Your ever affectionate
JERONYMO.
***
Mr. Grandison, having no hopes of being allowed to see the unhappy lady,
set out with a heavy heart for Florence. He gave orders there, and at
Leghorn, that the clerks and agents of his late friend Mr. Jervois should
prepare every thing for his inspection against his return from Naples;
and then he set out for that city, to attend the general.
He had other friends to whom he had endeared himself at Sienna, Ancona,
and particularly at Rome, as he had also some at Naples; of whom he
intended to take leave, before he set out for Paris: and therefore went
to attend the general with the greater pleasure.
Within the appointed time he arrived at Naples.
The general received me, said Mr. Grandison, with greater tokens of
politeness than affection. You are the happiest man in the world,
chevalier, said he, after the first compliments, in escaping dangers by
braving them. I do assure you, that I had great difficulties to deny
myself the favour of paying you a visit in my own way at Bologna. I had
indeed resolved to do it, till you proposed this visit to me here.
I should have been very sorry, replied I, to have seen a brother of Lady
Clementina in any way that should not have made me consider him as her
brother. But, before I say another word, let me ask after her health.
How does the most excellent of women?
You have not heard, then?
I have not, my lord: but it is not for want of solicitude: I have sent
three several messengers: but can hear nothing to my satisfaction.
Nor can you hear any thing from me that will give you any.
I am grieved at my soul, that I cannot. How, my lord, do the marquis and
marchioness?
Don't ask. They are extremely unhappy.