LETTER I. Miss Byron to Miss Selby.--
A tenth letter from Dr. Bartlett: Description of a formal visit Sir
Charles Grandison paid to the whole of the Porretta family assembled:
their different characters clearly displayed on this occasion; and the
affectionate parting of Sir Charles and his friend Jeronymo.
LETTER II. Miss Byron to Miss Selby.--
An eleventh letter from Dr. Bartlett: Signor Jeronymo writes to Sir
Charles Grandison an account of what farther passed in conversation
between the family after his departure.
LETTER III. Miss Byron to Miss Selby.--
Dr. Bartlett's twelfth letter: Sir Charles Grandison takes leave of his
friends at Bologna, and is setting out for Florence; when he receives
a friendly letter from Signor Jeronymo, by which he learns that
Clementina had earnestly entreated her father to permit her to see him
once again before his departure; but that she had met with an absolute
refusal: Jeronymo also describes the ill-treatment of his sister by her
aunt, and her resignation under her trials. Sir Charles arrives at
Naples, and there visits Clementina's brother, the general: account of
his reception, and of the conversation that passed between them.
LETTER IV. Miss Byron to Miss Selby.--
Dr. Bartlett's thirteenth letter; containing an account of Sir Charles
Grandison's final departure from Italy; and various matters relative to
the Porretta family; the persecutions Clementina endured from her
relations; and a letter Sir Charles Grandison received from Mrs.
Beaumont.--Dr. Bartlett concludes with an apostrophe on the brevity of
all human affairs.
LETTER V. Miss Harriet Byron to Miss Lucy Selby.--
Explanation of the causes of Sir Charles Grandison's uneasiness,
occasioned by intelligence lately brought him from abroad. Miss Byron
wishes that Sir Charles was proud and vain, that she might with the more
ease cast of her acknowledged shackles. She enumerates the engagements
that engross the time of Sir Charles; and mentions her tender regard
toward the two sons of Mrs. Oldham, the penitent mistress of his father
Sir Thomas. A visit from the Earl of G----, and his sister Lady
Gertrude.
LETTER VI. Miss Byron to Miss Selby.--
Sir Charles Grandison dines with Sir Hargrave Pollexfen and his gay
friends; his reflections on the riots and excesses frequently committed
at the jovial meetings of gay and thoughtless young men. Sir Charles
negociates a treaty of marriage for Lord W----; and resolves to attempt
the restoring of the oppressed Mansfield-family to their rights.
LETTER VII. Miss Byron to Miss Selby.--
Farther traits in the character of Sir Charles Grandison.
LETTER VIII. Sir Charles Grandison to Dr. Bartlett.--
Sir Charles describes the interview he had with Sir Harry Beauchamp and
his lady; and how he appeased the anger of the imperious lady. His
farther proceedings in favour of the Mansfields.
LETTER IX. Miss Byron to Miss Selby.--
A visit from the Countess of D----, and the earl her son. Account of the
young earl's person and deportment. Miss Byron confesses to the
countess, that her heart is already a wedded heart, and that she cannot
enter into a second engagement. Reflections on young men being sent by
their parents to travel to foreign countries.
LETTER X. Miss Byron to Miss Selby.--
Various self-debatings and recriminations that passed through the young
lady's mind on the expectation of breakfasting with Sir Charles
Grandison.
LETTER XI. Miss Byron to Miss Selby.--
Sir Charles Grandison communicates to Miss Byron the farther distressing
intelligence he had received from Bologna:--His friend Signor Jeronymo
dangerously ill, his sister Clementina declining in health, and their
father and mother absorbed in melancholy. The communication comes from
the bishop of Nocera, Clementina's second brother; who entreats Sir
Charles to make one more visit to Bologna. Farther affecting information
from Mrs. Beaumont respecting Lady Clementina's cruel treatment at the
palace of Milan, and her removal from thence to Naples. Sir Charles
resolves on going to Bologna. Miss Byron's dignified and generous
conduct on the occasion.
LETTER XII. Miss Byron to Miss Selby.--
Informs her of the generosity and kind condescension of Sir Charles to
Mrs. Oldham and her family, as related by Miss Grandison: their
difference of opinion on that subject.
LETTER XIII. Miss Byron to Miss Selby.--
An early visit from Miss Jervois, who communicates with much pleasure
the particulars of a late interview she had with her mother: relates a
conversation that passed between her guardian, Mrs. O'Hara, and Captain
Salmonet: describes the affectionate behaviour of Sir Charles to her, on
introducing her to her mother; and his kind instructions concerning her
deportment on the occasion.
LETTER XIV. Miss Byron to Miss Selby.--
Sir Charles solicits his sister to fix the day for her marriage before he
leaves England. Visit from Lord G----, the Earl, and Lady Gertrude.
Miss Grandison unusually thoughtful all the time of dinner. The Earl of
G---- and Lady Gertrude request a conference with Sir Charles after
dinner. Purport of it. Miss Grandison's reluctance to so early a day as
her brother names, but at length accedes to his powerful entreaties;
though wholly unprepared, she says.
LETTER XV. Miss Byron to Miss Selby.--
Serious conversation between Miss Byron and Miss Grandison concerning the
approaching marriage. The latter expresses her indifference for Lord
G----; compares his character with that of her brother; entreats Miss
Byron to breakfast with her the next day, and to remain with her till the
event takes place.
LETTER XVI. Miss Grandison to Miss Byron.--
Ludicrous description of three marriages given by Miss Grandison, with
the anticipation of her own.
LETTER XVII. Miss Byron to Miss Selby.--
Great preparations for Miss Grandison's marriage: her generous offer to
Miss Byron of her share of her mother's jewels, who refuses to accept of
them, and gives her opinion as to their disposal. Miss Grandison is
pleased with the hint, and acts accordingly. Account of Dr. Bartlett's
interesting conversation with Miss Byron on the subject of Sir Charles
going to Italy, and his attachment to Miss Byron. The young lady's
emotions: her alternate hopes and fears: she resolves on relinquishing
Sir Charles in favour of Lady Clementina.
LETTER XVIII. Miss Byron to Miss Selby.--
Debate concerning the place where the marriage ceremony is to be
performed. Conversation between Miss Byron and Miss Grandison
interrupted by Lady Gertrude. Miss Byron expresses much concern for Lord
G----, from Miss Grandison's present conduct to him; but is inclined to
hope that an alteration may be effected.
LETTER XIX. Miss Byron to Miss Selby.--
Account of Sir Charles's return from Windsor: his joy on restoring the
worthy family of the Mansfields from oppression: his interview with his
friend Beauchamp, at Sir Harry's; and cheerful behaviour at his sister's
wedding, though his own heart is torn with uncertainty. Farther proofs
of his esteem for Miss Byron.
LETTER XX. Miss Byron to Miss Selby.--
Sir Charles briefly lays before his sister the duties of a married life:
some remarks on her behaviour. Lord W----'s generosity to his nieces o
Lady G----'s marriage. Painful reflections on the departure of Sir
Charles. Opinions of the proper age for the marrying of women.
LETTER XXI. Miss Byron to Miss Selby.--
Conversation with Dr. Bartlett. Artless remarks of Miss Jervois, and her
censures on the conduct of Lady G---- to her lord. Mr. Galliard proposes
an alliance for Sir Charles. Contrast between Lady G---- and Lady L----
in disposing of their uncle's present. Miss Byron's perturbed state of
mind: the cause of it. Her noble resolution in favour of Lady
Clementina.
LETTER XXII. Miss Byron to Miss Selby.--
Conference between Lord W---- and Sir Charles on the management of
servants: their conduct frequently influenced by example. Remarks on
the helpless state of single women. Plan proposed for erecting
Protestant Nunneries in England, and places of refuge for penitent
females.
LETTER XXIII. Lady G---- to Miss Byron.--
Invitation to dinner. Account of a matrimonial altercation, and of the
arrival of Lady Olivia.
LETTER XXIV. Miss Byron to Miss Selby.--
Encloses Lady G----'s letter, and describes her concern for Lord G----.
LETTER XXV. Miss Byron to Miss Selby.--
Lady Olivia is introduced to Miss Byron. Some traits in that lady's
character related by Dr. Bartlett. She declares her passion for Sir
Charles to Lady L----. She endeavours to prevail on him to defer his
voyage, and is indignant at meeting with a refusal. Miss Byron's exalted
behaviour.
LETTER XXVI. Miss Byron to Miss Selby.--
Conversation with Sir Charles regarding Lord and Lady G----. His anxiety
for their happiness; but hopes much from Miss Byron's influence over her
sister.
LETTER XXVII. Miss Byron to Miss Selby.--
Sir Charles departs unexpectedly, from the kindest motives. The concern
and solicitude of his friends. Miss Byron's mind much agitated. The
eldest of Mrs. Oldham's sons presented with a pair of colours by Sir
Charles.
LETTER XXVIII. Miss Byron to Miss Selby.--
Account of Lady Olivia's behaviour. Her horrid attempt to stab Sir
Charles. Miss Byron describes the state of her own mind, and resolves
to return to Northamptonshire.
LETTER XXIX. Miss Byron to Miss Selby.--
Particulars of a very interesting conversation with Mrs. Reeves and Lady
D----. Miss Byron's ingenuous reply to Lady D----'s interrogation. Her
explanation of some of Sir Charles's expressions in the library.
Conference which had formerly embarrassed her.
LETTER XXX. Miss Byron to Miss Selby.--
Preparations for her journey into Northamptonshire. Regrets at parting
with friends. Lady Olivia is desirous of visiting Miss Byron. Remarks
on politeness. Unpleasant consequences sometimes resulting from it.
Remarks on the conduct of Sir Charles.
LETTER XXXI. Miss Byron to Miss Selby.--
Lady G---- quarrels with her lord, who entreat Miss Byron's assistance in
effecting a reconciliation. That lady's kind advice and opinion. Lady
G---- resumes her good humour; but will not acknowledge herself to have
been in the wrong.
LETTER XXXII. Miss Byron to Miss Selby.--
Relates what passed on a visit of Lady Olivia. Miss Byron pities the
impetuosity of her temper, and admires her many amiable qualities. Pays
another visit to Lady G----; and gives an account of the reconciliation
between her and her husband.
LETTER XXXIII. Miss Byron to Miss Selby.--
Mr. Fowler brings a letter from Sir Rowland Meredith, most affectionately
soliciting the hand of Miss Byron in favour of his nephew.
LETTER XXXIV. Miss Byron to Sir Rowland Meredith.--
She regards Sir Rowland as her father; avows her affection for Sir
Charles, notwithstanding his engagements with another lady, and disclaims
the generous intentions of Sir Rowland in her favour, in his will.
LETTER XXXV. Miss Byron to Miss Selby.--
Arrangements for her journey. Thoughts on public amusements.
Retrospect. Tender parting with Dr. Bartlett.
LETTER XXXVI. Miss Byron to Lady G----.--
Description of her journey: account of those friends, who accompanied her
to Dunstable; and of those who met her there, from Northamptonshire; of
Mr. Grenville and Mr. Fenwick's collation for her at Stratford; of Mr.
Orme again saluting her by the highway-side, as the coach passed his
park-wall; and of her kind reception at Selby-house.
LETTER XXXVII. Lady G---- to Miss Byron.--
The opinions of the Dunstable party respecting Miss Byron. Charms of the
mind superior to those of person. Lady G----'s opinion of Miss Byron's
aunt Selby, and of her cousins Lucy and Nancy; thinks her uncle's wit too
much studied; defends her own character, and the attack made by herself
and sister on Miss Byron at Colnebrooke. Lord G---- proposes parting
with his collection of moths and shells: gives the latter to Miss
Jervois, at his lady's request, and presents Lady G---- with a set of old
Japan china.
LETTER XXXVIII. Miss Jervois to Miss Byron.--
Her regret at parting with Miss Byron at Stratford: encomiums on her
guardian and Mr. Beauchamp: censures the conduct of Lady G---- to her
lord. Instance of her dutiful behaviour to her mother, on accidentally
meeting with her.
LETTER XXXIX. Miss Byron to Lady G----.--
Reproves Lady G---- for her levity. Does not find the society of her
country friends relieve the anxiety of her mind: laments the absence of
those she has just left: is visited by Mr. Fenwick, Mr. Grenville, and
Mr. Orme. Mr. Grenville's rudeness, and her own magnanimity. Hears of
Sir Hargrave Pollexfen's return.
LETTER XL. Lady G---- to Miss Byron.--
Ideas of female delicacy. Report of Sir Hargrave's return confirmed.
Sir Charles meets with an adventure on the road to Paris. Delivers Sir
Hargrave and Mr. Merceda from the chastisement of an enraged husband.
Sir Charles's firmness and temper on the occasion.
LETTER XLI. Lady G---- to Miss Byron.--
Reflections on the amusements of London. Her love of contradiction. She
pins her apron to Lord G----'s coat, and blames him for it. He wishes
her to be presented at court. Quarrel on the occasion.
LETTER XLII. Lady G---- to Miss Byron.--
Favourable issue expected of the law-suit between the Mansfields and the
Keelings. Mr. Everard Grandison ruined by gamesters, and threatened with
a prosecution for a breach of promise of marriage. The arrival of her
aunt Eleanor. Sir Hargrave and Mr. Merceda in a dangerous state. Mr.
Bagenhall obliged to marry the manufacturer's daughter of Abbeville, whom
he had seduced. Miss Clements comes into a fortune by the death of her
mother and aunt.
LETTER XLIII. Mr. Lowther to John Arnold, Esq.--
Quits Paris with Sir Charles, and arrives at St. Jean Maurienne.
Description of the country. Mr. Lowther is detained by indisposition.
Sir Charles and he proceed on their journey. Account of the manner of
crossing the mountains. They arrive at Parma. Their reception by the
bishop of Nocera and Father Marescotti.
LETTER XLIV. Sir Charles Grandison to Dr. Bartlett.--
The bishop of Nocera's melancholy account of the health of his brother
and sister. The Count of Belvedere acquaints Sir Charles with his
unabated passion for Lady Clementina. Affecting interview between Sir
Charles and Signor Jeronymo. He is kindly received by the marquis and
marchioness. The sufferings of Jeronymo under the hands of an unskilful
surgeon, with a brief history of his case. Sir Charles tells the
marchioness that he considers himself bound by his former offers, should
Clementina recover. The interested motives of Lady Sforza and Laurana
for treating Clementina with cruelty. Remarks on Lady Olivia's conduct,
and on female delicacy. Sir Charles recommends Miss Byron as a pattern
for his ward, and laments the depravity of Sir Hargrave and his friends.