She will rest at Urbino two or three days. Dear
creature! What has she not suffered from the cruelty of her cousin
Laurana, as well as from her malady! The general has been, and is,
indulgent to her. He is married to a lady of great merit, quality, and
fortune. He has, at length, consented that we shall try this last
experiment, as the hearts of my mother and now lately of my father, as
well as mine, are in it. His lady would not be denied accompanying my
sister; and as my brother could not bear being absent from her, he
travels with them. I wish he had stayed at Naples. I hope, however, he
will be as ready, as you will find us all, to acknowledge the favour of
this visit, and the fatigue and trouble you have given yourself on our
account.
As to my sister's bodily health, proceeded he, it is greatly impaired.
We are almost hopeless, with regard to the state of her mind. She speaks
not; she answers not any questions. Camilla is with her. She seems
regardless of any body else. She has been told, that the general is
married. His lady makes great court to her; but she heeds her not. We
are in hopes, that my mother, on her return to Bologna, will engage her
attention. She never yet was so bad as to forget her duty, either to
God, or her parents. Sometimes Camilla thinks she pays some little
attention to your name; but then she instantly starts, as in terror;
looks round her with fear; puts her finger to her lips, as if she dreaded
her cruel cousin Laurana should be told of her having heard it mentioned.
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