They retired together, you know, madam: my guardian came from her, his
face in a glow; and he sent in his sister to her, and went not in himself
till afterwards. She would have had him put off his journey. She was
enraged because he would not; and they were high together; and, at last,
she pulled out of her stays, in fury, a poniard, and vowed to plunge it
into his heart. He should never, she said, see his Clementina more. He
went to her. Her heart failed her. Well it might, you know, madam. He
seized her hand. He took it from her. She struggled, and in struggling
her wrist was hurt; that's the meaning of the broad black ribband!--
Wicked creature! to have such a thought in her heart!--He only said, when
he had got it from her, Unhappy, violent woman! I return not this
instrument of mischief! You will have no use for it in England--And
would not let her have it again.
I shuddered. O my dear, said I, he has been a sufferer, we are told, by
good women; but this is not a good woman. But can it be true? Who
informed you of it?
Lady Maffei herself. She thought that Sir Charles must have spoken of
it: and when she found he had not, she was sorry she had, and begged I
would not tell any body: but I could not keep it from you. And she says,
that Lady Olivia is grieved on the remembrance of it; and arraigns
herself and her wicked passion; and the more, for his noble forgiveness
of her on the spot, and recommending her afterwards to the civilities of
his sisters, and their lords. But I hate her, for all that.
Poor unhappy Olivia! said I. But what, my Emily, are we women, who
should be the meekest and tenderest of the whole animal creation, when we
give way to passion! But if she is so penitent, let not the shocking
attempt be known to his sisters, or their lords. I may take the liberty
of mentioning it, in strict confidence, [observe that, Lucy,] to those
from whom I keep not any secret: but let it not be divulged to any of the
relations of Sir Charles. Their detestation of her, which must follow,
would not be concealed; and the unhappy creature, made desperate, might--
Who knows what she might do?
The dear girl ran on upon what might have been the consequence, and what
a loss the world would have had, if the horrid fact had been perpetrated.
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.