voluntary
departure from Bologna, against persuasion; and the great behaviour of
your sister on that occasion; great, as it came out to be, when Mrs.
Beaumont brought her to acknowledge what would have been my glory to have
known, could it have been encouraged; but is now made my heaviest
concern.

Indeed, Grandison, she ever was a noble girl! We are too apt perhaps to
govern ourselves by events, without looking into causes: but the access
you had to her; such a man! and who became known to us from circumstances
so much in his favour, both as a man of principle and bravery--

This, my lord, interrupted I, is still judging from events. You have
seen Mrs. Beaumont's letter. Surely you cannot have a nobler monument of
magnanimity in woman! And to that I refer, for a proof of my own
integrity.

I have that letter: Jeronymo gave it me, at my taking leave of him; and
with these words: 'Grandison will certainly visit you at Naples. I am
afraid of your warmth. His spirit is well known. All my dependance is
upon his principles. He will not draw but in his own defence. Cherish
the noble visitor. Surely, brother, I may depend upon your hospitable
temper. Read over again this letter, before you see him.'--I have not
yet read it, proceeded the general; but I will, and that, if you will
allow me, now.

He took it out of his pocket, walked from me, and read it; and then came
to me, and took my hand--I am half ashamed of myself, my dear Grandison:
I own I wanted magnanimity. All the distresses of our family, on this
unhappy girl's account, were before my eyes, and I received you, I
behaved to you, as the author of them. I was contriving to be
dissatisfied with you: Forgive me, and command my best services. I will
let our Jeronymo know how greatly you subdued me before I had recourse to
the letter; but that I have since read that part of it which accounts for
my sister's passion, and wish I had read it with equal attention before.
I acquit you: I am proud of my sister. Yet I observe from this very
letter, that Jeronymo's gratitude has contributed to the evil we deplore.
But--Let us not say one word more of the unhappy girl: It is painful to
me to talk of her.

Not ask a question, my lord?--

Don't, Grandison, don't!--Jeronymo and Clementina are my soul's woe--But
they are not worse than might be apprehended. You go to court with me
to-morrow: I will present you to the king.

I have had that honour formerly. I must depart to-mor