LETTER LIX.
_From Miss Cowley to Miss Hardcastle._
I am glad you agree with me in thinking it proper that our dear Mary
should know the doctor’s opinion of her aunt’s precarious life. She has
consented with great reluctance to see Doctor Tufton; he confirms our
fears, and has made no change in her medicines. She told Douglass that
she hoped he was satisfied by her compliance with his wishes, and added,
“Do not think I am to be deceived; I have done with medicines and
doctors.” “I told her that in that case I should think myself dismissed
from her presence as well as favour,” said the doctor. “She answered
that the visits of a friend would still be useful and acceptable;” but
added she dejectedly, “your prescriptions may not be more infallible for
a sick mind, than a diseased body.” “I took her burning hand,” continued
the good doctor, “and with sincerity of heart I told her, that in both
my characters, as her physician, and as her friend, I still hoped to be
salutary to her, on condition she did not desert herself. You are too
low now, added I, pouring out an untasted cordial at my hand; you ought
to have taken this two hours since. She put the cup aside, and, shaking
her head, said, you know it will do me no good; these are not the
cordials I need. I know there are others within your reach, replied I
with seriousness, that would contribute to give efficacy to this, and
which you refuse from a despondency of mind which you ought to check.
Wherefore is it, that with a brother nigh you, and whose conversation
would cheer you, you refuse to see him? His heart is melting with
compassion at the intelligence of your dejection and sufferings.” “Why
then does he not come and tell me so? asked she with agitation. But I
know what keeps him at a distance! he cannot say, Lucretia, I forgive
you! he cannot say, be comforted!”
“The offence which produced your intemperance, and his too warm
resentment, has been fully expiated by the pain which both have
experienced from it,” observed the doctor; “both were in fault, and both
have regretted the fault. Percival thinks only of a sick and afflicted
_sister_. I will pledge my life on the sincerity of his affection for
you; and I know his soul seeks to meet you in peace and love.” She was
oppressed, and gasped for utterance. “Oh! why does he delay?” said she,
“I long to see him before I die!” “You shall see him to day,” replied I,
“on condition that you will be composed. I am confident that you will
find comfort and amusement from his society. She named the hour, and
requested that I would come with him, not knowing how the sight of him
might affect her. I thought it better to avoid the suspense of
procrastinating the interview,” continued the doctor, “and Mr. Flint has
been with her. Poor Percival was extremely shocked when he saw the
alteration that sickness had made in her person. She gave him her hand,
and told him, with more composure than I expected, that she took his
visit kindly. He spoke with emotion, and said something of his hopes,
and the ensuing summer. I shall not live to see it, answered she,
looking stedfastly on him; but it will comfort you, Percival, to know
that the prospect of the grave no longer terrifies me; I am not without
hope. He interrupted her. Cherish it, said he, eagerly, and, kissing her
cheek, cherish it, my dear Lucretia! and may its salutary influence
restore your health as well as your peace! Is this your wish? replied
she, bursting into tears. Do you, can you forgive me? You had not seen
me here, Lucretia, answered the captain with solemnity, had any
resentment lurked in my bosom: as I hope for pardon for my own errors
and mistakes, so certain is it, that affection and compassion brought me
hither. Forget, as I have done, the past; live to be my comfort; and may
this hour cancel from your mind every thought that retards your
recovery! He again kissed her, and she hung on his neck, groaning with
her agitations. Percival, overcome by this scene, permitted me to lead
him from the chamber, and he was not able to see the family; I parted
with him in the avenue. My patient, fatigued by these exertions, is
fallen into a dose. She is sinking gradually; and will probably be
lethargic.”
Mary will be anxious to hear the result of this first interview; her
aunt requested that the captain would visit her daily.