WEBVTT 1 00:00:00.360 --> 00:00:06.080 Letter, the first from Isabel to Laura. How often, in 2 00:00:06.160 --> 00:00:08.759 answer to my repeated entreaties that you would give my 3 00:00:08.839 --> 00:00:12.320 daughter a regular detail of the misfortunes and adventures of 4 00:00:12.359 --> 00:00:16.359 your life, have you said no, my friend, Never will 5 00:00:16.399 --> 00:00:19.000 I comply with your request till I may be no 6 00:00:19.079 --> 00:00:24.600 longer in danger of again experiencing such dreadful ones. Surely 7 00:00:24.640 --> 00:00:27.519 that time is now at hand. You are this day 8 00:00:27.600 --> 00:00:30.839 fifty five. If a woman may ever be said to 9 00:00:30.879 --> 00:00:34.640 be in safety from the determined perseverance of disagreeable lovers 10 00:00:35.079 --> 00:00:38.920 and the cruel persecutions of obstinate fathers, surely it must 11 00:00:39.000 --> 00:00:45.719 be at such a time of life. Isabel letter. Second 12 00:00:46.200 --> 00:00:51.359 Laura to Isabel. Although I cannot agree with you in 13 00:00:51.439 --> 00:00:54.920 supposing that I shall never again be exposed to misfortunes 14 00:00:55.240 --> 00:00:59.159 as unmerited as those I have already experienced, yet to 15 00:00:59.200 --> 00:01:03.079 avoid the imputation of obstinacy or ill nature, I will 16 00:01:03.079 --> 00:01:06.959 gratify the curiosity of your daughter, and may the fortitude 17 00:01:06.959 --> 00:01:09.400 with which I have suffered the many afflictions of my 18 00:01:09.480 --> 00:01:13.200 past life proved to her a useful lesson for the 19 00:01:13.239 --> 00:01:15.680 support of those which may befall her in her own. 20 00:01:17.040 --> 00:01:26.599 Laura Letter, third Laura to Mary Anne. As the daughter 21 00:01:26.760 --> 00:01:29.879 of my most intimate friend, I think you entitled to 22 00:01:29.920 --> 00:01:32.840 that knowledge of my unhappy story which your mother has 23 00:01:32.879 --> 00:01:37.159 so often solicited me to give you. My father was 24 00:01:37.159 --> 00:01:41.480 a native of Ireland and an inhabitant of Wales. My 25 00:01:41.560 --> 00:01:44.400 mother was the natural daughter of a Scotch peer by 26 00:01:44.439 --> 00:01:47.840 an Italian opera girl. I was born in Spain and 27 00:01:47.920 --> 00:01:52.359 received my education at a convent in France. When I 28 00:01:52.400 --> 00:01:55.359 had reached my eighteenth year, I was recalled by my 29 00:01:55.480 --> 00:01:59.519 parents to my paternal roof in Wales. Our mansion was 30 00:01:59.560 --> 00:02:02.319 situated in one of the most romantic parts of the 31 00:02:02.400 --> 00:02:06.959 Veil of Usk. Though my charms are now considerably softened 32 00:02:07.319 --> 00:02:10.960 and somewhat impaired by the misfortunes I have undergone, I 33 00:02:11.080 --> 00:02:15.680 was once beautiful, but lovely as I was, the graces 34 00:02:15.719 --> 00:02:18.840 of my person were the least of my perfections, of 35 00:02:18.879 --> 00:02:23.840 every accomplishment accustomary to my sex, I was mistress when 36 00:02:23.879 --> 00:02:27.400 in the convent my progress had always exceeded my instructions. 37 00:02:27.879 --> 00:02:30.919 My acquirements had been wonderful for my age, and I 38 00:02:30.960 --> 00:02:36.280 had shortly surpassed my master's. In my mind. Every virtue 39 00:02:36.319 --> 00:02:39.439 that could adorn it was centered. It was the rendezvous 40 00:02:39.439 --> 00:02:44.479 of every good quality, and of every noble sentiment, a 41 00:02:44.560 --> 00:02:48.319 sensibility too tremblingly alive. To every affliction of my friends 42 00:02:48.759 --> 00:02:52.439 my acquaintance, and particularly to every affliction of my own, 43 00:02:53.000 --> 00:02:55.560 was my only fault. If a fault, it could be 44 00:02:55.680 --> 00:03:02.560 called alas how altered now though indeed my own misfortunes 45 00:03:02.599 --> 00:03:05.120 do not make less impression on me than they ever did. 46 00:03:05.800 --> 00:03:09.400 Yet now I never feel for those of another. My 47 00:03:09.439 --> 00:03:12.680 accomplishments too begin to fade. I can neither sing so 48 00:03:12.800 --> 00:03:16.240 well nor dance so gracefully as I once did, And 49 00:03:16.319 --> 00:03:22.479 I have entirely forgotten the minuet de la cour adieu. Laura, 50 00:03:23.159 --> 00:03:28.840 letter forth, Laura to Mary Anne. Our neighborhood was small, 51 00:03:29.199 --> 00:03:32.400 for it consisted only of your mother. She may probably 52 00:03:32.439 --> 00:03:35.159 have already told you that, being left by her parents 53 00:03:35.280 --> 00:03:40.520 in indigenous circumstances, she had retired into Wales on economical motives. 54 00:03:41.199 --> 00:03:45.400 There it was our friendship first commenced. Isabel was then 55 00:03:45.560 --> 00:03:49.360 one and twenty. Though pleasing both in her person and 56 00:03:49.520 --> 00:03:53.719 manners between ourselves, she never possessed the hundredth part of 57 00:03:53.759 --> 00:03:58.919 my beauty or accomplishments. Isabel had seen the world. She 58 00:03:59.000 --> 00:04:01.120 had passed two years at one of the first boarding 59 00:04:01.199 --> 00:04:04.479 schools in London, had spent a fortnight in Bath, and 60 00:04:04.560 --> 00:04:09.159 had supped one night in Southampton. Beware, my Laura, she 61 00:04:09.199 --> 00:04:12.759 would often say, Beware of the insipid vanities and idle 62 00:04:12.800 --> 00:04:16.879 dissipations of the metropolis of England. Beware of the unmeaning 63 00:04:16.959 --> 00:04:20.279 luxuries of Bath, and of the stinking fish of Southampton. 64 00:04:21.839 --> 00:04:25.879 Alas exclaimed, I, how am I to avoid those evils? 65 00:04:25.879 --> 00:04:29.439 I shall never be exposed to What probability is there 66 00:04:29.680 --> 00:04:32.959 of my ever tasting the dissipations of London, the luxuries 67 00:04:32.959 --> 00:04:37.399 of Bath, or the stinking fish of Southampton. I who 68 00:04:37.480 --> 00:04:39.920 am doomed to waste my days of youth and beauty 69 00:04:40.240 --> 00:04:44.519 in a humble cottage in the Vale of usk Ah. 70 00:04:44.879 --> 00:04:47.519 Little did I then think I was ordained so soon 71 00:04:47.600 --> 00:04:50.800 to quit that humble cottage for the deceitful pleasures of 72 00:04:50.839 --> 00:04:59.319 the world. Adieu, Laura. Letter fifth Laura to Mary Anne. 73 00:05:00.800 --> 00:05:04.199 One evening in December, as my father, my mother and 74 00:05:04.319 --> 00:05:09.040 myself were arranged in social converse round our fireside, we 75 00:05:09.040 --> 00:05:12.439 were on a sudden greatly astonished by hearing a violent 76 00:05:12.519 --> 00:05:16.079 knocking on the outward door of our rustic cot. My 77 00:05:16.160 --> 00:05:21.279 father started, What noise is that? Said he? It sounds 78 00:05:21.319 --> 00:05:23.920 like a loud rapping at the door, replied my mother. 79 00:05:24.560 --> 00:05:28.240 It does, indeed, cried I. I am of your opinion, 80 00:05:28.639 --> 00:05:31.600 said my father. It certainly does appear to proceed from 81 00:05:31.680 --> 00:05:38.120 some uncommon violence exerted against our unoffending door. Yes, exclaimed I. 82 00:05:38.120 --> 00:05:40.600 I cannot help thinking it must be somebody who knocks 83 00:05:40.600 --> 00:05:46.000 for admittance. That is another point, replied he. We must 84 00:05:46.040 --> 00:05:49.720 not pretend to determine on what motive the person may knock, though, 85 00:05:49.720 --> 00:05:51.800 that some one does rap at the door, I am 86 00:05:51.879 --> 00:05:57.079 partly convinced. Here A second tremendous rap, interrupted my father 87 00:05:57.160 --> 00:05:59.879 in his speech, and somewhat alarmed my mother and me. 88 00:06:01.120 --> 00:06:02.839 Had we better not go and see who it is? 89 00:06:03.399 --> 00:06:07.240 Said she? The servants are out, I think we had, 90 00:06:07.560 --> 00:06:12.920 replied I certainly, added my father. By all means, shall 91 00:06:12.959 --> 00:06:16.040 we go now, said my mother. The sooner the better, 92 00:06:16.560 --> 00:06:20.480 answered he. Oh, let no time be lost, cried I. 93 00:06:22.040 --> 00:06:25.560 A third, more violent rap than ever again assaulted our ears. 94 00:06:26.639 --> 00:06:28.839 I am certain there is somebody knocking at the door, 95 00:06:29.199 --> 00:06:32.680 said my mother. I think there must, replied my father. 96 00:06:33.399 --> 00:06:36.480 I fancy the servants are returned, said I I think 97 00:06:36.519 --> 00:06:39.680 I hear Mary going to the door. I am glad 98 00:06:39.680 --> 00:06:42.240 of it, cried my father, for I long to know 99 00:06:42.279 --> 00:06:47.040 who it is. I was right in my conjecture, for Mary, 100 00:06:47.079 --> 00:06:50.240 instantly entering the room, informed us that a young gentleman 101 00:06:50.279 --> 00:06:52.639 and his servant were at the door, who had lost 102 00:06:52.680 --> 00:06:55.839 their way, were very cold, and begged leave to warm 103 00:06:55.879 --> 00:07:00.360 themselves by our fire. Won't you admit them? Said I. 104 00:07:01.040 --> 00:07:04.480 You have no objection, my dear, said my father. None 105 00:07:04.480 --> 00:07:09.279 in the world, replied my mother. Mary, without waiting for 106 00:07:09.319 --> 00:07:13.279 any further commands, immediately left the room and quickly returned, 107 00:07:13.560 --> 00:07:17.560 introducing the most beauteous and amiable youth I had ever beheld. 108 00:07:18.000 --> 00:07:23.000 The servant, she kept to herself. My natural sensibility had 109 00:07:23.040 --> 00:07:26.600 already been greatly affected by the sufferings of the unfortunate stranger, 110 00:07:27.279 --> 00:07:30.040 and no sooner did I first behold him than I 111 00:07:30.120 --> 00:07:33.600 felt that on him the happiness or misery of my 112 00:07:33.680 --> 00:07:44.120 future life must depend. Adieu Laura, Letter sixth Laura to 113 00:07:44.240 --> 00:07:48.279 Mary Anne. The noble youth informed us that his name 114 00:07:48.319 --> 00:07:52.040 was Lindsey. For particular reasons. However, I shall conceal it 115 00:07:52.160 --> 00:07:55.319 under that of Talbot. He told us, that he was 116 00:07:55.360 --> 00:07:58.199 the son of an English baronet, that his mother had 117 00:07:58.240 --> 00:08:00.720 been for many years no more, and that he had 118 00:08:00.720 --> 00:08:05.120 a sister of the middle size. My father, he continued, 119 00:08:05.439 --> 00:08:08.079 is a mean and mercenary wretch. It is only to 120 00:08:08.120 --> 00:08:11.000 such particular friends as this dear party, that I would 121 00:08:11.000 --> 00:08:16.240 thus betray his failings, your virtues, my amiable Polydor, addressing 122 00:08:16.279 --> 00:08:20.199 himself to my father, yours, dear Claudia, and yours, my 123 00:08:20.279 --> 00:08:23.879 charming Laura, call on me to repose in you my confidence. 124 00:08:25.560 --> 00:08:29.800 We bowed. My father, seduced by the false glare of 125 00:08:29.839 --> 00:08:33.279 fortune and the deluding pomp of title, insisted on my 126 00:08:33.360 --> 00:08:37.639 giving my hand to Lady Dorothea. No, never exclaimed I. 127 00:08:38.039 --> 00:08:41.639 Lady Dorothea is lovely and engaging. I prefer no woman 128 00:08:41.679 --> 00:08:44.759 to her. But know sir, that I scorn to marry 129 00:08:44.759 --> 00:08:48.639 her in compliance with your wishes. No, never shall it 130 00:08:48.679 --> 00:08:52.759 be said that I obliged my father. We all admired 131 00:08:52.759 --> 00:08:58.279 the noble manliness of his reply, he continued, Sir Edward 132 00:08:58.320 --> 00:09:01.360 was surprised he had perhaps little expected to meet with 133 00:09:01.399 --> 00:09:05.279 so spirited an opposition to his will. Where Edward, in 134 00:09:05.320 --> 00:09:07.879 the name of Wonder, said he did you pick up 135 00:09:07.919 --> 00:09:11.320 this unmeaning Gibberish, who have been studying novels I suspect, 136 00:09:12.519 --> 00:09:15.720 I scorned to answer, it would have been beneath my dignity. 137 00:09:16.480 --> 00:09:19.559 I mounted my horse, and, followed by my faithful William, 138 00:09:19.679 --> 00:09:23.759 set forth for my aunt's. My father's house is situated 139 00:09:23.759 --> 00:09:27.519 in Bedfordshire, my aunt's in Middlesex. And though I flatter 140 00:09:27.600 --> 00:09:30.840 myself with being a tolerable proficient in geography, I know 141 00:09:30.960 --> 00:09:33.879 not how it happened. But I found myself entering this 142 00:09:33.960 --> 00:09:37.320 beautiful vale, which I find as in South Wales, when 143 00:09:37.320 --> 00:09:41.200 I had expected to have reached my aunt's, After having 144 00:09:41.240 --> 00:09:44.039 wandered some time on the banks of the usk, without 145 00:09:44.080 --> 00:09:47.120 knowing which way to go, I began to lament my 146 00:09:47.200 --> 00:09:51.519 cruel destiny in the bitterest and most pathetic manner. It 147 00:09:51.600 --> 00:09:54.879 was now perfectly dark. Not a single star was there 148 00:09:54.919 --> 00:09:58.039 to direct my steps, and I know not what might 149 00:09:58.080 --> 00:10:01.679 have befallen me had I not at length discerned, through 150 00:10:01.720 --> 00:10:05.759 the solemn gloom that surrounded me, a distant light, which, 151 00:10:06.159 --> 00:10:08.919 as I approached it, I discovered to be the cheerful 152 00:10:08.919 --> 00:10:13.639 blaze of your fire, impelled by the combination of misfortunes 153 00:10:13.720 --> 00:10:18.480 under which I labored, namely fear, cold and hunger. I 154 00:10:18.559 --> 00:10:22.120 hesitated not to ask admittance, which at length I have gained. 155 00:10:22.799 --> 00:10:27.120 And now my adorable Laura continued, he taking my hand. 156 00:10:28.200 --> 00:10:30.559 When may I hope to receive that reward of all 157 00:10:30.600 --> 00:10:33.600 the painful sufferings I have undergone during the course of 158 00:10:33.600 --> 00:10:38.039 my attachment to you, to which I have ever aspired? Oh? 159 00:10:38.320 --> 00:10:43.080 When will you reward me with yourself? This instant, dear 160 00:10:43.120 --> 00:10:47.720 and amiable Edward replied I. We were immediately united by 161 00:10:47.720 --> 00:10:51.200 my father, who, though he had never taken orders, had 162 00:10:51.200 --> 00:11:00.120 been bred to the church. Adieu, Lura, letter seventh do 163 00:11:00.519 --> 00:11:04.840 to Mary Anne. We remained but a few days after 164 00:11:04.879 --> 00:11:08.279 our marriage in the Vale of Usk. After taking an 165 00:11:08.279 --> 00:11:11.600 affecting farewell of my father, my mother and my Isabel, 166 00:11:12.320 --> 00:11:16.840 I accompanied Edward to his aunt's in Middlesex. Philippa received 167 00:11:16.919 --> 00:11:20.960 us both with every expression of affectionate love. My arrival 168 00:11:21.039 --> 00:11:23.679 was indeed a most agreeable surprise to her, as she 169 00:11:23.720 --> 00:11:26.120 had not only been totally ignorant of my marriage with 170 00:11:26.159 --> 00:11:29.279 her nephew, but had never even had the slightest idea 171 00:11:29.320 --> 00:11:33.559 of there being such a person in the world. Augusta, 172 00:11:33.919 --> 00:11:36.200 the sister of Edward, was on a visit to her. 173 00:11:36.279 --> 00:11:39.639 When we arrived, I found her exactly what her brother 174 00:11:39.679 --> 00:11:43.759 had described her to be, of the middle size. She 175 00:11:43.840 --> 00:11:47.679 received me with equal surprise, though not with equal cordiality 176 00:11:47.879 --> 00:11:52.720 as Philippa. There was a disagreeable coldness and forbidding reserve 177 00:11:52.919 --> 00:11:56.759 in her reception of me, which was equally distressing and unexpected. 178 00:11:57.919 --> 00:12:01.519 None of that interesting sensibility or amiable sympathy in her 179 00:12:01.519 --> 00:12:04.679 manners and addressed to me when we first met, which 180 00:12:04.720 --> 00:12:08.759 should have distinguished our introduction to each other. Her language 181 00:12:08.840 --> 00:12:12.559 was neither warm nor affectionate. Her expressions of regard were 182 00:12:12.559 --> 00:12:16.240 neither animated nor cordial. Her arms were not opened to 183 00:12:16.320 --> 00:12:19.399 receive me to her heart, though my own were extended 184 00:12:19.399 --> 00:12:24.399 to press her to mine. A short conversation between Augusta 185 00:12:24.440 --> 00:12:28.480 and her brother, which I accidentally overheard, increased my dislike 186 00:12:28.600 --> 00:12:31.080 to her, and convinced me that her heart was no 187 00:12:31.159 --> 00:12:33.799 more formed for the soft ties of love than for 188 00:12:33.840 --> 00:12:38.240 the endearing intercourse of friendship. But do you think that 189 00:12:38.360 --> 00:12:41.440 my father will ever be reconciled to this imprudent connection, 190 00:12:42.120 --> 00:12:47.360 said Augusta. Augusta replied, the noble youth, I thought you 191 00:12:47.440 --> 00:12:49.720 had a better opinion of me than to imagine I 192 00:12:49.759 --> 00:12:53.279 would so abjectly degrade myself as to consider my father's 193 00:12:53.279 --> 00:12:56.600 concurrence in any of my affairs, either of consequence or 194 00:12:56.679 --> 00:13:01.159 concern to me. Tell me, Augusta, with sincere did you 195 00:13:01.200 --> 00:13:04.200 ever know me to consult his inclinations or follow his 196 00:13:04.279 --> 00:13:08.039 advice in the least trifling particular since the age of fifteen? 197 00:13:09.840 --> 00:13:13.320 Edward replied she. You are surely too diffident in your 198 00:13:13.320 --> 00:13:17.679 own praise, since you are fifteen, Only my dear brother, 199 00:13:18.000 --> 00:13:20.480 since you were five years old, I entirely acquit you 200 00:13:20.519 --> 00:13:23.759 of ever having willingly contributed to the satisfaction of your father. 201 00:13:24.759 --> 00:13:27.759 But still I am not without apprehensions of your being 202 00:13:27.799 --> 00:13:31.240 shortly obliged to degrade yourself in your own eyes by 203 00:13:31.240 --> 00:13:33.759 seeking a support for your wife in the generosity of 204 00:13:33.799 --> 00:13:39.159 Sir Edward. Never, never, Augusta, will I so demean myself, 205 00:13:39.720 --> 00:13:43.639 said Edward. Support What support will Laura want which she 206 00:13:43.679 --> 00:13:48.440 can receive from him? Only those very insignificant ones are 207 00:13:48.519 --> 00:13:54.320 Victuals and Drink, answered she. Victuals and drink, replied my 208 00:13:54.440 --> 00:13:58.320 husband in a most nobly contemptuous manner. And dost thou 209 00:13:58.399 --> 00:14:00.360 then imagine that there is no other support taught for 210 00:14:00.399 --> 00:14:04.039 an exalted mind such as is my Laura's than the 211 00:14:04.080 --> 00:14:08.840 mean and indelicate employment of eating and drinking, None that 212 00:14:08.879 --> 00:14:13.679 I know of so efficacious, returned Augusta. And did you 213 00:14:13.720 --> 00:14:17.799 then never feel the pleasing pangs of love? Augusta replied 214 00:14:17.840 --> 00:14:21.159 my Edward. Does it appear impossible to your vile and 215 00:14:21.240 --> 00:14:25.600 corrupted Pallette to exist on love? Can you not conceive 216 00:14:25.679 --> 00:14:28.679 the luxury of living in every distress that poverty can 217 00:14:28.759 --> 00:14:33.759 inflict with the object of your tenderest affection. You are 218 00:14:33.840 --> 00:14:38.600 too ridiculous, said Augusta to argue with Perhaps, however, you 219 00:14:38.679 --> 00:14:42.440 may in time be convinced that Here I was prevented 220 00:14:42.480 --> 00:14:45.600 from hearing the remainder of her speech by the appearance 221 00:14:45.679 --> 00:14:48.360 of a very handsome young woman who was ushered into 222 00:14:48.360 --> 00:14:50.320 the room at the door of which I had been listening. 223 00:14:51.720 --> 00:14:54.360 On hearing her announced by the name of Lady Dorothea, 224 00:14:55.000 --> 00:14:58.200 I instantly quitted my post and followed her into the parlor, 225 00:14:58.960 --> 00:15:01.519 for I well remember that she was the lady proposed 226 00:15:01.519 --> 00:15:03.919 as a wife for my Edward by the cruel and 227 00:15:04.080 --> 00:15:10.080 unrelenting Baronet. Although Lady Dorothea's visit was nominally to Philippa 228 00:15:10.080 --> 00:15:13.559 and Augusta. Yet I have some reason to imagine that 229 00:15:14.000 --> 00:15:17.159 acquainted with the marriage and arrival of Edward to see 230 00:15:17.240 --> 00:15:22.639 me was a principal motive to it. I soon perceived that, 231 00:15:22.720 --> 00:15:25.879 though lovely and elegant in her person, and though easy 232 00:15:25.960 --> 00:15:29.360 and polite in her address, she was of that inferior 233 00:15:29.440 --> 00:15:33.440 order of beings with regard to delicate feeling, tender sentiments, 234 00:15:33.759 --> 00:15:39.120 and refined sensibility, of which Augusta was one. She stayed 235 00:15:39.120 --> 00:15:41.679 but half an hour, and neither, in the course of 236 00:15:41.679 --> 00:15:44.799 her visit, confided to me any of her secret thoughts, 237 00:15:45.320 --> 00:15:49.080 nor requested me to confide in her any of mine. 238 00:15:49.440 --> 00:15:52.639 You will easily imagine, therefore, my dear mary Anne, that 239 00:15:52.720 --> 00:15:55.440 I could not feel any ardent affection or very sincere 240 00:15:55.480 --> 00:16:03.080 attachment for Lady Dorothea. Adieu Laura, Letter eight Laura to 241 00:16:03.159 --> 00:16:08.360 mary Anne. In continuation, Lady Dorothea had not left us 242 00:16:08.399 --> 00:16:11.240 long before another visitor, as unexpected a one as her 243 00:16:11.320 --> 00:16:16.279 ladyship was announced. It was Sir Edward, who, informed by 244 00:16:16.320 --> 00:16:19.759 Augusta of her brother's marriage, came doubtless to reproach him 245 00:16:19.759 --> 00:16:22.360 for having dared to unite himself to me without his 246 00:16:22.480 --> 00:16:27.000 knowledge but Edward, for seeing his design, approached him with 247 00:16:27.120 --> 00:16:30.200 heroic fortitude as soon as he entered the room, and 248 00:16:30.279 --> 00:16:34.200 addressed him in the following manner, Sir Edward, I know 249 00:16:34.320 --> 00:16:36.679 the motive of your journey. Here you come with the 250 00:16:36.679 --> 00:16:39.240 base design of reproaching me for having entered into a 251 00:16:39.279 --> 00:16:44.240 dissoluble engagement with my Laura without your consent. But Sir, 252 00:16:44.600 --> 00:16:47.480 I glory in the act. It is my greatest boast 253 00:16:47.559 --> 00:16:51.879 that I have incurred the displeasure of my father. So saying, 254 00:16:51.919 --> 00:16:55.559 he took my hand, and whilst Sir Edward, Philippa and 255 00:16:55.639 --> 00:16:59.919 Augusta were doubtless reflecting with admiration on his undaunted brave 256 00:17:00.919 --> 00:17:03.519 led me from the parlor to his father's carriage, which 257 00:17:03.600 --> 00:17:06.319 yet remained at the door, and in which we were 258 00:17:06.319 --> 00:17:11.240 instantly conveyed from the pursuit of Sir Edward. The Postilions 259 00:17:11.359 --> 00:17:14.200 had at first received orders only to take the London road. 260 00:17:15.200 --> 00:17:18.440 As soon as we had sufficiently reflected, however, we ordered 261 00:17:18.480 --> 00:17:21.319 them to drive to Mum, the seat of Edward's most 262 00:17:21.319 --> 00:17:25.880 particular friend, which was but a few miles distant. Ad 263 00:17:26.000 --> 00:17:29.680 Mum we arrived in a few hours, and, on sending 264 00:17:29.680 --> 00:17:33.119 in our names were immediately admitted to Sophia, the wife 265 00:17:33.160 --> 00:17:37.880 of Edward's friend, after having been deprived during the course 266 00:17:37.920 --> 00:17:40.519 of three weeks of a real friend. For such I 267 00:17:40.599 --> 00:17:44.759 term your mother, imagine my transports had beholding one most 268 00:17:44.799 --> 00:17:48.599 truly worthy of the name. Sophia was rather above the 269 00:17:48.640 --> 00:17:53.519 middle size, most elegantly formed a soft languor spread over 270 00:17:53.559 --> 00:17:57.079 her lovely features, but increased their beauty. It was the 271 00:17:57.160 --> 00:18:01.799 characteristic of her mind. She was all sensibility and feeling. 272 00:18:03.119 --> 00:18:06.440 We flew into each other's arms, and, after having exchanged 273 00:18:06.519 --> 00:18:09.519 vows of mutual friendship for the rest of our lives, 274 00:18:09.559 --> 00:18:12.720 instantly unfolded to each other the most inward secrets of 275 00:18:12.759 --> 00:18:17.359 our hearts. We were interrupted in the delightful employment by 276 00:18:17.359 --> 00:18:21.480 the entrance of Augustus, Edward's friend, who was just returned 277 00:18:21.480 --> 00:18:25.839 from a solitary ramble. Never did I see such an 278 00:18:25.839 --> 00:18:29.480 affecting scene as was the meeting of Edward and Augustus. 279 00:18:30.799 --> 00:18:35.480 My life, my soul, exclaimed the former, My adorable angel, 280 00:18:35.839 --> 00:18:38.759 replied the latter, as they flew into each other's arms. 281 00:18:39.960 --> 00:18:42.920 It was too pathetic for the feelings of Sophia and myself. 282 00:18:43.359 --> 00:18:50.319 We fainted alternately on a sofa Adieu Laura. Letter the 283 00:18:50.440 --> 00:18:55.400 ninth from the same to the same. Towards the close 284 00:18:55.440 --> 00:18:59.599 of day, we received the following letter from Philippa. Sir 285 00:18:59.680 --> 00:19:03.279 Edward is greatly incensed by your abrupt departure. He has 286 00:19:03.359 --> 00:19:06.880 taken back Augusta to Bedfordshire. Much as I wish to 287 00:19:06.960 --> 00:19:10.519 enjoy again your charming society, I cannot determine to snatch 288 00:19:10.599 --> 00:19:14.440 you from that of such dear and deserving friends. When 289 00:19:14.440 --> 00:19:17.160 your visit to them is terminated, I trust you will 290 00:19:17.200 --> 00:19:21.880 return to the arms of your Philippa. We returned a 291 00:19:21.920 --> 00:19:25.319 suitable answer to this affectionate note, and, after thanking her 292 00:19:25.359 --> 00:19:29.039 for her kind invitation, assured her that we would certainly 293 00:19:29.079 --> 00:19:31.839 avail ourselves of it whenever we might have no other 294 00:19:31.880 --> 00:19:35.720 place to go to. Though certainly nothing could to any 295 00:19:35.759 --> 00:19:39.599 reasonable being have appeared more satisfactory than so grateful a 296 00:19:39.640 --> 00:19:43.079 reply to her invitation. Yet I know not how it was, 297 00:19:43.599 --> 00:19:46.119 but she was certainly capricious enough to be displeased with 298 00:19:46.160 --> 00:19:49.640 our behavior, and in a few weeks after, either to 299 00:19:49.680 --> 00:19:53.480 revenge our conduct or relieve her own solitude, married a 300 00:19:53.519 --> 00:19:58.920 young and illiterate fortune hunter. This imprudent step, though we 301 00:19:58.920 --> 00:20:01.039 were sensible that it would be probably deprive us of 302 00:20:01.079 --> 00:20:04.200 that fortune which Philippa had ever taught us to expect, 303 00:20:05.119 --> 00:20:08.200 could not, on our own accounts, excite from our exalted 304 00:20:08.240 --> 00:20:12.200 minds a single sigh, Yet fearful lest it might prove 305 00:20:12.359 --> 00:20:16.039 a source of endless misery to the deluded bride, Our 306 00:20:16.079 --> 00:20:19.519 trembling sensibility was greatly affected when we were first informed 307 00:20:19.519 --> 00:20:24.279 of the event. The affectionate entreaties of Augustus and Sophia 308 00:20:24.720 --> 00:20:27.440 that we would forever consider their house as our home 309 00:20:28.119 --> 00:20:31.759 easily prevailed on us to determine never more to leave them. 310 00:20:32.359 --> 00:20:35.279 In the society of my Edward and this amiable pair 311 00:20:35.799 --> 00:20:39.640 I passed the happiest moments of my life. Our time 312 00:20:39.720 --> 00:20:44.000 was most delightfully spent in mutual protestations of friendship and 313 00:20:44.119 --> 00:20:47.319 in vows of unalterable love, in which we were secure 314 00:20:47.359 --> 00:20:52.240 from being interrupted by intruding and disagreeable visitors. As Augustus 315 00:20:52.240 --> 00:20:55.359 and Sophia had, on their first entrance in the neighborhood, 316 00:20:55.880 --> 00:20:59.319 taken due care to inform the surrounding families that, as 317 00:20:59.359 --> 00:21:02.519 their happiness centered wholly in themselves, they wished for no 318 00:21:02.640 --> 00:21:08.720 other society but alas my dear Marianne such happiness, as 319 00:21:08.720 --> 00:21:12.079 I then enjoyed, was too perfect to be lasting. A 320 00:21:12.119 --> 00:21:16.400 most severe and unexpected blow at once destroyed every sensation 321 00:21:16.519 --> 00:21:19.880 of pleasure. Convinced, as you must be from what I 322 00:21:19.920 --> 00:21:23.359 have already told you concerning Augustus and Sophia, that there 323 00:21:23.359 --> 00:21:27.079 never were a happier couple, I need not, I imagine, 324 00:21:27.240 --> 00:21:29.799 inform you that their union had been contrary to the 325 00:21:29.799 --> 00:21:34.160 inclinations of their cruel and mercenary parents, who had vainly endeavored, 326 00:21:34.400 --> 00:21:37.720 with obstinate perseverance, to force them into a marriage with 327 00:21:37.839 --> 00:21:41.200 those whom they had ever abhorred. But with a heroic 328 00:21:41.240 --> 00:21:44.759 fortitude worthy to be related and admired, they had both 329 00:21:45.000 --> 00:21:50.759 constantly refused to submit to such despotic power. After having 330 00:21:50.799 --> 00:21:54.519 so nobly disentangled themselves from the shackles of parental authority 331 00:21:54.920 --> 00:21:58.759 by a clandestine marriage, they were determined never to forfeit 332 00:21:58.759 --> 00:22:01.000 the good opinion they had gained in the world in 333 00:22:01.079 --> 00:22:05.400 so doing, by accepting any proposals of reconciliation that might 334 00:22:05.400 --> 00:22:08.960 be offered them by their fathers. To this further trial 335 00:22:09.000 --> 00:22:14.359 of their noble independence. However, they were never exposed. They 336 00:22:14.359 --> 00:22:16.720 had been married but a few months when our visit 337 00:22:16.759 --> 00:22:19.839 to them commenced, during which time they had been amply 338 00:22:19.839 --> 00:22:23.279 supported by a considerable sum of money which Augustus had 339 00:22:23.319 --> 00:22:27.200 gracefully purloined from his unworthy father's escritoire. A few days 340 00:22:27.200 --> 00:22:31.960 before his union with Sofia. By our arrival, their expenses 341 00:22:32.000 --> 00:22:35.519 were considerably increased, though their means for supplying them were 342 00:22:35.559 --> 00:22:41.079 then nearly exhausted. But they exalted creatures scorned to reflect 343 00:22:41.079 --> 00:22:44.480 a moment on their pecuniary distresses, and would have blushed 344 00:22:44.480 --> 00:22:48.279 at the idea of paying their debts. Alas what was 345 00:22:48.319 --> 00:22:53.400 their reward for such disinterested behavior. The beautiful Augustus was arrested, 346 00:22:53.599 --> 00:22:57.680 and we were all undone such perfidious treachery in the 347 00:22:57.720 --> 00:23:01.200 merciless perpetrators of the deed. Will she shock your gentle nature, 348 00:23:01.200 --> 00:23:03.799 dearest Mary Anne, as much as it then affected the 349 00:23:03.839 --> 00:23:08.920 delicate sensibility of Edward Sophia, your Laura, and of Augustus himself. 350 00:23:10.279 --> 00:23:14.559 To complete such unparalleled barbarity, we were informed that an 351 00:23:14.599 --> 00:23:19.400 execution in the house would shortly take place. Ah, what 352 00:23:19.480 --> 00:23:22.440 can we do? But what we did? We sighed and 353 00:23:22.480 --> 00:23:31.839 fainted on the sofa, Adieu Laura, Letter ten Laura In continuation, 354 00:23:33.519 --> 00:23:36.680 when we were somewhat recovered from the overpowering effusions of 355 00:23:36.720 --> 00:23:39.799 our grief. Edward desired that we would consider what was 356 00:23:39.799 --> 00:23:43.079 the most prudent step to be taken in our unhappy situation, 357 00:23:43.839 --> 00:23:46.880 while he repaired to his imprisoned friend to lament over 358 00:23:46.920 --> 00:23:51.160 his misfortunes. We promised that we would, and he set 359 00:23:51.240 --> 00:23:55.319 forwards on his journey to town. During his absence, we 360 00:23:55.440 --> 00:23:59.519 faithfully complied with his desire, and, after the most mature deliberation, 361 00:24:00.119 --> 00:24:02.680 at length agreed that the best thing we could do 362 00:24:03.000 --> 00:24:06.000 was to leave the house of which we every moment 363 00:24:06.319 --> 00:24:11.480 expected the office of Justice to take possession. We waited, therefore, 364 00:24:11.599 --> 00:24:14.799 with the greatest impatience for the return of Edward, in 365 00:24:14.880 --> 00:24:18.480 order to impart to him the result of our deliberations. 366 00:24:19.079 --> 00:24:22.720 But no Edward appeared in vain. Did we count the 367 00:24:22.759 --> 00:24:25.799 tedious moments of his absence in vain? Did we weep 368 00:24:26.319 --> 00:24:30.920 in vain? Even did we sigh? No Edward returned. This 369 00:24:31.119 --> 00:24:35.119 was too cruel, too unexpected, a blow to our gentle sensibility. 370 00:24:35.440 --> 00:24:40.039 We could not support it. We could only faint at length, 371 00:24:40.400 --> 00:24:43.759 collecting all the resolution I was mistress of, I arose 372 00:24:44.519 --> 00:24:48.279 and after packing up some necessary apparel for Sophia and myself. 373 00:24:48.839 --> 00:24:51.200 I dragged her to a carriage I had ordered, and 374 00:24:51.240 --> 00:24:55.240 we instantly set out for London. As the habitation of 375 00:24:55.279 --> 00:24:58.640 Augustus was within twelve miles of town. It was not 376 00:24:58.759 --> 00:25:01.720 long ere we arrived there, and no sooner had we 377 00:25:01.799 --> 00:25:04.799 entered Hoburn than letting down one of the front glasses. 378 00:25:05.200 --> 00:25:07.799 I inquired of every decent looking person that we passed 379 00:25:08.079 --> 00:25:11.680 if they had seen my Edward. But as we drove 380 00:25:11.720 --> 00:25:14.680 too rapidly to allow them to answer my repeated inquiries, 381 00:25:15.079 --> 00:25:19.359 I gained little, or indeed no information concerning him. Where 382 00:25:19.400 --> 00:25:24.519 am I to drive, said the postilion, to Newgate? Gentle youth, replied, 383 00:25:24.519 --> 00:25:29.240 I to see Augustus. Oh no, no, exclaimed Sophia. I 384 00:25:29.279 --> 00:25:31.839 cannot go to Newgate. I shall not be able to 385 00:25:31.839 --> 00:25:35.119 support the sight of my Augustus in so cruel a confinement. 386 00:25:35.799 --> 00:25:38.960 My feelings are sufficiently shocked by the recital of his distress, 387 00:25:39.359 --> 00:25:43.319 but to behold it will overpower my sensibility. As I 388 00:25:43.359 --> 00:25:46.119 perfectly agreed with her in the justice of her sentiments, 389 00:25:46.519 --> 00:25:49.799 the postilion was instantly directed to return into the country. 390 00:25:50.799 --> 00:25:54.039 You may perhaps have been somewhat surprised my dearest mari Anne, 391 00:25:54.359 --> 00:25:57.880 that in the distress I then endured, destitute of any support, 392 00:25:58.279 --> 00:26:01.960 an unprovided with any habitation, I should never once have 393 00:26:02.000 --> 00:26:05.279 remembered my father and mother, or my paternal cottage in 394 00:26:05.319 --> 00:26:09.640 the Veil of Usk. To account for this seeming forgetfulness, 395 00:26:09.920 --> 00:26:13.039 I must inform you of a trifling circumstance concerning them, 396 00:26:13.400 --> 00:26:17.279 which I have as yet never mentioned. The death of 397 00:26:17.279 --> 00:26:20.000 my parents a few weeks after my departure is the 398 00:26:20.039 --> 00:26:24.759 circumstance I allude to. By their decease, I became the 399 00:26:24.799 --> 00:26:29.279 lawful inheritress of their house and fortune, but alas the 400 00:26:29.359 --> 00:26:32.400 house had never been their own, and their fortune had 401 00:26:32.400 --> 00:26:36.319