_In which our heroine's extravagance will be thought, perhaps, to be
carried to an extravagant length._
"MADAM,
"I had the honour to assure you this morning on the
parade, that the insinuations Mr. Selvin made use of to
rob me of the superlative happiness of your esteem were
entirely false and groundless. May the beams of your
bright eyes never shine on me more, if there is any truth
in what he said to prejudice me with your ladyship! If I
am permitted to attend you to the rooms this evening, I
hope to convince you, that it was absolutely impossible I
could have been capable of such a crime; who am, with the
most profound respect, your ladyship's most devoted, &c.
"D. TINSEL."
Well, madam, said Miss Glanville when she had read this epistle, I
fancy you need not pronounce a sentence of banishment upon poor Mr.
Tinsel; he seems to be quite innocent of the offence your ladyship
suspects him of.
Why, really, returned Arabella, blushing with extreme confusion at this
second disappointment, I am greatly perplexed to know how I ought to
act on this occasion. I am much in the same situation with the princess
Serena. For, you must know, this princess--Here Lucy entering, informed
the ladies dinner was served--I shall defer till another opportunity,
said Arabella, upon this interruption, the relation of the princess
Serena's adventures; which you will find, added she, in a low voice,
bear a very great resemblance to mine.
Miss Glanville replied, she would hear it whenever she pleased; and
then followed Arabella to the dining-room.
The cloth was scarce removed, when Mr. Selvin came in. Arabella blushed
at his appearance, and discovered so much perplexity in her behaviour,
that Mr. Selvin was apprehensive he had not yet sufficiently justified
himself; and therefore took the first opportunity to approach her.
I shall think myself very unhappy, madam, said he bowing, if the letter
I did myself the honour to write to you this morning----
Sir, interrupted Arabella, I perceive you are going to forget the
contents of that letter, and preparing again to offend me by a
presumptuous declaration of love.
Who, I, madam! replied he, in great astonishment and confusion. I-I-I
protest--though I--have a very great respect for your ladyship,
yet--yet I never presumed to--to--to--
You have presumed too much, replied Arabella; and I should forget what
I owed to my own glory, if I furnished you with any more occasions of
offending me.--Know then, I absolutely forbid you to appear before me
again, at least till I am convinced you have changed your sentiments.
Saying this, she rose from her seat, and making a sign to him not to
follow her, which indeed he had no intention to do, she quitted the
room, highly satisfied with her own conduct upon this occasion, which
was exactly conformable to the laws of romance.
Mr. Tinsel, who had just alighted from his chair, having a glimpse of
her, as she passed to her own apartment, resolved, if possible, to
procure a private interview; for he did not doubt but his billet had
done wonders in his favour.
For that purpose he ventured up to her antechamber, where he found Lucy
in waiting, whom he desired to acquaint her lady, that he entreated a
moment's speech with her.
Lucy, after hesitating a moment, and looking earnestly at him, replied,
Sir, if you'll promise me faithfully, you are not in love with my lady,
I'll go and deliver your message.
Deuce take me, said Tinsel, if that is not a very whimsical condition
truly----Pray, my dear, how came it into thy little brain, to suspect I
was in love with thy lady? But, suppose I should be in love with her,
what then?
Why then, it is likely you would die, that's all, said Lucy, without my
lady would be so kind to command you to live.
I vow thou hast mighty pretty notions, child, said Tinsel, smiling.
Hast thou been reading any play-book lately? But pray, dost think thy
lady would have compassion on me, if I was in love with her? Come, I
know thou art in her confidence: hast thou ever heard her talk of me?
Does she not tell thee all her secrets?
Here Arabella's bell ringing, the beau slipped half a guinea into her
hand, which Lucy not willing to refuse, went immediately to her lady;
to whom, with a trembling accent, she repeated Mr. Tinsel's request.
Imprudent girl! cried Arabella, for I am loth to suspect thee of
disloyalty to thy mistress, dost thou know the nature and extent of the
request thou hast delivered? Art thou ignorant that the presumptuous
man whom thou solicitest this favour for, has mortally offended me?
Indeed, madam, said Lucy, frightened out of her wits, I don't solicit
for him: I scorn to do any such thing. I would not offend your
ladyship for the world; for, before I would deliver his message to
your ladyship, I made him assure me, that he was not in love with your
ladyship.
That was very wisely done indeed, replied Arabella, smiling: and do you
believe he spoke the truth?
Yes, indeed, I am sure of it, said Lucy, eagerly. If your ladyship
will but be pleased to see him, he is only in the next room; I dare
promise----
How! interrupted Arabella. What have you done? Have you brought him
into my apartment, then? I protest this adventure is exactly like what
befell the beautiful Statira, when, by a stratagem of the same kind
Oroondates was introduced into her presence. Lucy, thou art another
Barsina, I think; but I hope thy intentions are not less innocent than
hers were.
Indeed, madam, replied Lucy, almost weeping, I am very innocent. I am
no Barsina, as your ladyship calls me.
I dare answer for thee, said Arabella, smiling at the turn she gave to
her words, thou art no Barsina; and I should wrong thee very much to
compare thee with that wise princess; for thou art certainly one of
the most simple wenches in the world. But since thou hast gone so far,
let me know what the unfortunate person desires of me; for, since I am
neither more rigid nor pretend to more virtue than Statira, I may do at
least as much for him as that great queen did for Oroondates.
He desires, madam, said Lucy, that your ladyship would be pleased to
let him speak with you.
Or, in his words, I suppose, replied Arabella, he humbly implored a
moment's audience.
I told your ladyship his very words, indeed, madam, said Lucy.
I tell thee, girl, thou art mistaken, said Arabella: it is impossible
he should sue for such a favour in terms like those: therefore, go
back, and let him know that I consent to grant him a short audience
upon these conditions.
First, provided he does not abuse my indulgence by offending me with
any protestations of his passion.
Secondly, that he engages to fulfil the injunctions I shall lay upon
him, however cruel and terrible they may appear.
Lastly, that his despair must not prompt him to any act of desperation
against himself.
Lucy, having received this message, quitted the room hastily, for fear
she should forget it.
Well, my pretty ambassadress, said Tinsel, when he saw her enter the
antechamber, will your lady see me?
No, sir, replied Lucy.
No! interrupted Tinsel, that's kind, faith, after waiting so long.
Pray, sir, said Lucy, don't put me out so: I shall forget what my lady
ordered me to tell you.
Oh! I ask your pardon, child, said Tinsel. Come, let me hear your
message.
Sir, said Lucy, adopting the solemnity of her lady's accent--my lady
bade me say, that she will grant----No, that she consents to grant you
a short dience.
Audience you would say, child, said Tinsel: but how came you to tell me
before she would not see me?----
I vow and protest, sir, said Lucy, you have put all my lady's words
clean out of my head--I don't know what comes next----
Oh, no matter, said Tinsel, you have told me enough: I'll wait upon her
directly.
Lucy, who saw him making towards the door, pressed between it and him;
and having all her lady's whims in her head, supposed he was going to
carry her away.--Possessed with this thought, she screamed out, Help!
help! for Heaven's sake! My lady will be carried away!
Arabella hearing this exclamation of her woman's, echoed her screams,
though with a voice infinitely more delicate; and seeing Tinsel, who,
confounded to the last degree at the cries of both the lady and her
woman, had got into her chamber he knew not how, she gave herself over
for lost, and fell back in her chair in a swoon, or something she took
for a swoon, for she was persuaded it could happen no otherwise; since
all ladies in the same circumstances are terrified into a fainting
fit, and seldom recover till they are conveniently carried away; and
when they awake, find themselves many miles off in the power of their
ravisher.
Arabella's other women, alarmed by her cries, came running into the
room; and seeing Mr. Tinsel there, and their lady in a swoon, concluded
some very extraordinary accident had happened.
What is your business here? cried they all at a time. Is it you that
has frighted her ladyship?
Devil take me, said Tinsel, amazed, if I can tell what all this means.
By this time Sir Charles, Mr. Glanville, and his sister, came running
astonished up stairs. Arabella still continued motionless in her chair,
her eyes closed, and her head reclined upon Lucy, who, with her other
women, was endeavouring to recover her.
Mr. Glanville eagerly ran to her assistance, while Sir Charles and his
daughter as eagerly interrogated Mr. Tinsel, who stood motionless with
surprise, concerning the cause of her disorder.
Arabella, then first discovering some signs of life, half opened her
eyes.
Inhuman wretch! cried she, with a faint voice, supposing herself in the
hands of her ravisher, think not thy cruel violence shall procure thee
what thy submissions could not obtain; and if when thou hadst only my
indifference to surmount, thou didst find it so difficult to overcome
my resolution, now that, by this unjust attempt, thou hast added
aversion to that indifference, never hope for any thing but the most
bitter reproaches from me.--
Why, niece, said Sir Charles, approaching her, what is the matter? Look
up, I beseech you, nobody is attempting to do you any hurt: here's none
but friends about you.
Arabella, raising her head at the sound of her uncle's voice, and
casting a confused look on the persons about her--
May I believe my senses? Am I rescued, and in my own chamber? To whose
valour is my deliverance owing? Without doubt, it is to my cousin's;
but where is he? Let me assure him of my gratitude.
Mr. Glanville, who had retired to a window in great confusion, as soon
as he heard her call for him, came towards her, and in a whisper begged
her to be composed; that she was in no danger.
And pray, niece, said Sir Charles, now you are a little recovered, be
so good to inform us of the cause of your fright. What has happened to
occasion all this confusion?
How, sir! said Arabella, don't you know, then, what has
happened?--Pray, how was I brought again into my chamber, and by what
means was I rescued?
I protest, said Sir Charles, I don't know that you have been out of it.
Alas! replied Arabella, I perceive you are quite ignorant of what has
befallen me; nor am I able to give you any information. All I can tell
you is, that alarmed by my woman's cries, and the sight of my ravisher,
who came into my chamber, I fainted away, and so facilitated his
enterprise; since doubtless it was very easy for him to carry me away
while I remained in that senseless condition. How I was rescued, or by
whom, one of my women can haply inform you; since it is probable one
of them was also forced away with me----Oh, Heavens! cried she, seeing
Tinsel, who all this while stood gazing like one distracted; what makes
that impious man appear in my presence! What am I to think of this? Am
I really delivered, or no?
What can this mean? cried Sir Charles, turning to Tinsel. Have you,
sir, had any hand in frighting my niece?
I, sir! said Tinsel: let me perish, if ever I was so confounded in my
life: the lady's brain is disordered, I believe.
Mr. Glanville, who was convinced all this confusion was caused by some
of Arabella's usual whims, dreaded lest an explanation would the more
expose her; and therefore told his father that it would be best to
retire, and leave his cousin to the care of his sister and her women;
adding, that she was not yet quite recovered, and their presence did
but discompose her.
Then addressing himself to Tinsel, he told him he would wait upon him
down stairs.
Arabella seeing them going away together, and supposing they intended
to dispute the possession of her with their swords, called out to them
to stay.
Mr. Glanville, however, without minding her, pressed Mr. Tinsel to walk
down.
Nay, pray, sir, said the beau, let us go in again; she may grow
outrageous, if we disoblige her.
Outrageous, sir! said Glanville: do you suppose my cousin is mad?
Upon my soul, sir, replied Tinsel, if she is not mad, she is certainly
a little out of her senses, or so----
Arabella having reiterated her commands for her lovers to return, and
finding they did not obey her, ran to her chamber-door, where they were
holding a surly sort of conference, especially on Glanville's side, who
was horridly out of humour.
I perceive by your looks, said Arabella to her cousin, the design you
are meditating; but know that I absolutely forbid you, by all the power
I have over you, not to engage in combat with my ravisher here.
Madam, interrupted Glanville, I beseech you, do not----
I know, said she, you will object to me the examples of Artamenes,
Aronces, and many others, who were so generous as to promise their
rivals not to refuse them that satisfaction whenever they demanded
it--but consider, you have not the same obligations to Mr. Tinsel that
Artamenes had to the king of Assyria, or that Aronces had to----
For God's sake, cousin, said Glanville, what's all this to the purpose?
Curse on Aronces and the king of Assyria, I say----
The astonishment of Arabella at this intemperate speech of her cousin,
kept her for a moment immoveable; when Sir Charles, who during this
discourse, had been collecting all the information he could from Lucy,
concerning this perplexed affair, came towards Tinsel, and, giving him
an angry look, told him, he should take it well if he forbore visiting
any of his family for the future.
Oh! your most obedient servant, sir, said Tinsel. You expect, I
suppose, I should be excessively chagrined at this prohibition? But
upon my soul, I am greatly obliged to you. Agad! I have no great mind
to a halter: and since this lady is so apt to think people have a
design to ravish her, the wisest thing a man can do is to keep out of
her way.
Sir, replied Glanville, who had followed him to the door, I
believe there has been some little mistake in what has happened
to-day--However, I expect you'll take no unbecoming liberties with the
character of Lady Bella--
Oh! sir, said Tinsel, I give you my honour I shall always speak of the
lady with the most profound veneration. She is a most accomplished,
incomprehensible lady: and the devil take me, if I think there is her
fellow in the world----And so, sir, I am your most obedient----
A word with you before you go, said Glanville, stopping him. No more of
these sneers, as you value that smooth face of yours, or I'll despoil
it of a nose.
Oh! your humble servant, said the beau, retiring in great confusion,
with something betwixt a smile and a grin upon his countenance, which
he took care however Mr. Glanville should not see; who, as soon as he
quitted him, went again to Arabella's apartment, in order to prevail
upon his father and sister to leave her a little to herself: for he
dreaded lest some more instances of her extravagance would put it into
his father's head that she was really out of her senses.
Well, sir, said Arabella upon his entrance, you have, I suppose,
given your rival his liberty. I assure you this generosity is highly
agreeable to me--And herein you imitate the noble Artamenes, who upon
a like occasion, acted as you have done. For when Fortune had put the
ravisher of Mandana in his power, and he became the vanquisher of his
rival, who endeavoured by violence to possess that divine princess;
this truly generous hero relinquished the right he had of disposing
of his prisoner, and instead of sacrificing his life to his just and
reasonable vengeance, he gave a proof of his admirable virtue and
clemency by dismissing him in safety, as you have done. However, added
she, I hope you have made him swear upon your sword, that he will never
make a second attempt upon my liberty. I perceive, pursued she, seeing
Mr. Glanville continued silent, with his eyes bent on the ground, for
indeed he was ashamed to look up; that you would willingly avoid the
praise due to the heroic action you have just performed--nay, I suppose
you are resolved to keep it secret, if possible; yet I must tell you,
that you will not escape the glory due to it. Glory is as necessarily
the result of a virtuous action, as light is an effect of the sun which
causeth it, and has no dependence on any other cause; since a virtuous
action continues still the same, though it be done without testimony;
and glory, which is, as one may say, born with it, constantly attends
it, though the action be not known.
I protest, niece, said Sir Charles, that's very prettily said.
In my opinion, sir, pursued Arabella, if any thing can weaken the glory
of a good action, it is the care a person takes to make it known; as
if one did not do good for the sake of good, but for the praise that
generally follows it. Those then that are governed by so interested a
motive, ought to be considered as sordid rather than generous persons;
who making a kind of traffic between virtue and glory, barter just so
much of the one for the other, and expect, like other merchants, to
make advantage by the exchange.
Mr. Glanville, who was charmed into an ecstasy at this sensible speech
of Arabella's, forgot in an instant all her absurdities. He did not
fail to express his admiration of her understanding, in terms that
brought a blush into her fair face, and obliged her to lay her commands
upon him to cease his excessive commendations. Then making a sign to
them to leave her alone, Mr. Glanville, who understood her, took his
father and sister down stairs, leaving Arabella with her faithful Lucy,
whom she immediately commanded to give her a relation of what had
happened to her from the time of her swooning till she recovered.