It
was perpetrated but the day before.
'When any severity was to be exercised upon the unhappy lady, Laura was
always shut out of her apartment. Her lady had said something that she
was to be chidden for. Lady Sforza, who was not altogether so severe as
her daughter, was not at home. Laura listened in tears: she heard
Laurana in great wrath with Lady Clementina, and threaten her--and her
young lady break out to this effect--What have I done to you, Laurana, to
be so used?--You are not the cousin Laurana you used to be! You know I
am not able to help myself: why do you call me crazy, and frantic,
Laurana? [Vile upbraider, Lucy!] If the Almighty has laid his hand upon
me, should I not be pitied?--
'It is all for your good! It is all for your good, Clementina! You
could not always have spoken so sensibly, cousin.
'Cruel Laurana! You loved me once! I have no mother, as you have. My
mother was a good mother: but she is gone! Or I am gone, I know not
which!
'She threatened her then with the strait waistcoat, a punishment which
the unhappy lady was always greatly terrified at. Laura heard her beg
and pray; but, Laurana coming out, she was forced to retire.
'The poor young lady apprehending her cruel cousin's return with the
threatened waistcoat, and with the woman that used to be brought in when
they were disposed to terrify her, went down and hid herself under a
stair-case, where she was soon discovered by her clothes, which she had
not been careful to draw in after her.
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