

They had converſed in this manner near a Quarter of an Hour, when Arabella, perceiving a Man at a little Diſtance, walking very com⯑poſedly, ſhrieked out aloud; and, riſing with the utmoſt Precipitation, flew from Mr. Glanville, and went to untie her Horſe; while his Aſto⯑niſhment [237] being ſo great at her Behaviour, that he could not, for a Moment or two, aſk her the Cauſe of her Fear—

Do you not ſee, ſaid ſhe, out of Breath with the Violence of her Apprehenſions, the Perſon who is coming towards us? It is the ſame, who, ſome Months ago, attempted to carry me away, when I was riding out with only Two Attendants: I eſcaped, for that time, the Dan⯑ger that threatened me; but, queſtionleſs, he comes now to renew his Attempts: Therefore can you wonder at my Fear?

If it ſhould be as you ſay, Madam, inter⯑rupted Glanville, What Reaſon have you to fear? Do you not think I am able to defend you?

Ah! without Doubt, you are able to de⯑fend me, anſwered ſhe; and though, if you offer to reſiſt the Violence he comes to uſe againſt me, he will, haply, call Two or Three Dozen armed Men to his Aſſiſtance, who are, I ſuppoſe, concealed hereabouts, yet I am not apprehenſive, that you will be worſted by them: But as it happened to the brave Juba, and Cleomedon, while they were fighting with ſome hundred Men, who wanted to carry away their Princeſſes before their Faces; and were giving Death at every Blow, in order to pre⯑ſerve them; the Commander of theſe Raviſh⯑ers, ſeeing the Two Princeſſes ſitting, as I was, under a Tree, ordered them to be ſeized by Two of his Men, and carried away, while the Two Princes were loſing beſt Part of of their Blood in their Defence; therefore, to prevent ſuch an Accident happening, while [238] you are fighting for my Reſcue, I think it will be the ſafeſt Way for me to get on Horſe⯑back, that I may be in a Condition to eſcape; and that you may not employ your Valour to no Purpoſe.

Saying this, having, with Mr. Glanville's Aſſiſtance, looſed her Horſe from the Tree, he helped her to mount, and then remounted his own.

Your Antagoniſt, ſaid Arabella, is on Foot; and therefore, though I prize your Life ex⯑tremely, yet I cannot diſpenſe with myſelf from telling you, that 'tis againſt the Laws of Knighthood to take any Advantage of that kind over your Enemy; nor will I permit your Concern for my Safety to make you forget what you owe to your own Reputation.

Mr. Glanville, fretting exceſſively at her Folly, begged her not to make herſelf uneaſy about things that were never likely to hap⯑pen.

The Gentleman yonder, added he, ſeems to have no Deſigns to make any Attempt againſt you: If he ſhould, I ſhall know how to deal with him: But, ſince he neither offers to aſſault me, nor affront you, I think we ought not to give him any Reaſon to imagine we ſuſpect him, by gazing on him thus; and letting him under⯑ſtand by your Manner, that he is the Subject of our Converſation: If you pleaſe, Madam, we will endeavour to join our Company.

Arabella, while he was ſpeaking, kept her Eyes fixed upon his Face, with Looks which expreſſed her Thoughts were labouring upon ſome very important Point: And, after a Pauſe [239] of ſome Moments, Is it poſſible, ſaid ſhe, with a Tone of extreme Surprize, that I ſhould be ſo miſtaken in you? Do you really want Cou⯑rage enough to defend me againſt that Ra⯑viſher?

Oh Heavens! Madam, interrupted Glan⯑ville, try not my Temper thus: Courage enough to defend you! 'Sdeath! you will make me mad! Who, in the Name of Wonder, is going to moleſt you?

He whom you ſee there, replied Arabella, pointing to him with her Finger: For know, cold and inſenſible as thou art to the Danger which threatens me, yonder Knight is thy Ri⯑val, and a Rival, haply, who deſerves my Eſteem better than thou doſt; ſince, if he has Courage enough to get me by Violence into his Power, that ſame Courage would make him defend me againſt any Injuries I might be offered from another: And ſince nothing is ſo contempti⯑ble in the Eyes of a Woman, as a Lover who wants Spirit to die in her Defence; know, I can ſooner pardon him, whom thou would cowardly fly from, for the Violence which he meditates againſt me, than thyſelf for the Puſillanimity thou haſt betrayed in my Sight.

With theſe Words, ſhe galloped away from her aſtoniſhed Lover; who, not daring to follow her, for fear of increaſing her Suſpicions of his Cowardice, flung himſelf off his Horſe in a vio⯑lent Rage; and, forgetting that the Stranger was obſerving, and now within Hearing, he fell ac⯑cuſing and exclaiming againſt the Books, that had turned his Couſin's Brain; and railing at his own ill Fate, that condemned him to the [240] Puniſhment of loving her. Mr. Harvey (for it really was he, whom an Affair of Conſequence had brought again into the Country), hearing ſome of Mr. Glanville's laſt Words, and ob⯑ſerving the Geſtures he uſed, concluded he had been treated like himſelf by Arabella, whom he knew again at a Diſtance: Therefore coming up to Mr. Glanville, laughing—

Though I have not the Honour of knowing you, Sir, ſaid he, I muſt beg the Favour you will inform me, if you are not diſturbed at the ridiculous Folly of the Lady I ſaw with you juſt now? She is the moſt fantaſtical Creature that ever lived, and, in my Opinion, fit for a Mad-houſe: Pray, are you acquainted with her?

Mr. Glanville, being in a very ill Humour, could not brook the Freedom of this Language againſt his Couſin, whoſe Follies he could not bear any one ſhould rail at but himſelf; and, be⯑ing provoked at his Sneers, and the Interruption he had given to their Converſation, he looked upon him with a diſdainful Frown, and told him in an haughty Tone, That he was very imper⯑tinent to ſpeak of a Lady of her Quality and Merit ſo rudely.

Oh! Sir, I beg your Pardon, replied Mr. Harvey, laughing more than before; What, I ſuppoſe, you are the Champion of this fair Lady! But, I aſſure myſelf, if you intend to quar⯑rel with every one that will laugh at her, you will have more Buſineſs upon your Hands than you can well manage.

Mr. Glanville, tranſported with Rage at this Inſolence, hit him ſuch a Blow with the But-End [241] of his Whip, that it ſtunned him for a Moment; but recovering himſelf, he drew his Sword, and, mad with the Affront he had re⯑ceived, made a Puſh at Glanville; who, avoiding it with great Dexterity, had recourſe to his Hanger for his Defence.

Arabella, in the mean time, who had not rid far, concealing herſelf behind ſome Trees, ſaw all the Actions of her Lover, and intended Raviſher; and, being poſſeſſed with an Opinion of her Couſin's Cowardice, was extremely re⯑joiced to ſee him fall upon his Enemy firſt, and that with ſo much Fury, that ſhe had no longer any Reaſon to doubt his Courage: Her Suſpi⯑cions, therefore, being removed, her Tender⯑neſs for him returned; and when ſhe ſaw them engaged with their Swords (for, at that Diſtance, ſhe did not plainly perceive the Dif⯑ference of their Weapons), her Apprehenſions for her Couſin were ſo ſtrong, that, though ſhe did not doubt his Valour, ſhe could not bear to ſee him expoſe his Life for her: And, with⯑out making any Reflections upon the Singularity of her Deſign, ſhe was going to ride up to them, and endeavour to part them; when ſhe ſaw ſe⯑veral Men come towards them, whom ſhe took to be the Aſſiſtants of her Raviſher, though they were, in reality, Haymakers; who, at a Diſtance, having ſeen the Beginning of their Quarrel, had haſtened to part them.

Terrified, therefore, at this Reinforcement, which ſhe thought would expoſe her Couſin to great Danger, ſhe galloped, with all Speed, after the Hunters, being directed by the Sound of the Horn. Her Anxiety for her Couſin made [242] her regardleſs of her own Danger, ſo that ſhe rode with a ſurpriſing Swiftneſs; and, overtaking the Company, ſhe would have ſpoken, to tell them of her Couſin's Situation; when her Spirits failing her, ſhe could only make a Sign with her Hand, and ſunk down in a Swoon, in the Arms of Sir George, who eagerly galloped up to her; and, ſupporting her as well as he was able till ſome others came to her Relief, they took her off her Horſe, and placed her upon the Ground; when, by the Help of ſome Water they brought from a Spring near them, in a little time ſhe came to herſelf.

Sir Charles, who, ſeeing her come up to them without his Son, and by her fainting, concluded ſome Misfortune had happened to him, the Moment ſhe opened her Eyes, aſked her eagerly, Where he was?

Your Son, ſaid Arabella, ſighing, is, with a Valour equal to that of the brave Cleomedon, this Moment fighting in my Defence againſt a Croud of Enemies; and is, haply, ſhedding the laſt Drop of his Blood in my Quarrel.

Shedding the laſt Drop of his Blood, haply! interrupted Sir Charles, exceſſively grieved; and, not a little enraged at Arabella, ſuppoſing ſhe had introduced him into ſome Quarrel, It may be happy for you, Madam; but I am ſure it will make me very miſerable, if my Son comes to any Harm.

If it be the Will of Heaven he ſhould fall in this Combat, reſumed Arabella, he can never have a more glorious Deſtiny: And as that Conſideration will, doubtleſs, ſweeten his laſt Moments, ſo it ought to be your Conſolation: [243] However, I beg you'll loſe no time, but haſte to his Aſſiſtance; for ſince he has a conſiderable Number of Enemies to deal with, 'tis not im⯑probable but he may be overpowered at laſt.

Where did you leave my Son, Madam? cried Sir Charles, eagerly.

He is not far off, replied Arabella: And you will, doubtleſs, be directed to the Place, by the Sight of the Blood of his Enemies, which he has ſpilt. Go that way, purſued ſhe, pointing with her Finger towards the Place where ſhe had left her Couſin: There you will meet with him, amidſt a Croud of Foes, which he is ſa⯑criſicing to my Safety, and his juſt Reſentment.

Sir Charles, not knowing what to think, gal⯑loped away, followed by moſt Part of the Com⯑pany; Sir George telling Lady Bella, that he would ſtay to defend her againſt any Attempts that might be made on her Liberty, by any of her Raviſher's Servants, who were, probably, ſtraggling about. Arabella, however, being perfectly recovered, inſiſted upon following her Uncle.

There is no Queſtion, ſaid ſhe, but Mr. Glanville is victorious: I am only apprehenſive for the dangerous Wounds he may have re⯑ceived in the Combat, which will require all our Care and Aſſiſtance.

Sir George, who wanted to engroſs her Com⯑pany a little to himſelf, in vain repreſented to her, that, amidſt the Horrors of a Fight ſo bloody as that muſt certainly be, in which Mr. Glanville and his Friends would be now en⯑gaged, it would be dangerous for her to venture her Perſon: Yet ſhe would not be perſuaded; [244] but, having mounted her Horſe, with his Aſ⯑ſiſtance, ſhe rode as faſt as ſhe was able after the reſt of the Company.

CHAP. V.

SIR Charles, who, by this Time, had got to the Place ſhe directed him to, but ſaw no Appearance of fighting, and only a few Haymakers in Diſcourſe together, inquired, If there had been any Quarrel between two Gentle⯑men in that Place?

One of them, at this Queſtion, advancing, told Sir Charles, that two Gentlemen had quar⯑relled there, and were fighting with Swords; but that they had parted them; and that one of them, having an Horſe tied to a Tree, mounted him, and rode away: That the other, they be⯑lieved, was not far off; and that there had been no Bloodſhed, they having come time enough to prevent it.

Sir Charles was extremely ſatisfied with this Account; and, giving the Haymakers ſome Money for the good Office they did in parting the two Combatants, rode up to meet Lady Bella; and informed her, that his Son was ſafe.

I cannot imagine he is ſafe, replied ſhe, when I ſee ſome of his Enemies (pointing to the Hay⯑makers) ſtill alive: It is not cuſtomary, in thoſe Caſes, to ſuffer any to eſcape: And, queſtion⯑leſs, [245] my Couſin is either dead, or a Priſoner, ſince all his Adverſaries are not vanquiſhed.

Why, you dream, Madam, replied Sir Charles: Thoſe Fellows yonder are Haymakers: What ſhould make them Enemies to my Son? They were lucky enough to come in time to prevent him and another Gentleman from doing each other a Miſchief. I cannot imagine for what Reaſon my Son quarrelled with that Perſon they ſpeak of: Perhaps you can inform me.

Certainly, Sir, ſaid Arabella, I can inform you, ſince I was the Cauſe of their Quarrel. The Story is too long to tell you now; and, beſides, it is ſo connected with the other Accidents of my Life, that 'tis neceſſary you ſhould be ac⯑quainted with my whole Hiſtory, in order to comprehend it: But, if thoſe Perſons are what you ſay, and did really part my Couſin and his Antagoniſt, truly I believe they have done him a very ill Office: For, I am perſuaded, my Couſin will never be at Reſt, till, by his Rival's Death, he has freed himſelf from one, capable of the moſt daring Enterprizes to get me into his Power: And, ſince I cannot be in Security while he lives, and perſiſts in the Reſolution he has taken to perſecute me, it had been better if he had ſuffered all the Effects of my Couſin's Reſentment at that time, than to give him the Trouble to hunt him through the World, in order to ſacrifice him to the Intereſt of his Love and Vengeance.

Sir Charles, no leſs aſtoniſhed than alarmed at this Diſcovery of his Niece's ſanguinary Sen⯑timents, told her, he was ſorry to ſee a Lady ſo far forget the Gentleneſs of her Sex, as to en⯑courage [246] and incite Men to ſuch Extremities, upon her Account. And, for the future, added he, I muſt intreat you, Niece, to ſpare me the Affliction of ſeeing my Son expoſed to theſe dangerous Quarrels: For, though his Life is ſo little regarded by you, yet it is of the utmoſt Conſequence to me.

Arabella, who found Matter ſufficient in the Beginning of this Speech, to be offended with her Uncle, yet, miſtaking the latter Part of it for a pathetic Complaint of her Cruelty, re⯑plied very gravely, That her Couſin's Safety was not ſo indifferent to her as he imagined: And that ſhe did not hate him ſo much, but that his Death would affect her very ſenſibly.

Arabella, in ſpeaking theſe Words, bluſhed with Shame, as thinking they were rather too tender: And Sir Charles, who coloured like⯑wiſe, from a very different Motive, was open⯑ing his Mouth, to tell her, that he did not think his Son was much obliged to her for not hating him; when Arabella, ſuppoſing he de⯑ſigned to preſs her to a further Explanation of the favourable Sentiments ſhe felt for Mr. Glanville, ſtopped him with Precipitation: Preſs me no more, ſaid ſhe, upon this Subject: And, as I have already ſpoken too much, haply, be⯑fore ſo many Witneſſes, ſeek not to enhance my Confuſion, by prolonging to Diſcourſe that at preſent muſt needs be diſagreeable to me.

I ſhall readily agree with you, Madam, re⯑plied Sir Charles, that you have ſpoken too much: And, if I had thought you capable of ſpeaking in the manner you have done, I [247] would have been more cautious in giving you an Occaſion for it.

I ſhould imagine, Sir, ſaid Arabella, bluſh⯑ing with Anger, as ſhe before did with Shame, that you would be the laſt Perſon in the World who could think I had ſpoken too much upon this Occaſion: And, ſince you are pleaſed to tell me ſo, I think it fit to let you know, that I have not, in my Opinion, tranſgreſſed the Laws of Decency and Decorum, in what I have ſaid in my Couſin's Favour: And I can produce many Examples of greater Freedom of Speech, in Princeſſes, and Ladies of the higheſt Quality: However, I ſhall learn ſuch a Leſſon of Moderation in this reſpect, from your Re⯑proof, that I promiſe you, neither yourſelf, or Mr. Glanville, ſhall have any Cauſe, for the future, to complain of my want of Diſcretion.

Sir Charles, who was very polite and good-natured, was half angry with himſelf, for hav⯑ing obliged his Niece to ſuch a Submiſſion, as he thought it; and, apologizing for the Rude⯑neſs of his Reprehenſion, aſſured her, that he was perfectly convinced of her Diſcretion in all things; and did not doubt but her Conduct would be always agreeable to him.

Arabella, who, from what her Uncle had ſaid, began to entertain Suſpicions, that would never have entered any Imagination but hers, looked earneſtly upon him for half a Moment, as if ſhe wiſhed to penetrate into the moſt ſecret Receſſes of his Heart: But, fanſ [...]ing ſhe ſaw ſomething in his Looks that confirmed her Apprehenſions, ſhe removed her Eyes from his Face, and, faſtening them on the Ground, re⯑mained [248] for ſome Moments in Confuſion.—Sir Charles, whom her apparent Diſturbance made very uneaſy, propoſed returning to the Caſtle; telling Lady Bella he expected to find his Son already there.

'Tis more than probable, ſaid ſhe, turning to Sir George, that my Couſin is gone in Purſuit of my Raviſher; and the Interruption that has been given to his deſigned Vengeance, making him more furious than before, 'tis not likely he will return till he has puniſhed his Inſolence by that Death he ſo juſtly merits.

Mr. Glanville is already ſo happy in your Opinion, ſaid Sir George, with a very profound Sigh, that there is no need of his rendering you this ſmall Service, to increaſe your Eſteem: But, if my Prayers are heard, the Puniſhment of your Raviſher will be reſerved for a Perſon leſs fortunate, indeed, than Mr. Glanville, tho' not leſs devoted to your Intereſt, and concerned in your Preſervation.

Sir George counterfeiting a Look of extreme Confuſion and Fear, as he ended theſe Words;

Arabella, who perfectly comprehended the Meaning they were deſigned to convey, thought herſelf obliged to take no Notice of them: And, therefore, without making any Reply to the young Baronet, who ventured ſlowly to lift his Eyes to her Face, in order to diſcover if there were any Signs of Anger in it, ſhe told Sir Charles ſhe inclined to go home: And Sir George, with the reſt of the Company, attended them to the Caſtle; where, as ſoon as they ar⯑rived, they took their Leave.

[249] Sir George, notwithſtanding Arabella's Care to deprive him of an Opportunity of ſpeaking to her, told her, in a Whiſper, having eagerly alighted to help her off her Horſe,

I am going, Madam, to find out that inſo⯑lent Man, who has dared to offer Violence to the faireſt Perſon in the World: And, if I am ſo happy as to meet with him, he ſhall either take my Life, or I will put him into a Condition never to commit any more Offences of that Nature.

Saying this, he made a low Bow; and, be⯑ing deſirous to prevent her Anſwer, remounted his Horſe, and went away with the reſt of the Company.

Arabella, who, upon this Occaſion, was to be all Confuſion, mixed with ſome little Re⯑ſentment, diſcovered ſo much Emotion in her Looks, while Sir George was whiſpering to her, that her Uncle, as he was handing her into the Houſe, aſked her, If ſhe was offended at any thing Sir George had ſaid to her?

Arabella, conſtruing this Queſtion as ſhe had done ſome other things her Uncle had ſaid to her, replied, in a reſerved manner, Since my Looks, contrary to my Intention, have betrayed my Thoughts to you, I will not ſcruple to con⯑feſs, that I have ſome Cauſe to be offended with Sir George; and that, in two Inſtances To-day, he has ſeemed to forget the Reſpect he owes me.

Sir Charles was fired at this Account: Is it poſſible, ſaid he, that Sir George has had the Aſſurance to ſay any thing to offend you, and that before my Face too? This Affront is not to be borne.

[250] I am ſorry, replied Arabella, eying him heed⯑fully, to ſee you ſo much concerned at it.

Don't be uneaſy, interrupted Sir Charles: There will be no bad Conſequences happen from it: But he ſhall hear of it, added he, raiſing his Voice with Paſſion: I'll force him this Night to explain himſelf.

You muſt pardon me, Sir, ſaid Arabella, more and more confirmed in her Notions, if I tell you, that I am extremely offended at your uncommon Zeal upon this Occaſion: And alſo I muſt aſſure you, that a little more Calmneſs would be leſs liable to Suſpicion.

Miſs Glanville coming to meet them, Sir Charles, who did not take much Notice of what Arabella ſaid, eagerly inquired for his Son; and, hearing he was not come home, was apprehenſive of his meeting again with the Per⯑ſon he had quarrelled with: But his Fears did not laſt long; for Mr. Glanville came in, hav⯑ing purpoſely avoided the Company, to hide the Uneaſineſs Lady Bella's tormenting Folly had given him.

CHAP. VI.

AS ſoon as Mr. Glanville appeared, the two Ladies retired; Miſs Glanville aſking Arabella a hundred Queſtions concerning their Diverſion, the Drift of which was, to know how Sir George behaved to her: But that fair [251] Lady, whoſe Thoughts were wholly employed on the ſtrange Accidents which had happened to her that Day, longed to be at Liberty to indulge her Reflections; and, complaining of extreme Wearineſs, under Pretence of repoſing herſelf till Dinner, got quit of Miſs Glanville's Com⯑pany, which, at that time, ſhe thought very tedious.

As ſoon as ſhe was left to herſelf, her Imagi⯑nation running over all that had happened, ſhe could not help confeſſing, that few Women ever met with ſuch a Variety of Adventures in one Day: In Danger of being carried off by Vio⯑lence, by one Lover; delivered by another; Inſinuations of Love from a Third, who, ſhe thought, was enamoured of her Couſin; and, what was ſtill more ſurpriſing a Diſcovery, that her Uncle was not inſenſible of her Charms, but was become the Rival of his own Son.

As extravagant as this Notion was, Arabella found Precedents in her Romances of Paſſions full as ſtrange and unjuſtifiable; and confirmed herſelf in that Opinion, by recollecting ſeveral Examples of unlawful Love. Why ſhould I not believe, ſaid ſhe, that my Charms can work as powerful Effects as thoſe of Olympia, Princeſs of Thrace, whoſe Brother was paſſion⯑ately enamoured of her?

Did not the Divine Clelia inſpire Maherbal with a violent Paſſion for her, who, though diſcovered to be her Brother, did not, never⯑theleſs, ceaſe to adore her? And, to bring an Inſtance ſtill nearer to my own Caſe, was not the Uncle of the fair Alcyone in Love with her? [252] And did he not endeavour to win her Heart by all the Methods in his Power?

Ah! then, purſued ſhe, let us doubt no more of our Misfortune: And, ſince our fatal Beauty has raiſed this impious Flame, let us ſtifle it with our Rigour, and not allow an ill⯑timed Pity, or Reſpect, to encourage a Paſſion which may, one Day, caſt a Blemiſh upon our Glory.

Arabella, having ſettled this Point, proceed⯑ed to reflect on the Conqueſt ſhe had made of Sir George: She examined his Words over and over, and found them ſo exactly conformable to the Language of an Oroondates or Oronces, that ſhe could not chooſe but be pleaſed: But, recol⯑lecting that it behoved her, like all other He⯑roines, to be extremely troubled and perplexed at an Inſinuation of Love, ſhe began to lament the cruel Neceſſity of parting with an agreeable Friend; who, if he perſiſted in making her acquainted with his Thoughts, would expofe himſelf to the Treatment Perſons ſo indiſcreet always meet with; nor was ſhe leſs concerned, leſt, if Mr. Glanville had not already diſpatched her Raviſher, Sir George, by wandering in Search of him, and, haply, ſacrificing him to his eager Deſire of ſerving her, ſhould, by that means, lay her under an Obligation to him, which, conſidering him as a Lover, would be a great Mortification.

Sir George, however, was gone home to his own Houſe, with no Thoughts of purſuing Arabella's Raviſher: And Mr. Glanville, being queſtioned by his Father concerning his Quar⯑rel, invented ſome trifling Excuſe for it; which [253] not agreeing with the Account the Baronet had received from Arabella, he told his Son, that he had concealed the Truth from him; and that there was more in that Affair than he had owned. You quarrelled, added he, upon Ara⯑bella's Account; and ſhe did not ſcruple to af⯑firm it before all the Company.

Mr. Glanville, who had vainly flattered him⯑ſelf with an Hope, that his Couſin had not ac⯑quainted the Company with her whimſical Ap⯑prehenſions, was extremely vexed when he found ſhe had expoſed herſelf to their Ridicule, and that it was probable even he had not eſcaped: But, willing to know from her own Mouth how far ſhe had carried her Folly, he went up to her Chamber; and, being immediately admit⯑ted, ſhe began to congratulate him upon the Conqueſt he had gained, as ſhe ſuppoſed, over his Enemy; and thanked him very ſolemnly for the Security he had procured for her.

Mr. Glanville, after aſſuring her, that ſhe was in no Danger of ever being carried away by that Perſon whom ſhe feared, proceeded to inquire into all that had paſſed between her and the Company whom ſhe had joined, when ſhe left him; and Arabella, relating every Particular, gave him the Mortification to know, that her Folly had been ſufficiently expoſed: But ſhe touched upon her Fears for him with ſo much Delicacy, and mentioned her Fainting in ſuch a manner, as inſinuated a much greater Tender⯑neſs than he before had Reaſon to hope for; and this Knowlege deſtroying all his Intentions to quarrel with her for what ſhe had ſaid, he appeared ſo eaſy and ſatisfied, that Arabella, [254] reflecting upon the Misfortune his Father's new⯑born Paſſion would probably be the Occaſion of to him, could not help ſighing at the Appre⯑henſion; looking on him, at the ſame time, with a kind of pitying Complacency; which did not eſcape Mr. Glanville's Notice.

I muſt know the Reaſon of that Sigh, Couſin, ſaid he, ſmiling, and taking her Hand.

If you are wiſe, replied Arabella, gravely, you will be contented to remain in the pleaſing Ignorance you are at preſent; and not ſeek to know a thing which will, haply, afford you but little Satisfaction.

You have increaſed my Curoſity ſo much by this Advice, reſumed he, accommodating his Looks to Arabella's, that I ſhall not be at Reſt till I know what it is you conceal from me: And, ſince I am ſo much concerned in it, even by your own Confeſſion, I have a Right to preſs you to explain yourſelf.

Since you are ſo importunate, replied Ara⯑bella, I mnſt tell you, that I will not do you ſo great a Diſkindneſs, as to explain myſelf; nor will I be the firſt who ſhall acquaint you with your Misfortune, ſince you will, haply, too ſoon arrive at the Knowlege of it, by other means.

Glanville, who imagined this was ſome new Whim that had got into her Head, was but little perplexed at an Inſinuation, which, had he been ignorant of her Foible, would have given him great Uneaſineſs: But, being ſenſible that ſhe expected he would preſs her to diſcloſe herſelf, and appear extremely concerned at her refuſing him that Satisfaction, he counterfeited [255] ſo well, that ſhe was at a loſs how to evade the Arguments he uſed to make her unfold the terrible Myſtery; when the Dinner-bell ringing, and relieving her ſor the preſent, Mr. Glanville led her down to the Parlour; where Sir Charles and his Daughter attended their coming.

CHAP. VII.

THE Baronet, who had been put into a bad Humour by Arabella's Inſinuations, that Sir George had affronted her, appeared re⯑ſerved and uneaſy; and, being reſolved to queſtion her about it, was willing firſt to know exactly what it was his Niece had been offended at: But as he feared, if it came to his Son's Knowlege, it would produce a Quarrel between the young Gentlemen, that might have dan⯑gerous Conſequences, he was deſirous of ſpeak⯑ing to her alone; and, as ſoon as Dinner was over, aſked her to take a Walk with him upon the Terrace, telling her he had ſomething to ſay to her in private. Arabella, whoſe Fears had been conſiderably increaſed by the Penſive⯑neſs which appeared in her Uncle's Looks du⯑ring Dinner, and ſuppoſing he wanted a pri⯑vate Converſation, only to explain himſelf more clearly to her, than he had yet done, was ex⯑ceſſively alarmed at this Requeſt; and, caſting her Eyes down to the Ground, bluſhed in ſuch [256] a manner as betrayed her Confuſion; and made Miſs Glanville and her Brother believe, that ſhe ſuſpected her Uncle had a Deſign to preſs her ſoon to give her Hand to Mr. Glanville, which occaſioned her apparent Diſorder.

Sir Charles, however, who had not ſo heed⯑fully obſerved her Behaviour, repeated his Re⯑queſt; adding, with a Smile, upon her giving him no Anſwer, Sure, Lady Bella, you are not afraid to be alone with your Uncle.

No, Sir, replied Arabella, giving him a piercing Look; I am not afraid of being alone with my Uncle; and, as long as he pretends to be no more than my Uncle, I ſhall not ſcruple to hear what he has to ſay to me.

Sir Charles, a little vexed at an Anſwer which inſinuated, as he thought, a Complaint of his having pretended to more Authority over her than he ought, told her, he hoped ſhe had no Cauſe to believe he would diſpleaſe her, by any improper Exertion of that Power over her, with which her Father had intruſted him: For I aſſure you, added he, I would rather you ſhould follow my Advice as an Uncle, than obey me as a Guar⯑dian; and, ſince my Affection for you is, pre⯑haps, greater than what many People have for a Niece, my Solicitude ought to be imputed to that Motive.

I have all the Senſe I ought to have of that Affection you honour me with, replied Ara⯑bella; and ſince I hope it will be always what it ſhould be, without wiſhing for its Increaſe, I am contented with thoſe Teſtimonies I have already received of it; and do not deſire any other.

[257] Sir Charles, a little puzzled to underſtand the Meaning of theſe Words, which the grave Looks of Arabella made yet more myſterious, roſe from his Seat with an Air of Diſcontent: I ſhould have been glad to have ſpoken a Word in private to you, Niece, ſaid ſhe; but, ſince you think proper to make ſo much Ceremony in ſuch a Trifle, I'll defer it till you are in a better Hu⯑mour.

Miſs Glanville, ſeeing her Father going out of the Room, ſtepped before him: Nay, Papa, ſaid ſhe, if you want to ſpeak with my Couſin, my Brother and I will go out, and leave you to yourſelves.

You will do me a very great Diſpleaſure, ſaid Arabella; for, I am ſure, my Uncle has not any thing of Conſequence to ſay to me: How⯑exer, added ſhe, ſeeing Miſs Glanville go away, I am reſolved, I will not be left alone; and therefore, Mr. Glanville, ſince I can pretend to ſome Power over you, I command you to ſtay.

You may remember, Madam, ſaid Mr. Glan⯑ville, with a Smile, you refuſed to gratify my Curioſity, with regard to ſomething you hinted to me ſome time ago; and, to puniſh you, added he, going out of the Room, I am reſolved you ſhall liſten to what my Father has to ſay to you; for, by your Unwillingneſs to hear it, I ima⯑gine you ſuſpect already what it is.

Arabella, finding ſhe had no way to avoid hearing what ſhe dreaded ſo much, and obſerv⯑ing her Uncle had reſumed his Chair, pre⯑pared to give him Audience; but, in order to deprive him of all Hope, that ſhe would receive his Diſcourſe favourably, ſhe aſſumed the ſe⯑vereſt [258] Look ſhe was capable of; and, caſting her Eyes on the Ground, with a Mixture of Anger and Shame, waited with a kind of Fear and Impatience for what he had to ſay.

I ſee, Madam, ſaid the Baronet, obſerving her Confuſion, that you apprehend what I am going to ſay to you; but, I beſeech you, do not fear I have any Intentions, but ſuch as you'll approve.

You are certainly in the right, Sir, ſaid Ara⯑bella, in the Interpretation you have put on my Looks: I am really in Pain about the Purport of your Diſcourſe: And you would particu⯑larly oblige me, if you would diſpenſe with me from hearing it.

I ſee, replied Sir Charles, that, out of a miſ⯑taken Fear, you are unwilling to hear me, in order to avoid coming to the Explanation I de⯑ſire: But I tell you, once again, you have no⯑thing to apprehend.

I have every thing to apprehend, Sir, reſumed Arabella, tartly, while you perſiſt in your De⯑ſign of diſobliging me; and you cannot give me a greater Proof of the Badneſs of your Inten⯑tions, than by thus forcing me to liſten to Diſ⯑courſes I ought to avoid.

Since my Word has no Weight with you, replied Sir Charles, I'll condeſcend to aſſure you, by the moſt ſacred Oath, That I do not mean to come to any Extremities with Sir George, concerning what you already told me: All I deſire to know is, If you think you had any Rea⯑ſon to be offended with him for any thing he ſaid? And, in that Caſe, I cannot diſpenſe with myſelf from expoſtulating with him about it.

[259] You would do me a Favour, Sir, reſumed Arabella, if you would intereſt yourſelf a little leſs in what Sir George ſaid to me: The Of⯑fence was committed againſt me only; and none but myſelf has any Right to reſent it.

'Tis enough, Niece, ſaid Sir Charles, riſing: You acknowlege ſufficient to make me reſolve to oblige him to aſk Pardon for the Affront you have received: However, I beg you may make yourſelf eaſy; no ill Conſequences will happen from this Affair, provided my Son does not know it: And I know you have too much Diſ⯑cretion to acquaint him with it.

Saying this, he went out of the Room, leav⯑ing Arabella in great Conſuſion at what he had ſaid; which, in her Opinion, had amounted almoſt to a plain Declaration of his Paſſion; and his Deſign of putting an End to Sir George's Pretenſions, whom, it was probable, he looked upon as a more dangerous Rival than his Son, confirmed her in the Opinion of his Reſolution to perſecute her.

Full of the Reflections this Accident had oc⯑caſioned, ſhe went to walk in the Garden, where Mr. Glanville, his Siſter having juſt left him, joined her.

As he imagined, his Father's Deſign, in ſpeaking to her alone, was to prevail upon her to conſent to marry him before ſhe left the Coun⯑try, which was what he moſt earneſtly wiſhed, he drew a bad Omen from the Diſcontent which appeared in her Eyes.

Is it with me, Couſin, ſaid he, or with what my Father has been ſaying to you, that you are angry?

[260] With both, replied Arabella, haſtily; for if you had ſtaid in the Room, as I commanded you, I ſhould not have been expoſed to the Pain of hearing Things ſo diſagreeable.

Since I knew what would be the Purport of my Father's Diſcourſe, ſaid Mr. Glanville, you ought not to be ſurpriſed I could not reſolve to give any Interruption to it, by my Preſence: And, being ſo much intereſted in the Succeſs of his Solicitations, I could not chooſe but give him an Opportunity of ſpeaking to you alone, as he deſired.

It ſeems then, reſumed Arabella, you know what was the Subject of his Converſation.

I believe I can gueſs, interrupted Mr. Glan⯑ville, ſmiling.

Is it poſſible, cried Arabella, ſtarting back in great Surprize, that, knowing, as you ſay you do, your Father's Intentions, you would re⯑ſolve to furniſh him with an Opportunity of diſcloſing them?

Can you blame me, ſaid Mr. Glanville, for ſuffering him to undertake what I durſt not my⯑ſelf? I know your Delicacy, or rather your Se⯑verity, ſo well, that I am ſenſible, if I had taken the Liberty to ſay what my Father has ſaid, you would have been extremely offended; and puniſhed me, as you have often done, with a Baniſhment from your Preſence: Nay, pur⯑ſued he, ſeeing Aſtoniſhment and Anger in her Countenance, I perceive you are, at this Mo⯑ment, going to pronounce ſome terrible Sen⯑tence againſt me.

You are deceived, ſaid Arabella, with a forced Calmneſs; I am ſo far from being of⯑fended [261] with you, that I am ready to acknow⯑lege, you merit very extraordinary Praiſes for the perfect Reſignation you ſhew to the Will, and, for your Credit, I will ſuppoſe, the Com⯑mands, of your Father: But I would adviſe you to be contented with the Reputation of being a dutiful Son; and, for the future, never aſpire to that of being a faithful Lover.

Speaking theſe Words, which were wholly unintelligible to her amazed Admirer, ſhe left him, and went to her own Apartment, ſtrangely ſurpriſed at the Indifference of Mr. Glanville; who, as ſhe underſtood what he had ſaid, was not only willing to reſign her to his Father, but alſo took upon him to mediate in his be⯑half.

As ſhe was unwilling to acknowlege, even to herſelf, that the Grief ſhe felt at this Diſcovery, proceeded from any Affection for her Couſin, ſhe imputed it to the Shame of ſeeing herſelf ſo baſely forſaken and neglected; and, not being able to find a Precedent for ſuch an Indignity offered to the Charms of any Lady in her Ro⯑mances, the Singularity of her Fate, in this reſpect, ſeemed to demand all her Uneaſi⯑neſs.

CHAP. VIII.

WHILE Arabella paſſed her Time in her Cloſet, in the moſt diſagreeable Reflections, Glanville was racking his Brain to find out the Meaning of thoſe myſterious Words ſhe had uttered at leaving him: He examined them twenty times over, but could not poſſi⯑bly penetrate into their Senſe: But, ſuppoſing at laſt, that they really meant nothing at all, or were occaſioned by ſome new Flight of her Imagination, he went to find out his Father, in order to know what had paſſed between him and Arabella.

Sir Charles, however, was not to be found; he had ordered his Horſe to be made ready, under Pretence of taking a little Ride after Dinner; and, paſſing by Sir George's Houſe, alighted to pay him a Viſit.

The young Baronet, being at home, received him with great Politeneſs: And Sir Charles, whoſe peculiar Diſpoſition was, to be nicely te⯑nacious of every thing which, he imagined, had any Relation to the Honour of his Family, took the firſt Opportunity to queſtion him, con⯑cerning the Confuſion his Whiſper had occa⯑ſioned in Lady Bella; adding, That ſhe had confeſſed, he had given her Reaſon to take ill what he had ſaid to her.

[263] Sir George, who was by no means willing to quarrel with the Uncle of Arabella, received the old Gentleman's Remonſtrances with a great deal of Calmneſs; and, finding Arabella had not diſcovered the Purport of that Whiſper which had offended her, he told Sir Charles, That the Confuſion he ſaw in her Countenance, was occaſioned by his raillying her upon the Fright ſhe had been in upon Mr. Glanville's Account: He added ſome Particulars to this Account, that intirely taking away all Incli⯑nation in Sir Charles to purſue the Matter any farther, they parted upon very good Terms; Sir George promiſing, very ſoon, to return his Viſit at the Caſtle.

Mr. Glanville, upon his Father's Return, be⯑ing impatient to know what he had ſaid to Ara⯑bella, inquired with ſo much Precipitation, con⯑cerning the Converſation they had had together, that Sir Charles, unwilling to tell him the Truth, and not having time to conſider of an Anſwer, evaded his Queſtion in ſuch a manner, that Mr. Glanville could not help making ſome Obſer⯑vation upon it; and, comparing this Circum⯑ſtance with what Arabella had ſaid, tho' he could not comprehend the Meaning that ſeemed to be concealed under their Behaviour, he im⯑mediately concluded, there was ſome Myſtery, which it concerned him to find out.

Poſſeſſed with this Opinion, he longed for an Opportunity to talk with Arabella alone; but he was not ſo happy to obtain one; for, tho' that Fair-one preſided at the Tea-table, as uſual, and alſo appeared at Supper, yet ſhe ſo induſtriouſly avoided all Occaſions of being alone [264] with him, tho' but for a Moment, and ap⯑peared ſo reſerved and uneaſy, that it was im⯑poſſible for him to ſpeak to her upon that Sub⯑ject.

As ſoon as it was time to retire, having re⯑ſolved to requeſt the Favour of a few Moments Converſation with her, in her own Apartment; and when he had, as was his Cuſtom, handed her up Stairs; inſtead of wiſhing her a good Night, at her Chamber-door, he was going to deſire Permiſſion to enter it with her; when Lucy, coming to meet her Lady, whiſpered her in the Ear; upon which, Arabella, turning towards him, gave him an haſty Salute, and hurried into her Apartment.

Glanville, no leſs vexed at this Diſappoint⯑ment, than perplexed at that Whiſper, which had cauſed ſuch a viſible Emotion in Arabella, retired to his own Room, tormented with a thou⯑ſand uneaſy Suſpicions, for which he could not exactly aſſign a Cauſe; and wiſhing impatiently for the next Day, in which he hoped to pro⯑cure ſome Explanation of what at preſent greatly perplexed him.

In the mean time, Arabella, who had been informed by Lucy, in that Whiſper, who was eager to let her know it, that a Meſſenger had brought a Letter from Sir George, and, late as it was at Night, waited for an Anſwer, was de⯑bating with herſelf, whether ſhe ſhould open this Billet or not: She had a ſtrong Inclination to ſee what it contained; but, fearful of tranſ⯑greſſing the Laws of Romance, by indulging a Curioſity not juſtifiable by Example, ſhe re⯑ſolved to return this Letter unopened.

[265] Here, ſaid ſhe to Lucy, give this Letter to the Meſſenger that brought it, and tell him, I was exceſſively offended with you, for receiving it from his Hands.

Lucy, taking the Letter, was going to obey her Orders; when, recollecting herſelf, ſhe bid her ſtay.

Since Sir George, ſaid ſhe to herſelf, is no declared Lover of mine, I may, without any Offence to Decorum, ſee what this Letter con⯑tains: To refuſe receiving it, will be to acknow⯑lege, that his Sentiments are not unknown to me; and, by conſequence, to lay myſelf under a Neceſſity of baniſhing him: Nor is it fit, that I ſhould allow him to believe, I am ſo ready to apprehend the Meaning of every gallant Speech, which is uſed to me; and to conſtrue ſuch In⯑ſinuations, as he took the Liberty to make me, into Declarations of Love.

Allowing, therefore, the Juſtice of theſe Rea⯑ſons, ſhe took the Letter out of Lucy's Hand; and, being upon the Point of opening it, a ſud⯑den Thought controuled her Deſigns: She threw it ſuddenly upon her Toilet; and, looking very earneſtly upon it,

Preſumptuous Paper! ſaid ſhe, ſpeaking with great Emotion to the Letter: Bold Repoſitory of thy Maſter's daring Thoughts! Shall I not be blamed by all, who hereafter will hear, or read, my Hiſtory, if, contrary to the Appre⯑henſions I have, that thou containeſt a Confeſ⯑ſion that will diſpleaſe me, I open thy Seal, and become acceſſary to thy Writer's Guilt, by deigning to make myſelf acquainted with it? And thou, too indiſcreet and unwary Friend, [266] whoſe Folds contain the Acknowlegement of his Crime! What will it advantage thee or him, if, torn by my reſenting Hand, I make thee ſuffer, for the Part thou beareſt in thy Maſter's Fault; and teach him, by thy Fate, how little Kindneſs he has to expect from me! Yet, to ſpare myſelf the Trouble of reading what will, queſtionleſs, greatly diſpleaſe me, I will return thee, uninjured, into thy Maſter's Hands; and, by that Moderation, make him repent the Preſumption he has been guilty of!

CHAP. IX.

OUR fair Heroine, having ended the fore⯑going Soliloquy, took up the Letter, and gave it to Lucy, who had, all the time ſhe was ſpeaking, obſerved a profound Silence, mixed with a moſt eager Attention.

Here, purſued ſhe, carry it to the Perſon who brought it; and bid him tell his Maſter, that, leſt I ſhould find any thing in it, which may offend me, I have choſen not to read it: And, if he is wiſe, he will profit by my Concern for him, and take care how he hazards diſpleaſing me a Second time by an Importunity of this kind, which I ſhall not ſo eaſily pardon him.

Lucy, who had taken particular Notice of this Speech, in order to remember every Word [267] of it, when ſhe repeated it again, went conning her Leſſon to the Place where ſhe had deſired the Servant to wait her coming: But he was gone; ſuch being indeed his Maſter's Orders; for he was apprehenſive, that, following the Cuſtom of the Ladies in Romances, Arabella would return his Letter; and therefore, to de⯑prive her of an Opportunity of ſending it back that Night, he ordered his Man to ſay, he waited for an Anſwer; but, as ſoon as he con⯑veniently could, to come away without one.

Lucy, in a great Surprize at the Servant's go⯑ing away, returned to her Lady with the Letter in her Hand, telling her ſhe muſt needs read it now, ſince the Perſon, who brought it, was gone.

It muſt be confeſſed, ſaid Arabella, taking the Letter from her, with a Smile, he has fallen upon an ingenious Device, to make me keep it for this Night; and, ſince, haply, I may be miſtaken in the Contents, I have a mind to open it.

Lucy did not fail to confirm her Lady in this Deſign: And Arabella, making as if ſhe yielded to the Importunities of her Confidante, opened the Letter; which ſhe found as follows:

Arabella, who had read this Letter aloud, ſighed gently at the Concluſion of it; but poor Lucy, who was greatly affected at ſo dolorous an Epiſtle, could not reſtrain her Tears; but ſobbed ſo often, and with ſo much Violence, as, at length, recalled her Lady from the Re⯑verie, into which ſhe was plunged.

What ails you? ſaid ſhe to her Confidante, greatly ſurpriſed: What is the Cauſe of this un⯑ſeemly Sorrow?

Oh! Madam! cried Lucy, her Sobs making a frequent and unpleaſing Interruption in her [269] Words; I ſhall break my Heart to be ſure: Ne⯑ver was ſuch a ſad mournful Letter in the World: I could cry my Eyes out for the poor Gentleman. Pray excuſe me, Madam; but, indeed, I can't help ſaying, You are the moſt hard-heartedeſt Lady I ever knew in my born Days: Why, to be ſure, you don't care, if an hundred fine Gentlemen ſhould die for you, tho' their Spirits were to haunt you every Night! Well! I would not have what your Ladyſhip has to anſwer for, for all the World!

You are a fooliſh Wench! replied Arabella, ſmiling at her Simplicity: Do you think I have any Cauſe to accuſe myſelf, tho' Five thouſand Men were to die for me? 'Tis very certain, my Beauty has produced very deplorable Effects: The unhappy Hervey has expiated, by his Death, the Violence his too deſperate Paſſion forced him to meditate againſt me: The no leſs guilty, the noble Unknown, Edward, is wander⯑ing about the World, in a tormenting Deſpair; and ſtands expoſed to the Vengeance of my Couſin, who has vowed his Death. My Charms have made another Perſon, whoſe Character ought to be ſacred to me, forget all the Ties of Conſanguinity; and become the Rival of his Son, whoſe Intereſt he once endeavoured to ſupport: And, laſtly, the unfortunate Bell⯑mour conſumes away in an hopeleſs Paſſion; and, conſcious of his Crime, dooms himſelf, haply, with more Severity than I deſire, to a voluntary Death; in hopes, thereby, of pro⯑curing my Pardon and Compaſſion, when he is no more. All theſe, Lucy, as I ſaid before, are very deplorable Effects of my Beauty; but [270] you muſt obſerve, that my Will has no Part in the Miſeries, that unfortunate Beauty occa⯑ſions; and that, tho' I could even wiſh myſelf leſs fair, in order to avoid giving ſo much Un⯑happineſs to others, yet theſe Wiſhes would not avail; and ſince, by a fatal Neceſſity, all theſe Things will happen, whether I would or no, I muſt comfort myſelf under the Uneaſi⯑neſs, which the Senſibility of my Temper makes me feel, by the Reflection, that, with my own Conſent, I contribute nothing to the Miſ⯑fortune of thoſe who love me.

Will your Ladyſhip then let poor Sir George die? ſaid Lucy, who had liſtened very atten⯑tively to this fine Harangue, without under⯑ſtanding what it meant.

Queſtionleſs, he muſt die, replied Arabella, if he perſiſts in his Deſign of loving me.

But, pray, Madam, reſumed Lucy, cannot your Ladyſhip command him to live, as you did Mr. Hervey, and Mr. Glanville, who both did as you bid them?

I may command him to live, ſaid Ara⯑bella; and there is no Queſtion but he would obey me, if I likewiſe permit him to love me; but, this laſt not being fit for me to do, I ſee no way to prevent the ſad Reſolution he has taken.

To be ſure, Madam, returned Lucy, your Ladyſhip knows what you ought to do bet⯑ter than I can adviſe your Ladyſhip, being that you are more learned than me: But, for all that I [...] it's better to ſave Life than to kill, as the Bible-Book ſays; and, ſince I am ſure your Ladyſhip is a good Chriſtian, if the Gen⯑tleman [271] dies for the Want of a few kind Words, or ſo, I am ſure you will be troubled in Mind about it.

It muſt be confeſſed, ſaid Arabella, ſmiling, that, tho' your Solicitations are not very elo⯑quent, they are very earneſt and affecting; and I promiſe you, I will think about it; and, if I can perſuade myſelf, I am doing no wrong Thing, by concerning myſelf about his Preſer⯑vation, I will diſpatch you To-morrow Morn⯑ing, with my Orders to him, to live, or, at leaſt, to proceed no further in his Deſign of dy⯑ing, till he has further Cauſe.

Lucy, being extremely glad ſhe had gained her Point, called in her Lady's other Women, who, having aſſiſted her to undreſs, left her in her Cloſet, to which ſhe always retired for an Hour, before ſhe went to Bed.