The History of Sir Charles Grandison | Page 4

melancholy account of the health of his brother and sister. The
Count of Belvedere acquaints Sir Charles with his unabated passion for
Lady Clementina. Affecting interview between Sir Charles and Signor
Jeronymo. He is kindly received by the marquis and marchioness. The
sufferings of Jeronymo under the hands of an unskilful surgeon, with a
brief history of his case. Sir Charles tells the marchioness that he
considers himself bound by his former offers, should Clementina
recover. The interested motives of Lady Sforza and Laurana for treating
Clementina with cruelty. Remarks on Lady Olivia's conduct, and on
female delicacy. Sir Charles recommends Miss Byron as a pattern for
his ward, and laments the depravity of Sir Hargrave and his friends.

LETTER I
MISS BYRON, TO MISS SELBY
Miss Byron, To Miss Selby.
O my Lucy! What think you!--But it is easy to guess what you must
think. I will, without saying one word more, enclose
DR. BARTLETT'S TENTH LETTER
The next day (proceeds my patron) I went to make my visit to the
family. I had nothing to reproach myself with; and therefore had no
other concern upon me but what arose from the unhappiness of the
noble Clementina: that indeed was enough. I thought I should have
some difficulty to manage my own spirit, if I were to find myself
insulted, especially by the general. Soldiers are so apt to value
themselves on their knowledge of what, after all, one may call but their
trade, that a private gentleman is often thought too slightly of by them.
Insolence in a great man, a rich man, or a soldier, is a call upon a man
of spirit to exert himself. But I hope, thought I, I shall not have this call
from any one of a family I so greatly respect.
I was received by the bishop; who politely, after I had paid my
compliments to the marquis and his lady, presented me to those of the
Urbino family to whom I was a stranger. Every one of those named by
Signor Jeronymo, in his last letter, was present.
The marquis, after he had returned my compliment, looked another way,
to hide his emotion: the marchioness put her handkerchief to her eyes,
and looked upon me with tenderness; and I read in them her concern for

her Clementina.
I paid my respects to the general with an air of freedom, yet of regard;
to my Jeronymo, with the tenderness due to our friendship, and
congratulated him on seeing him out of his chamber. His kind eyes
glistened with pleasure; yet it was easy to read a mixture of pain in
them; which grew stronger as the first emotions at seeing me enter,
gave way to reflection.
The Conte della Porretta seemed to measure me with his eye.
I addressed myself to Father Marescotti, and made my particular
acknowledgments to him for the favour of his visit, and what had
passed in it. He looked upon me with pleasure; probably with the more,
as this was a farewell visit.
The two ladies whispered, and looked upon me, and seemed to bespeak
each other's attention to what passed.
Signor Sebastiano placed himself next to Jeronymo, and often
whispered him, and as often cast his eye upon me. He was partial to me,
I believe, because my generous friend seemed pleased with what he
said.
His brother, Signor Juliano, sat on the other hand of me. They are
agreeable and polite young gentlemen.
A profound silence succeeded the general compliments.
I addressed myself to the marquis: Your lordship, and you, madam,
turning to the marchioness, I hope will excuse me for having requested
of you the honour of being once more admitted to your presence, and to
that of three brothers, for whom I shall ever retain the most respectful
affection. I could not think of leaving a city, where one of the first
families in it has done me the highest honour, without taking such a
leave as might shew my gratitude.--Accept, my lords, bowing to each;
accept, madam, more profoundly bowing to the marchioness, my
respectful thanks for all your goodness to me. I shall, to the end of my
life, number most of the days that I have passed at Bologna among its
happiest, even were the remainder to be as happy as man ever knew.
The marquis said, We wish you, chevalier, very happy; happier
than--He sighed, and was silent.
His lady only bowed. Her face spoke distress. Her voice was lost in
sighs, though she struggled to suppress them.
Chevalier, said the bishop, with an air of solemnity, you have given us

many happy hours: for them we thank you. Jeronymo, for himself, will
say more: he is the most grateful of men. We thank you also for what
you