Lady Maffei told her, however, that had not her heart relented, she might
have done him mischief; for he was too rash in approaching her. She fell
down on her knees to him, as soon as he had wrested the poniard from her.
I forgive, and pity you, madam, said he, with an air that had, as Olivia
and her aunt have recollected since, both majesty and compassion in it:
but, against her entreaty, he would withdraw: yet, at her request, sent
in Lady L---- to her; and, going into his study, told not even Dr.
Bartlett of it, though he went to him there immediately.
From the consciousness of this violence, perhaps, the lady was more
temperate afterwards, even to the very time of his departure.
***
Lord bless me, what shall I do? Lady D---- has sent a card to let me
know, that she will wait upon Mrs. Reeves and me to-marrow to breakfast.
She comes, no doubt, to tell me, that Sir Charles having no thoughts of
Harriet Byron, Lord D---- may have hopes of succeeding with her: and,
perhaps, her ladyship will plead Sir Charles's recommendation and
interest in Lord D----'s favour. But should this plea be made, good
Heaven give me patience! I am afraid I shall be uncivil to this
excellent woman.
LETTER XXIX
MISS BYRON.--IN CONTINUATION
MONDAY, APRIL 17.
The countess is just gone.
Mr. Reeves was engaged before to breakfast with Lady Betty Williams; and
we were only Mrs.
Pages:
264
265
266
267
268
269
270
271
272
273
274
275
276
277
278
279
280
281
282
283
284
285
286
287
288