So I fear: and I will love and pity the poor Clementina, whose heart is
so much wounded and oppressed. But my guardian shall be nobody's but
yours. I have prayed night and day, the first thing and the last thing,
ever since I have heard of Lady Clementina, that you, and nobody but you,
may be Lady Grandison: and I will continue my prayers.--But will you
forgive me: I always conclude them with praying, that you will both
consent to let the poor Emily live with you.
Sweet girl! The poor Emily, said she?--I embraced her, and we mingled
tears, both our hearts full, each for the other; and each perhaps for
herself.
She hurried away. I resumed my pen.--Run off what had passed, almost as
swift as thought. I quit it to prepare to attend my cousins to St.
James's-square.
LETTER XIV
MISS BYRON.--IN CONTINUATION
WEDNESDAY NIGHT, APRIL 5.
Miss Grandison, as I told you, took with her my letter of yesterday. As
soon as my cousin Reeves and I entered Sir Charles's house, the two
sisters conducted us into the drawing-room adjoining to the
dining-parlour, and congratulated me on the high compliment their brother
had made me, though in preference to themselves, and his
communicativeness and tender behaviour to me. Lord L---- joined us, and
he, having read the letter, congratulated me also--On what, Lucy?--Why on
the possibility, that if the unhappy Clementina should die; or if she
should be buried for life in a nunnery; or if she should be otherwise
disposed of; why then, that your Harriet may have room given her to hope
for a civil husband in Sir Charles Grandison, and half a heart: Is not
this the sum of these humbling congratulations?
Sir Charles, when we came, was in his study with Mr.
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