O Lucy, I have such a conversation to relate to you!--But let me lead to
it.
Sir Charles met me at the opening of the door. He was all himself. Such
an unaffected modesty and politeness; yet such an ease and freedom!
I thought, by his address, that he would have taken my hand; and both
hands were so emulatively passive--How does he manage it to be so free in
a first address, yet so respectful, that a princess could not blame him!
After breakfast, my cousins being sent for out to attend Sir John
Allestree and his Niece, Sir Charles and I were left alone: and then,
with an air equally solemn and free, he addressed himself to me.
The last time I had the honour of being alone with my good Miss Byron, I
told her a very tender tale. I was sure it would raise in such a heart
as hers generous compassion for the noblest lady on the continent; and I
presumed, as my difficulties were not owing either to rashness or
indiscretion, that she would also pity the relater.
The story did indeed affect you; yet, for my own sake, as well as yours,
I referred you to Dr. Bartlett, for the particulars of some parts of it,
upon which I could not expatiate.
The doctor, madam, has let me know the particulars which he communicated
to you. I remember with pain the pain I gave to your generous heart in
Lord L----'s study. I am sure you must have suffered still more from the
same compassionate goodness on the communications he made you. May I,
madam, however, add a few particulars to the same subject, which he then
could not give you? Now you have been let into so considerable a part of
my story, I am desirous to acquaint you, and that rather than any woman
in the world, with all that I know myself of this arduous affair.
He ceased speaking. I was in tremors. Sir, sir--The story, I must own,
is a most affecting one. How much is the unhappy lady to be pitied! You
will do me honour in acquainting me with further particulars of it.
Dr. Bartlett has told you, madam, that the Bishop of Nocera, second
brother to Lady Clementina, has very lately written to me, requesting
that I will make one more visit to Bologna--I have the letter. You read
Italian, madam. Shall I--Or will you--He held it to me.