Love and friendship

TO MADAM LA COMTESSE DE FEUILLDE THIS NOVELIS INSCRIBED

BY HER OBILIGED HUMBLE SERVANT

THE AUTHOR

“Deceived in Friendship and

Betrayed in Love”

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 Letter the First form Isabel to Laura

How often, in answer to my repeated entreaties that you would give my

daughter a regular detail of the misfortunes and adventures of tour life, have you
said “No, my friend never will I comply with your request till I may be no longer in
danger of again experiencing such dreadful ones.”

Surely that time is now at hand. You are this day 55. If a woman may ever
be said to be in safety from the determined Perseverance of disagreeable lovers and
of obstinate fathers, surely it must be at such a time of life. Isabel

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 Letter 2nd Laura to Isabel

Altho’ I can’t agree with you in supposing that I shall never again be
exposed to misfortunes as unmerited as those I have already experienced, yet to
avoid the imputation of obstinacy orill-nature, I will gratify the curiosity of your
daughter; and many the fortitude with which I have suffered the many afflictions
of my past life, prove to her a useful lesson for the support of those which may
befall her in her own. Laura

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 Letter 3rd Laura to Marianne

As the daughter of my most intimate friend I think you entitled to that

knowledge ofmy unhappy story, which your mother has so often solicited me to
give you.

My father was a native of Ireland and aninhabitant of Wales; my

mother was the natural daughter of a Scotch peer by an Italian Opera-girl I was
born in Spain and received my education at a convent in France.

When I had reached my eighteenth year Iwas recalled by my parents to

my paternal roof in Wales. Our mansion was situated in one of the most romantic
parts of the Vale of

4
Uske. Tho’ my Charms are now considerable softened and somewhat impaired
by the misfortunes I have undergone I was once beautiful. But lovely as I was
the graces of my perfections. Of every accomplishment a customary to my
sex, I was Mistress. Had always exceeded my instructions, my acquirements
had been wonderful for my age,and I had shortly surpassed my Masters.

In my mind, every Virtue that cloud adornit was centered; it was

Rendez-vous of every good quality and of every noble sentiment.

A sensibility too tremblingly alive to every affliction of my friends, my

acquaintance and particularly to every affliction of my own, was my only fault, if a
fault it could be called Alas!

How altered now! Tho’ indeed my own

5
Misfortunes do not make less impression on methan they ever did, yet now I
never feel for those of another. My accomplishment too, begin to fade I can
neither sing so well nor dance so gracefully as I once did, and I have entirely
forgot the minuet dela cour. Laura.

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 Letter 4th Laura to Marianne

Our neighborhood was small, for it consisted only of your mother.

She may probably have already told you that being left by her parents in indigent
circumstances she had retired into Wales on economical motives. There it was our
friendship first commenced. Isabel was then one and twenty. Tho’ pleasing both in
her person and manners (between ourselves) she never possessed the hundreds part
of my beauty or accomplishments. Isabel had seen theworld. She had passed 2
Years at one of the first Boarding-schools in London; had spent a fortnight in
Southampton.

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 “Beware my Laura (she would often say) Beware of the insipid
vanities and idle dissipations of the metropolis of England; Beware of the
unmeaning luxuries of bath and of the stinking fish of Southampton.”

“Alas! (Exclaimed I) how am I to avoid those evils I shall never be

exposed to? Whatprobability is there of my ever testing the dissipations of London,
the luxuries of bath, or the stinking fish of Southampton? I who am doomed to
waste my days of youth and beauty in a humble cottage in the Vale of Uske.”

Ah! Little did I then think I was ordained so soon to quit that humble cottage
for the deceitful pleasures of the world. Adeiu Laura

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 Letter 5th Laura to Marianne

One evening in December as my father, my mother and myself, were

arranged in socialconverse round our fireside, we were on a sudden greatly
astonished, by hearing a violent knocking on the outward door of our rustic Cot.

My Father started” What noise is that” (said he.) “It Sounds like a load
rapping at the door” (replied my mother.) ”It does indeed,” (cried I.)” I’m of your
opinion; (said my father) it certainly does appear to proceed from some
uncommon violence exerted against our unoffending door.” “Yes (exclaimed I) I
can’t help thinking it must be somebody who knocks for admittance.”

9
 “That is another point (replied he;) we must not pretend to determine on
what motive the person may knock tho’ that someone doesrap at the door, I am
partly convinced.”

Here a 2nd tremendous rap interrupted myfather in his speech, and

somewhat alarmed mymother and me.

“Had we better not go and see it is? (Said she) the servants are out.” “I think
we had.” (replied I.) ”Certainly, (added my father) by all means.” “Shall we go
now?” (Said my mother,)“The sooner the better.” (Answered he.) “Oh! let no time
be lost” (cried I.)

A third more violent rap than ever againassaulted our ears “I am certain
there is somebody knocking at the door.” (Said my

10
mother.) “I think there must,” (replied my father) “I fancy the servants are
returned; (saidI) I think I hear Mary going to he door.” “I’m glad of it (cried my
father) so I long to know who it is.”

I was right in my conjecture; for Mary instantly entering the room,

informed us that a young gentleman and his servant were at the door, who had
lost their way, were very coldand begged leave to warm themselves by our fire.

“Wont’t you admit them?” (Said I.) “You have no objection, my dear?” (Said
my father.)“None in the world.” (replied my mother.)

Mary, without waiting for any further commands immediately left the
room and

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quickly returned introducing the most beauteousand amiable youth, I had ever
beheld. The servant she kept to herself.

My natural sensibility had already been greatly affected by the suffering

of the unfortunate stranger and no sooner did I first behold him, than I felt
that on him the happiness or misery of my future life must depend. Adeiu
Laura.

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 Letter 6th Laura to Marianne

The noble youth informed us that his name was Lindsay for particular
reasons however I shall conceal it under that of talbot. He told us that he was the
son of an english Baronet, that he had a sister of the middle size. “My father (he
continued) is a mean and mercenary wretch it is only to suchparticular friends as
this dear party that I would thus his failings. Your virtues my amiable polypore
(addressing himself to my father) yours dear Claudia and yours my charming Laura
call on me to repose in you, my confidence.” We bowed. “My father seduced by
the false glare of fortune and the deluding pomp of title, inside on my giving

13
my hand to Lady Dorothea. No never exclaimed I. Lady Dorothea is lovely and
engaging I prefer no woman to her; but know Sir, that I scorn to marry her in
compliance with your wishes. No! Never shall it be said that I obliged my father.”

We all admired the noble Manliness of his reply. He continued

“Sir Edward was surprised; he had perhaps little expected to meet with so
spirited an opposition to his will. “Where, Edward in the name of wonder (said
he) didyou pick up this unmeaning gibberish? You have been studying novels I
suspect.” I scorned to answer: it would have been beneath my dignity. I mounted
my hours and

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followed by my faithful William set forth for my aunts.”

“My Father’s house is situated in Bedfordshire, my aunts in Middlesex,

and tho’ I flatter myself with being a tolerable proficient in geography, I know not
it happened, but this beautiful Vale which I find is in south Wales, when I had
expected to have reached my aunts.”

“After having wandered some time on the banks the Uske without
knowing which way to go, I began to lament my cruel destiny in the bitterest and
most pathetic manner. It was now perfectly dark, not a single star was there to
direct my steps and I know not what might havebefallen me had I not at length
discerned thro’ the solemn gloom that surrounded me a distant

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light, which as I approached it, I discover to bethe cheerful blaze of your fire.
Impelled by the combination of misfortunes under which I laboured, namely
fear, cold and hunger I hesitated not to ask admittance which at lengthI have
gained; and now my adorable Laura (continued he taking my hand) when may
I hope to receive that reward of all the painful sufferings I have undergone
during the course of my attachment to you, to which I have ever aspired Oh!
when will you reward me with yourself?”

“This instant, dear and Amiable Edward.” (replied I.). We were

immediately united by my father, who tho’ he had never taken orders had been
bred to the church. Adeiu Laura.

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 Letter 7th Laura to Marianne

We remained but a few days after our marriage, in the Vale of Uske. After
taking an affecting farewell of my father, my mother and my Isabel, I
accompanied Edward to his aunts in Middlesex. Philippa received us both with
every expression of affectionate Love. My arrival was indeed a most agreeable
surprise to her as she hadn’t only been totally ignorant of my marriage with her
nephew, but had never even had the slightest idea of there being such a person in
theWorld

Augusta, the sister of Edward was on a visit to her when we arrived. I

found her exactly what her brother had described her to be of the middle size.
She received me with equal surprise though not with equal Cordiality, as Philippa.
There was

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disagreeable coldness and forbidding reserve in her reception of me which was
equally distressingand unexpected. None of that interesting sensibility or
amiable sympathy in her manners and address to me when we first met which
should have distinguished our introduction to each other. Her language was
neither warm, nor affectionate, her expressions of regard were neither animated
nor cordial; her arms were not opened to receive me to her heart, tho’ my own
were extends to press her to mine.

A short conversation between Augusta and her brother which I

accidentally overheard increased my dislike to her, and convinced me that her
heart was no more formed for the soft ties of love than for the endearing
intercourse of friendship.

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 “But do you think that my father will ever bereconciled to this imprudent
connection?” (Said Augusta.)

“Augusta (replied the noble youth) I thought you had a better opinion
of me, than to imagine Iwould so abjectly degrade myself as to consider my
father’s concurrence in any of my affairs, either of consequence or concern to
me. Tell me Augusta with sincerity; did you ever know me consult his inclinations
or follow his Advice in the least trifling Particular since the age of fifteen?”

“Edward (replied she) you are surely too different in your own prise.
Since you were fifteen only! My dear brother since you were five years old, I
entirely acquit you of ever having willingly contributed to the satisfaction of your
father. But still I’m not without apprehensions of

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your being shortly obliged to degrade yourself in your own eyes by seeking a
support for your wife in the generosity of Sir Edward.”

“Never, never Augusta will I so demean myself. (Said Edward). Support!

What support will Laura want which she can receive from him?”

“Only those very insignificant ones of Victuals and Drink.” (Answered she.)

“Victuals and Drink! (replied my husband in a most nobly contemptuous

manner and dost thou then imagine that there is no other support for an exalted
mind (such as is my Laura’s) than the mean and indelicate employment of eating
and drinking?”

“None that I knew of, do efficacious.”(Returned Augusta).

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 “And did you then never feel the pleasing Pangs of Love, Augusta?
(Replied my Edward). Does it appear impossible to your vile and corrupted Plate,
to exist on Love? Can you not conceive the Luxury of living in every distress that
Poverty can inflict, with the object of your tenderest affection?”

“You are too ridiculous (Said Augusta) to argue with; perhaps however you
may in time beconvinced that…”

Here I was prevented from hearing the remainder of her speech, by the
appearance of a very Handsome young woman, who was ushered into the Room
at the Door of which I had been listening. On hearing her announced by the
Nameof “Lady Dorothea,” I instantly quitted my Post and followed her into the
Parlour, for I well-

21
remembered that she was the lady, proposed as a wife for my Edward by the cruel
and unrelenting Baronet.

Although lady Dorothea’s visit was nominally to Philippa and Augusta,

yet I have some reason to imagine that (acquainted with the marriage and arrival
of Edward) to see me was a principal motive to it.

I soon perceived that tho’ lovely and elegant in her person and tho’ easy
and polite in her address, she was of that inferior order of beings with regard to
delicate feeling, tender sentiments, and refined sensibility, of which Augusta was one.

She staid but half an hour and neither in the course of her visit, confided
to me any of her secret thoughts, nor requested me to confidence in her, any of
mine. You will easily imagine

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therefore my dear Marianne that I could not feel any ardent affection or very
sincere attachment for lady Dorothea. Adeiu Laura

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 Letter 8th Laura to Marianne, in Continuation

Lady Dorothea hadn’t left us long before another visitor as

unexpected a one as her Ladyship, was announced. It was Sir Edward, who
informed by Augusta of her brother’s marriage, came doubtless to reproach him for
having dared to unite himself to me without his knowledge. But Edward
foreseeing his design, approached him with heroic fortitude as soon as he
entered the room, and addressed him in the following Manner.

“Sir Edward, I know the motive of your journey here you come with the
base design of reproaching me for having entered into an indissoluble engagement
with my Laura without your consent. But Sir, I glory in the Act. It is my

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greatest boast that I have incurred the displeasure of my father!”

So, saying he took my hand and whilst Sir Edward, Philippa, and Augusta
were doubtless reflecting with admiration on his undaunted bravery, led me from
the parlour to his father’s carriage which yet remained at the door and inwhich we
were instantly conveyed from the pursuit of Sir Edward.

The postilions had at first received orders only to take the london road; as
soon as we hadsufficiently reflected However, we ordered them to drive to M. the
seat of Edward’s most particular friend, which was but a few miles distant.

At M. we arrived in a few hours; and on sending in our names were

immediately admitted

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to Sophia, the wife of Edward’s friend. After having been deprived during the
course of 3 weeks of a real friend (for such I term your mother) imagine my
transports at beholding one, most truly worthy of the name. Sophia was rather
above the middle size; most languor spread over her lovely features, but increased
their beauty. It was the characteristics of her Mind. She was all sensibility and
feeling. We flew into each others arms and after having exchanged vows of mutual
friendship for the rest of our lives, instantly unfolded to each other the most
inward secrets of our hearts. We were interrupted in the delightful employment
by the entrance of Augustus, (Edward’s friend) who was just returned from a
solitary ramble.

Never did I see such an affecting scene as was the meeting of Edward and
Augustus.

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 “My Life! My soul!” (exclaimed the former) “My adorable angel! (replied
the later) as they flew into each other feelings of Sophia and myself we fainted
alternately on a sofa.” Adeiu Laura.

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 Letter 9th from the same to the same

Towards the close of the day, we received the following letter from
Philippa.

“Sir Edward is greatly incensed by your abrupt departure; he has taken

back Augusta to Bedfordshire. Much as I wish to enjoy again your charming
society, I can’t determine to snatch you from that, of such dear and deserving
friends when your visit to them is terminated, I trust you will return to the arms of
your” “Philippa.”

We returned a suitable answer to this affectionate note and after thinking

her for her kind invitation assured her that we would certainly avail ourselves of
it, whenever we might have no other place to go to. Tho’

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certainly nothing could to any reasonable being, have appeared more satisfactory,
than so grateful a reply to her invitation, yet I know not bow it was, but she was
certainly capricious enough to be displeased with our behavior and in a revenge
own our conduct, or married a young and illiterate fortune-hunter. This
imprudent step (tho’ we were sensible that it would probably deprive us of that
fortune which Philippa had ever taught us to expect) could not on our own
accounts, excite from ourexalted minds a single sigh; yet fretful least it might
prove a source of endless misery to the deluded bride, our trembling Sensibility
was greatly affected when we were first information of the event. The
affectionate entreaties of Augustus and Sophia that we would forever

29
consider their house as our home, easily prevailed on us to determine never
more to leave them, In the society of my Edward and this Amiable pair, I passed
the happiest moments of my Life; Our time was most delightfully spent, in
mutual protestations of friendship, and in vows of unalterable love, in which we
were secure from being interrupted, by intruding and disagreeable visitors, as
Augustus and Sophia had on their first entrance in the Neighborhood, taken due
care to informthe surrounding families, that as their happiness centered wholly in
themselves, they wished for no other society. But alas! Then enjoyed was too
perfect to be lasting. A most severe and unexpected blow at once destroyed
every sensation of pleasure. Convinced as you must

30
be from what I have already told you concerning Augustus and Sophia, that there
never were a happier couple, I need not I imagine, inform you that their union
had been contrary to the inclinations of their cruel and mercenary parents; who
had vainly endeavored with obstinate perseverance to force them into a marriage
with those whom they had ever abhorred; but with a heroic fortitude, they had
both, constantly refused to submit to such despotic power.

After having so nobly dissented themselves from the shackles of

parental authority, by clandestine Marriage, they were determined never to
forfeit the good opinion they had gained in the world, in so doing, by accepting
any proposals of reconciliation that

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might have offered them by their fathers to this father trial of their noble
independence however they never were exposed.

They had been married but a few months when our visit to them
commenced during which time they had been amply supported by a considerable
sum of money which Augustus hadgracefully purloined from his unworthy father’s
escritoire, a few days before his union with Sophia

By our arrival their expenses were considerably increased tho’ their means
for supplying them were then nearly exhausted. But they, exalted. Creatures!
scorned to reflect a moment on their pecuniary distresses and would have blushed
at the idea of paying their debts Alas! What was their reward for such

32
disinterested behaviour! The beautiful Augustuswas arrested, and we were all
undone. Such perfidious treachery in the merciless perpetrators of the deed will
shock your gentle nature dearest Marianne as much as it then affected the delicate
sensibility of Edward, Sophia, your Laura, and Augustus himself. To complete such
unparalleled barbarity we were informed that an Execution in the house would
shortly take place. Ah! What could we do but what we did! We sighed and fainted
on the sofa.Adeiu Laura.

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 Letter 10th in Continuation

When we were somewhat recovered from the overpowering Effusions

of our grief, Edward desired that we would consider what was the most prudent
step to be taken in our unhappy situation while he repaired to his imprisoned
friend to lament over his misfortunes. We promised that we would, and he set
forwards on his journey to town. During his absence we faithfully complied with
his desire and after the most mature deliberation, at length agreed that the best
thing we could do was to leave the house; of which we every moment expected the
officers of justice to take possession. We waited therefore with the greatest
impatience, for the

34
return of Edward in order to import to him the result of our deliberations. But
no Edward appeared. In vain did we count the tedious moments of his absence
in vain did we weep in vain even did we sigh no Edward returned. This was too
cruel, too unexpected a blow to our gentle sensibility we could not support it we
could only faint. At length collecting all the resolution I was mistress of, I arose
and after pacing up some necessary apparel for Sophia and myself, I dragged her
to a carriage I had ordered, and we instantly set out for London. As the
habitation of Augustus was within twelve miles of town, it wasn’t longer we
arrived there, and no sooner had we entered Holboun than letting down

35
one of the front glasses I enquired of every decent-looking person that we
passed “If they had seen my Edward?”

But as we drove too rapidly to allow them to answer my repeated

enquiries, I gained little, or indeed, no information concerning him. “Where am I
to drive? “Said the Postilion.” To Newgate gentle youth (replied I), to see
Augustus. “Oh! no, no” (exclaimed Sophia) I can’t go to Newgate; I shall not be
able to support the sight of my Augustus in so cruel a confinement my feelings
are sufficiently shocked by the recital, of his distress, but to behold it will
overpower my sensibility. As I perfectly agreed with her in the justice of her

36
Sentiments the postilion was instantly directedto return into the country. You may
perhapshave been somewhat surprised my dearest Marianne, that in the distress I
then endured, destitute of any support, and unprovided with any habitation, I
should never once have remembered my father and mother or may paternal
cottage in the Vale of Uske. To account for this seeming forgetfulness, I must
inform you of a trifling circumstance concerning them which I have yet never
mentioned. The death of my parents a few weeks after my departure, is the
circumstanceI became the lawful inheritress of their hoseand fortune. But alas!
The house had never been their own and their fortune had only

37
been an annuity on their own lives. Such is the depravity of the world! To your
mother I should have returned with pleaser, should have been happy to have
introduced to her, my charming Sophia and should with cheerfulness have passed
the remainder of my life inn their dear society in the Vale of Uske, had not one
agreeable a scheme, intervened, which was the marriage and removal of your
mother to a distant part of Ireland. Adeiu Laura.

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 Letter 11th Laura in Continuation

“I have a relation in Scotland (said Sophia to me as we left London)

who I am certain wouldn’t hesitate in receiving me.” “

Shall I order the boy to drive there?” said I but instantly recollecting myself,
exclaimed, “Alas, I fear it will be too long a journey for the horses.” Unwilling
however to act only from my own inadequate knowledge of the strength and
abilities of horses, I consulted the postilion, who was entirely of my opinion
concerning the affair. We therefore determined to change horses at the next town
and to travel post the remainder of the journey. When we arrived at the last Inn we
were to stop at, which was but a few miles from the house of Sophia’s

39
relation, unwilling to intrude our society on him unexpected and unthoughtful
of, we wrote a very elegant and well penned note to him containing an account
of our destitute and melancholy situation, and of our intention to spend some
months with him in Scotland. As soon as we had dispatched this letter, we
immediately prepared to follow it in person and were stepping into the carriage for
that purpose when our attention was attracted by the entrance of a coroneted
coach and 4 into the Inn-yard. A gentleman considerably from it. At his first
appearance my sensibility was wonderfully affected and e’er I had gazed at him a
2nd time, an instinctive sympathy whispered to my heart, that he was my
grandfather. Convincedthat I couldn’t be mistaken in my conjecture I

40
instantly sprang from the carriage I had just entered and following the venerable
Stranger into the room he had been shown to, I threw myself on my knees
before him and besoughthim to acknowledge me as his grandchild. Hestarted
and having attentively examined my features, raised me from the ground and
throwing his Grand-fatherly arms around my Neck, exclaimed, “Acknowledge
thee!” Yes, dear resemblance of my Laurina and Laurina’s daughter, sweet image
of my Claudia and my Claudia’s Mother, I do acknowledge thee as the daughter
of the one and the grandfather of the other. While he was thus tenderly
embracing me, Sophia astonished at my precipitate departure, entered the room
in search of me.

No sooner had she caught the eye of the

41
venerable peer, than he exclaimed with every mark of astonishment “another
granddaughter! Yes, yes, I see you are the daughter of my Laurina’s eldest girl;
your resemblance to the beauteous Matilda sufficiently proclaims it” Oh! replied
Sophia, “when I first beheld you the instinct of nature whispered me that we
were in some degree related but whether grandfathers, I couldn’t pretend to
determine.” He folded her in his arms, and whilst they were tenderly embracing,
the door of the apartment opened, and a most beautiful young man appeared. On
perceiving him lord St. Clair started and retreating back a few paces, with uplifted
hands, said, “another grandchild! What an unexpected happiness is this! To
discover in the space of 3 minutes, as

42
many of my descendants! This I am certain is philander the son of my Laurina’s
3rd girl the amiable Bertha; there wants now but the presence of Gustavus
complete the union of my Laurina’s grand-children.”

“And here he is (said a graceful youth who that instant entered the room)
th
here is the Gustavus you desire to see. I am the son of Agatha your Laurina’s 4
and youngest daughter,” “I see you are indeed, replied Lord St.Clair but tell me
(continued he is looking fearfully towards the door) tell me, have I any other
grand-children in the House.” “None my Lord.” “Then I will provide for you all
without further delay here are 4 banknotes of £50 each, take them and remember I
have done the duty of a grandfather.”

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 He instantly left the room and immediately afterwards the house.

Adeiu, Laura.

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 Letter 12th Laura in Continuation

You may imagine how greatly we were surprised by the sudden departure
of Lord St.Clair. “Ignoble grand-sire! exclaimed Sophia.” Unworthy
grandfather! Said I, and instantly fainted in each other’s arms. How long we
remained in this situation I know not;but when we recovered, we found
ourselves alone, without either Gustavus, Philander, or the banknotes. As we
were deploring our unhappy fate, the door of the apartment opened, and
“Macdonald” was announced.

He was Sophia’s cousin. The haste with which he came to our relief so soon after the

receipt of our note, spoke so greatly in his favour that I hesitated not to pronounce

him at first

45
sight, a tender and sympathetic friend. Alas! he little deserved the name for though
he told us that he was much concerned at our misfortunes, yet by his own
account it appeared that the perusal of them, had neithersight, nor induced him to
bestow one curse in our vindictive stars. He told Sophia that his daughter
depended on her returning with him to Macdonald-Hall, and that as his cousin’s
friend he should be happy to see me there also. To Macdonald-Hall, therefore we
went and were received with great kindness by Janetta the daughter of
Macdonald, and the Mistress of the mansion. Janetta was then only fifteen;
naturally well disposed, endowed with a susceptible heart, and a sympathetic

46
disposition, she might, had these amiable qualities been properly encouraged,
have Nature; but unfortunately, her Father possessed not a soul sufficiently
exalted to admire so promising a disposition, and had endeavored by every
means on his power to prevent it increasing with her years. He had actually so
far extinguished the natural noble Sensibility of her heart, as to prevail on her to
accept an offer recommendation. They were to be married in a few months, and
Graham, was in the house when we arrived. We soon saw through his character.
He was just such a man as one might have expected to be the choice of
Macdonald. They said he was sensible, well-informed, and agreeable; we

47
didn’t pretend to judge of such trifles, but aswe were convinced, he had no soul,
that he had never read the sorrows of Werter, and that his hair bore not the least
resemblance toauburn, we were certain that Janetta could feel no affection for
him, or at least that she ought to feel none. They very circumstance of his being
her father’s choice too, was so much in his disfavor, that had he been deserving
her, in every other respect yet that of itself ought to have been a sufficient
reason in the eyes of Janetta for rejecting him. These considerations we were
determined to represent to her in their proper light and doubted not of meeting
with the desired success from one naturally so well disposed,

48
whose errors in the affair had only arisen from a want of proper confidence in her
own opinion, and a suitable contempt of her father’s. We found her indeed all
that our warmest wishes could have hoped for; we had no difficulty to convince
her that it was impossible she could love Graham, or that it was her duty to
disobey her father; the only thing at which she rather seemed to hesitate was our
assertion that she must be attached tosome other person. For some time, she
persevered in declaring that she knew no other young man for whom she had
the smallest Affection; but upon explaining the impossibility of such a thing she
said that she believed she did like Captain M’Kenrie

49
better than any one she knew besides. This confession satisfied us and after
having enumerated the good qualities of M’Kenrie and assured her that she was
desired to know whether he had ever in any wise declared his affection to her.

“So far from having ever decaled it, I have no reason to imagine that he
has ever feltany for me.” Said Janetta.” That he certainly adores you (replied
Sophia) there can be no doubt. The attachment must be reciprocal.
Did he never gaze on you with admiration tenderly press your hand drop an
involuntary tear and leave the room abruptly? Never (replied she) that I
remember he was always left the room indeed when his visit has been

50
ended but has never gone away particularly abruptly or without making a bow.”
Indeed, my love (said I) you must be mistaken for itis absolutely impossible that
he should ever have left you but with confusion, despair, and precipitation.
Consider but for a moment Janetta, and you must convince how absurd it is to
suppose that he could ever make a bow or behave like any other person. Having
settled this point to our satisfaction, the next we took into consideration was, to
determinein what manner we should inform M’Kenrie of the favorable opinion
Janetta entertained of him…. We at length agreed to acquaint him with it by an
anonymous letter which Sophia drew up in the following manner.

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 “Oh! happy lover of the beautiful Janetta, oh! amiable possessor of her
heart whose hand is destined to another, why do you thus delay a confession able
object of it? Oh! consider that a few weeks will at once put an end to every
flattering hope that you may now entertain, by uniting the unfortunate victim of
her father’s cruelty to the execrableand detested Graham.”

“Alas! why do you thus so cruelly connive at the projected misery of her
and of yourself by delaying communicating that scheme which had doubtless long
possessed your imagination? A secret union will at oncesecure the felicity of both.”

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 The amiable M’Kenrie, whose modesty as he afterwards assured us had
been the only reason of this having so long concealed the violence of his
affection for Janetta, on receiving this billet flew on the wings of Loveto
Macdonald-Hall, and so powerfully pleaded his attachment to her who inspired it,
that after a few more private interviews, Sophia and I experienced the satisfaction
of seeing them depart for Gretna-Green, which they chose for the celebration of
their nuptials, in preference to any other place although it was at a considerable
distance from Macdonald- Hall. Adeiu Laura.

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 Letter 12th Laura in Continuation

They had been gone nearly a couple of hours, before either Macdonald
or Graham had entertained any suspicion of the affair. And they might not even
then have suspected it, but for the following little Accident. Sophia happening one
day to open a private drawer in Macdonald’s library with one of her own keys,
discovered that it was the place where he kept his papers of consequence and
amongst them some bank notes of considerable amount. This discovery she
imparted to me; and having agreed together that it would be a proper treatment of
so vile a wretch as Macdonald to deprive him of money, preps the dishonestly
gained, it was determined that next time we should either of us happen to go that
way,we would take one or more of the bank notes

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from the drawer. This well-meant plan we had often successfully put in
execution; but alas! On the very day of Janetta’s escape, as Sophia was majestically
removing the 5th banknote from the drawer to her own purse, she was suddenly
most impertinently interrupted in her employment by the entrance of Macdonald
himself, in a most abrupt and precipitate manner. Sophia (who though naturally
all winning sweetness could whenoccasions demanded it call forth the dignity of
her sex) instantly put on a most forbidding look, and darting an angry frown on
the undaunted culprit, demanded in a haughty tone of voice “Wherefore her
retirement was thus insolently broken in on?” The unblushing Macdonald,
without even endeavoring to exculpate himself from the crime he was charged
with, meanly endeavored to reproach Sophia with ignobly

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defrauding him of his money…. The dignity of Sophia was wounded; “Wretch
(exclaimed she, hastily replacing the bank-note in the drawer) how darest thou to
accuse me of an act, of which the bare idea makes me blush?” The base wretched
was still unconvinced and continued to upbraid the justly offended Sophia in
such opprobrious language, that at length he so greatly provoked the gentle
sweetness of her nature, as to induce her to revenge herself on him by informing
him of Janetta’s elopement, and of the active part we had both taken in the affair.
At this period of their quarrel, I entered the library and was as you may imagine
equally offended as Sophia at the ill-grounded accusations of the malevolent and
contemptible Macdonald. “Base miscreant! (Cried I) how can thou thus
undauntedly endeavor to sully the spotless

56
reputation of such bright Excellence? Why dost thou do not suspect my innocence
as soon?” “Besatisfied Madam (replied he) I do suspect it, and therefore must
desire that you will both leave this house in less than half an hour.”

“We shall go willingly; (answered Sophia) our hearts have long detested
thee and noting butour friendship for thy daughter could have induced us to remain
so long beneath thy roof.”

“Your friendship for my daughter has indeed been most powerfully

exerted by throwing her into the arms of an unprincipled fortune- hunter.”
(Replied he)

“Yes, (exclaimed I) amidst every misfortune, it will afford us some

consolation to reflect that by this one act of friendship to

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Jannetta, we have amply discharged every obligation that we have received from
her father.”

“It must indeed be a most grateful reflection, to your exalted minds.”

(Said he.)

As soon as we had packed up our wardrobe and valuables, we left

Macdonald Hall, and after having walked about a mile and a half we sat down by
the side of a clear limpid stream to refresh our exhausted limbs. The place was
suited to meditation. A grove of full-grown Elms sheltered us from the east. A
bed of full-grown nettles from the west. Before us ran the murmuring brook and
behind us ran the turn-pikeroad. We were in a mood for contemplation and in a
disposition to enjoy so beautiful a spot. A mutual silence which had for some
time reigned broke by my exclaiming “What a lovely scene!

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Alas why are not Edward and Augustus here to enjoy its beauties with us?”

“Ah! My beloved Laura (Cried Sophia) for pity’s sake forbear recalling
to my remembrance the unhappy situation of my imprisoned husband. Alas, what
would I not give to learn the fate of my Augustus! To know if he is still in
Newgate or if he is yet hung. But never shall I be able to so far to conquer my
tender sensibility as to enquire after him. Oh! Don’t I beseech you ever let me
again hear you repeat his beloved name. It affects me too deeply. I can’t bear to
hear him mentionedit wounds my feelings.”

“Excuse me my Sophia for having thus unwillingly offended you”

(Replied I) and then changing the conversation, desisted her to admirethe noble
Grandeur of the Elms which sheltered

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us from the Eastern Zephyr. “Alas! my Laura (returned she) avoid so
melancholy a subject, I in treat you. Don’t again wound my Sensibility by
observations on those elms. They remind me of Augustus. He was like them,
tall, majestic he possessed that noble grandeur which you admire in them.”

I was silent, fearful lest I might any more unwillingly distress her by
fixing on any other subject of conversation which might again remind her of
Augustus.

“Why do you not speak my Laura? (Said she after a short pause) I can’t
support this silence youmust not leave me to my own reflections; they ever recur
to Augustus.”

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 “What a beautiful sky! (Said I) How charmingly is the azure varied by those
delicate streaks of white!”

“Oh! My Laura (replied she hastily withdrawing her eyes from a

momentary glance atthe sky) don’t thus distress me by calling me attention to an
object which so cruelly reminds me of my Augustus’s blue satin waistcoat striped
in white! In pity to unhappy friend avoid a subject so distressing.” What could I
do? The feelings of Sophia were at that time so exquisite, and the tenderness she
felt for Augustus so poignant that I hadn’t power to start any other topic, justly
fearing that it might in some unforeseen manner again awaken all her sensibility
by directing her thoughtsto her husband. Yet to be silent would be cruel; she had
intended me to talk.

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 From this dilemma I was most fortunately relieved by an accident truly
apropos; it was the lucky overturning of a gentleman’s Phaeton, on the road
which ran murmuring behind us. It was a most fortunate accident as it diverted
the attention of Sophia from the melancholy reflections which she had been
before indulging. We instantly quitted our seats and ran to the rescue of those
who but a few moments before had been in so elevated a situation as a
fashionably high Phaeton, but who were now laid low and sprawling in the Dust.
“What an ample subject for reflection on the uncertain enjoyments of this world,
wouldn’t that Phaeton and the life of cardinal Wolsey afford a thinking Mind!”
Said I toSophia as we were hastening to the field of Action.

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 She hadn’t time to answer me, for every thought was now engaged by
the horrid spectacle before us. Two gentlemen most elegantly attired but weltering
in their blood was what first struck our Eyes we approached they were Edward
and Augustus. Yes, dearest Marianne they were our husbands. Sophia shrieked
and fainted on the ground I screamed and instantly ran mad. We remained thus
mutually deprived of our senses, some minutes, and on regaining them were
deprived of them again. For did we continue in this unfortunate situation Sophia
fainting every moment and I running mad as often. At length a groan from the
hapless Edward (who alone retained any share of life) restored us to ourselves.
Had we indeed before imagined hours and a quarter that either of them lived,
we should have been more sparing of our grief but as we had

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supposed when we first beheld them that they were no more, we knew that
nothing could remainto be done but what we were about. No sooner did we
therefore hear my Edward’s groan than postponing our lamentations for the
present, we hastily ran to the dear youth and kneeling on eachside of him
implored him not to die. “Laura (Said He is fixing his now languid eyes on me) I
fear Ihave been overturned.”

I was overjoyed to find him yet sensible.

“Oh! Tell me Edward (Said I) tell me I beseech you before you die, what
has befallen yousince that unhappy day in which Augustus was arrested.”

“I will (Said he) and instantly fetching a deep sigh, Expired. Sophia
immediately sank again into a swoon. My grief was more audible. My

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voice faltered, My eyes assumed a vacant star, my face become as pale as death, and
my senses were considerably impaired.”

“Talk not to me of Phaetons (Said I, raving in a frantic, incoherent

manner) give me a violin. I’ll play to him and sooth him in his melancholy hours
beware ye gentle Nymphs of cupid’s thunderbolts, a void the piercing shafts of
Jupiter look at the grove of firs I see a leg of mutton, they told me Edward
wasn’t dead; but they deceived me they took him for a cucumber” Thus I
continued wildly exclaiming on my Edward’s death. For two hours did I rave
thus madly and shouldn’t then have left off, as I was not in the least fatigued,
hadn’t Sophia who was just recovered from her swoon, in treated me to consider
that night was now approaching and that the damps began to fall. “And wither shall
we go

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(Said I) to shelter us from either?” “To that white cottage.” (Replied she pointing
to a neat building which rose up amidst the grove of Elms and which I hadn’t
before observed) I agreed and we instantly walked to it we knocked at the door it
was opened by an old woman; on being requested to afford us a Night’s
Lodging, She informed usthat her house was but small, that she had only two
Bedrooms, but hat however we should be welcome to one of them. We were
satisfied and followed the good woman into the house wherewe were greatly
cheered by the sight of a comfortable fire. She was a window and had only one
Daughter, who was then just seventeen One of the best of ages; but alas! she was
very plain, and her name was Bridget…. Nothing therefore could be expected
from her she could not be supposed to possess either exalted Ideas,

66
Delicate feelings or refined sensibilities. She was nothing more than a mere good-
tempered, civil, and obliging young woman; as such we could scarcely dislike here,
she was only an object of contempt.

Adeiu Laura.

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 Letter the 14th Laura in Continuation

Arm yourself my amiable young Friend with all the philosophy you are
Mistress of; summon up all the fortitude you possess, for Alas! in the perusal of the
following Pages your sensibility will be most severely tried. Ah!
What were the misfortunes I had before experienced and which I have already
related to you, to the one I am now going to inform you of. The death of my
father and my mother and my husband though almost more than my gentle
nature could support, were trifles in comparison to the misfortune I’m now
proceeding to relate. The morning after our arrival at the cottage, Sophia
complained of a violent pain in her delicate limbs,

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accompanied with a disagreeable head-ache She attributed it to a cold caught by
her continued fainting in the open air as the dew was falling the evening before.
This I feared was but too probably the case; since how it could be otherwise
accounted for that I should have escaped the same indisposition, but by
supposing that the bodily exertions I had under in my blood as to make me
proof against the chilling damps of night, whereas Sophia lying totally inactive on
the ground must have been exposed to all their severity. I was most seriously
alarmed by her illness which trifling as it may appear to you, a certain
instinctive sensibility whispered me, would in the end be fatal to here.

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 Alas! my fears were but too fully justified; she grew gradually worse, and I
daily become more alarmed for her. At length she was obliged to confine herself
solely to the bed allotted us by our worthy landlady. Her disorder turned to a
galloping consumption and in a few days carried her off. Amidst all my
lamentations for her (and violent you maysuppose they were) I yet received some
consolation in the reflection of my having paid every attention to her, that could
be offered, in her illness. I had wept over her every day had bathed her sweet face
with my tears and had pressed her fair hands continually in mine. “My beloved
Laura (said she to me a few hours before she died) take

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warning from my unhappy end and avoid theimprudent conduct which had
occasioned it…Beware of fainting-fits…. Though at the time they may be
agreeable yet believe me they will in the end, if too often repeated and at improper
seasons, prove destructive to your constitution… My fate will teach you this... I
die a Martyr to my grief for the loss of Augustus… One fatal swoon has cost me
life... Beware of swoon dear Laura… A frenzy fit is not one quarter so
pernicious; it is an exercise to the body and if not too violent, is I dare say
conductive to health in its consequences. Run mad as often as you choose;but
don’t faint”

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 These were the last words she ever addressed to me… It was her dying
Advice toher afflicted Laura, who has ever most faithfully adhered to it.

After having attended my lamented friend to her early grave, I

immediately (tho’ late at night) left the detested Village in which she died, and
near which had expired my husband and Augustus. I hadn’t walked many yards
from it before I was overtaken by a stage-coach, in it to Edenborough, where I
hoped to find some kind some pitying friend who would receive and comfort me
in my afflictions.

It was so dark when I entered the coach that I couldn't distinguish

the number

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of my Fellow-travelers; I could only perceive that they were many. Regardless
however of anything concerning them, I gave myself up tomy own sad reflections.
A general silence prevailed a silence, which was by nothing interrupted but by the
loud and repeated snores of one of the party.

“What an illiterate villain must that man be! (Thought I to myself) What
a total want of delicate refinement must have, who can thus shock our senses by
such a brutal noise! He must I’m certain be capable of every bad action! There is
no crime too black for such a character!” Thus reasoned I within myself, and
doubtless such were the reflections of my fellow travelers.

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 At length, returning day enabled me to behold the unprincipled
scoundrel who had so violently disturbed my feelings. It was Sir Edward the

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