Page:The female Quixote, or, The adventures of Arabella (Second Edition).pdf/226

From Wikisource
Jump to navigation Jump to search
This page needs to be proofread.

Commands, he was recovered, and ready to throw himself at her Feet, to thank her for that Life she had bestowed upon him, and to dedicate the Remains of it to her Service.

Miss Glanville, who stayed behind her, in a strange Surprize at her ridiculous Behaviour; though she longed to know what her Brother thought of it, finding he continued silent, would not disturb him. The Shame he conceived at hearing so absurd a Speech from a Woman he passionately loved; and the Desire he had, not to hear his Sister's Sentiments upon it; made him counterfeit Sleep, to avoid any Discourse with her upon so disagreeable a Subject.

That Day his Fever increased; and the next, the Physician pronouncing him in great Danger, a Messenger was dispatched to Town, to hasten the Coming of Sir Charles; and poor Miss Glanville was quite inconsoleable, under the Apprehensions of losing him.

Arabella, not to derogate from her Character, affected great Firmness of Mind upon this Occasion; she used the most persuasive Eloquence to moderate her Cousin's Affliction, and caused all imaginable Care to be taken of Mr. Glanville: While any one was present, her Looks discovered only a calm and decent Sorrow; yet when she was alone, or had only her dear Lucy with her, she gave free Vent to her Tears; and discovered a Grief for Mr. Glanville's Illness, little different from that she had felt for her Father's.

As she now visited him constantly every Day, she took an Opportunity, when she was alone