Page:Lady Anne Granard 2.pdf/295

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LADY ANNE GRANARD.
293

bear it. I have become quite used to English travelling, so pray make no apologies; I will set out in half an hour."

The result of this journey was Lady Anne's receipt of the bills, and Helen's of the invitation, or rather command. Without this happy interference, neither circumstance would have taken place until evils of many kinds had accumulated; for, although, as we have seen, poor Lord Rotheles, in the acuteness of his feelings for his sister, became in a most alarming state, in proportion as she mended his compassion subsided towards her, and became active for himself, on whom so much severe suffering had fallen. The fit was, however, nearly over; he was delighted to see the young nobleman, began to consider the great expences of his sister's illness, and kindly acted as we have seen; he also consulted with the countess how far it might be advisable to get Lady Anne down to Rotheles Castle as soon as possible; but this she considerately thought would not do for either party, for they would both be too much excited for persons in such a state. "If," said she, "the thoughts of your sister placed you in such a situation, what will the sight of her do, sickly and wasted as she must be! I really dare not risk it—all your bad symptoms might return in an hour."

Poor Lady Anne thus lost the chance her native air might have given her for speedy recovery; but, as she bore her removal to London well, and rejoiced exceedingly in having effected it, looking to Mrs. Palmer's