LADY Isabella, for the first two or three miles, left Camilla uninterruptedly to her own thoughts; she then endeavoured to engage her in some discourse1, but was soon forced to desist. Her misery2 exceeded all measure of restraint, all power of effort. Her Father in prison! and for her own debts! The picture was too horrible for her view, yet too adhesive3 to all her thoughts, all her feelings, all her faculties4, to be removed from them a moment. Penetrated5 by what she owed to Lady Isabella, she frequently took her hand, pressed it between her own, pressed it to her lips; but could shew her no other gratitude7, and force herself to no other exertion8.
It was still early, they travelled post, and with four horses, and arrived at Winchester before eight o’clock.
Shaking, she entered the town, half fainting, half dead. Lady Isabella would have driven straight on to Etherington, which was but a stage further; but to enter the rectory, whence the Rector himself was torn– ‘No!’ cried she, ‘no! there where abides9 my Father, there alone will I abide10! No roof shall cover my head, but that which covers his! I have no wish but to sink at his feet-to crawl in the dust-to confine myself to the hardest labour for the remnant of my miserable11 existence, so it might expiate12 but this guilty outrage13!’
Lady Isabella took not any advantage of the anguish14 that was thus bursting forth15 with secret history; she was too delicate and too good to seize such a moment for surprising confidence, and only enquired16 if she had any friend in the town, who could direct her whither to go, and accompany as well as direct.
She knew no one with sufficient intimacy18 to endure presenting herself to them upon such an occasion; and preferred proceeding19 alone to the sad and cruel interview. Lady Isabella ordered the chaise to an hotel, where she was shewn into a room upstairs, whence she sent one of her own servants to enquire17 out where debtors20 were confined, and if Mr. Tyrold were in custody21: charging him not to name, from whom or why he came, and begging Camilla to get ready a note to prepare her Father for the meeting, and prevent any affecting surprise. She then went to chuse herself a chamber22, determined23 not to quit her voluntary charge, till she saw her in the hands of her own friends.
Camilla could not write: to kneel, to weep, to sue, was all she could bear to plan; to present to him the sight of her hand writing she had not courage.
Presently she heard a chaise drive rapidly through the inn gate: it might be him, perhaps released; she flew down the stairs with that wild hope; but no sooner had descended26 them, than a dread27 of his view took its place, and she ran back: she stopt, however, in the landing place, to hear who entered.
Suddenly a voice struck her ear that made her start; that vibrated quick to her heart, and there seemed to arrest the springs of life; she thought it the voice of her Mother–
It ceased to speak; and she dropt on one knee, inwardly, but fervently28 praying her senses might deceive her.
Again, however, and more distinctly, it reached her; doubt then ceased, and terrour next to horrour took its place. What was said she knew not, her trepidation29 was too great to take in more than the sound.
Prostrate30 she fell on the floor; but hearing a waiter say, ‘Up stairs, madam, you may have a room to yourself.’ She started, rose, and rushing violently back to the apartment she had quitted, bolted herself in; exclaiming, ‘I am not worthy31 to see you, my Mother! I have cast my Father into prison-and I know you will abhor32 me!’
She then sat down against the door, to listen if she were pursued; she heard a footstep, a female step; she concluded it that of her Mother; ‘She can come,’ cried she, ‘but to give me her malediction33!’ And flew frantic34 about the room, looking for any means of escape, yet perceiving only the window, whence she must be dashed to destruction.
She now heard a hand upon the lock of the door. ‘O that I could die! that I could die!’ she cried, madly advancing to the window, and throwing up the sash, yet with quick instinctive35 repentance36 pulling it down, shuddering37 and exclaiming: ‘Is there no death for me but murder-no murder but suicide?’
A voice now found its way through her cries to her ear, that said, ‘It is me, my dear Miss Tyrold; will you not admit me?’
It was Lady Isabella; but her Mother might be with her: she could not, however, refuse to open the door, though desperately38 she said to herself: If she is there, I will pass her, and rush into the streets!
Seeing, however, Lady Isabella alone, she dropt on her knees, ejaculating ‘Thank Heaven! thank Heaven! one moment yet I am spared!’
‘What is it, my dear Miss Tyrold,’ said Lady Isabella, ‘that causes you this sudden agony? what can it be that thus dreadfully disorders39 you?’
‘Is she with you?’ cried she, in a voice scarce audible, ‘does she follow me? does she demand my Father?’
‘Rise, dear madam, and compose yourself. If you mean a Lady whom this minute I have passed, and whose countenance40 so much resembles yours, that I thought her at once some near relation, she is just gone from this house.’
‘Thank Heaven! thank Heaven!’ again ejaculated the prostrate Camilla; ‘My Mother is spared a little longer the dreadful sight of all she must now most abominate41 upon earth!’
She then begged Lady Isabella instantly to order the chaise, and return to town.
‘On the contrary,’ answered her Ladyship, extremely surprised at so wild a request, ‘Let me rather, myself, carry you to your family.’
‘O no, Lady Isabella, no!’ cried Camilla, speaking with frightful42 rapidity, and shaking in every limb, ‘all now is changed. I came to wait upon my Father-to humble43 myself at his feet-not to obtrude44 myself upon my Mother!–O Lady Isabella!-l shall have broken her heart-and I dare not offend her with my sight!’
Lady Isabella, with the most judicious45 gentleness, endeavoured to render her more reasonable.
‘I pretend not,’ she said, ‘to decide upon your situation, though I comprehend its general affliction: yet still, and at all events, its termination must be a meeting. Suffer me, therefore, rather to hasten than retard46 so right a measure. Allow of my mediation47, and give me the infinite pleasure of leaving you in the hands of your friends.’
Camilla, though scarcely able to articulate her words, declared again the motive48 to her journey was at an end; that her Father had now one to watch, soothe49, and attend him, who had none of her dreadful drawbacks to consoling powers; and that she would remain at Mrs. Berlinton’s till summoned home by their immediate50 commands.
Lady Isabella began pleading their own rights to decide if or not the meeting should be deferred51: but wildly interrupting her, ‘You know not,’ she cried, ‘what it is you ask. I have not nerves, I have not hardiness52 to force myself into such a presence. An injured Father... an offended Mother... O Lady Isabella! if you knew how I adore-and how I have ruined them!... ’
‘Let me go to them from you, myself; let me represent your situation. They are now probably together. That Lady whom I saw but from the stairs, though her countenance so much struck me, and whom I now conclude to be Mrs. Tyrold, said, as she passed, ‘I shall walk; I only want a guide;’–
‘They had not, then, even met!’ cried Camilla, starting up with fresh horrour; ‘she is but just arrived-has but just been at Etherington-and there heard-that her husband was in prison-and in prison for the debts of her daughter! her guilty-perhaps reprobated daughter!’–
Again, wringing53 her hands, half distracted, ‘O, that the earth,’ she cried, ‘had received me, ere I quitted the parental54 roof! Innocent I had then died, beloved, regretted,-no shame would have embittered55 my Father’s sorrow-no wrath56 my Mother’s -no culpable57 misconduct would have blighted58 with disgrace their so long-long wished-for meeting!’
The compassionating59, yet judicious Lady Isabella, willing to shorten the sufferings she pitied, made yet another effort to prevent this unadvised return, by proposing they should both sleep this night at Winchester, that Camilla might gather some particulars of her family, and some composure for herself, to better judge what step to pursue. But all desire of meeting was now converted into horrour; she was too much known in the neighbourhood to escape being recognized if she stayed till the morning, and her shattered intellects, she declared, could not bear passing a whole night in expectation of a discovery through some accident. ‘Have I not already,’ cried she, ‘heard her voice and fled its sound? judge then, Lady Isabella, if I can present myself before her! No, I must write, first. I have a long and dreadful history to relate-and then, when she has heard it-and when the rectory has again its reverend master-and when they find some little palliation, where now they can see only guilt-and when all is committed without disguise to their goodness-their mercy-they may say to me perhaps themselves: Unhappy Camilla! thou hast paid thy just penalty; come home, then, to thy parents’ roof, thou penitent61 child!’
Lady Isabella knew too little of the characters with which she had to deal, to judge if it would be right to insist any further: she ordered, therefore, fresh horses to her chaise, and as soon as her footman came back, who brought the now useless direction where Mr. Tyrold was to be found, they galloped62 out of Winchester.
At Alton they stopt to sleep; and, her immediate terrour removed, she became more sensible of what she owed to Lady Isabella, to whom, in the course of the evening, she recounted frankly63 the whole history of her debts, except what related to Lionel.
‘Your Ladyship hears me,’ said she, in conclusion, ‘with the patience of benevolence64, though I fear, with the censure65 of all judgment66. What evils have accrued67 from want of consideration and foresight68! My errours have all been doubled by concealment-every mischief69 has been augmented70 by delay. O, Lady Isabella! how sad an example shall I add to your powers of benign71 instruction!–From day to day, from hour to hour, I planned expedients72, where I ought to have made confessions73! To avoid one dreadful-but direct evil, what I have suffered has been nearly intolerable-what I have inflicted74, unpardonable!’
Lady Isabella, much touched by her openness and confidence, repaid them by all that compassion60 could suggest, or that a sincere disposition75 towards esteem76 could anticipate of kindness. She gathered the amount of the sum for which Mr. Tyrold was confined, and besought77 Camilla to let it less weigh upon her spirits, as she could herself undertake that Lord O’Lerney would accommodate him with it immediately, and wait his perfect leisure for re-payment. ‘I have known him,’ said she, ‘from a child, and have always seen, with respect and admiration78, the prompt pleasure with which he rather seizes than accepts every opportunity to do good.’
Camilla returned the most grateful thanks; but acknowledged she had no apprehension79 but that the writ24 would immediately be withdrawn80, as the county was almost filled with friends to her Father, who would come forward upon such an occasion. ‘What rests thus upon my mind,’ said she, ‘and what upon his-and upon my Mother’s will rest-is the disgrace-and the cause! the one so public, the other so clandestine81! And besides, though this debt will be easily discharged, its payment by a loan is but incurring82 another: and how that is to be paid, I know not indeed. Alas83! Lady Isabella!-the Father I have thus dreadfully involved, has hitherto, throughout his exemplary life, held it a sacred duty to adapt his expences to his income!’
Again Lady Isabella gave what consolation84 she could bestow85; and in return for her trust, said she would speak to her with sincerity86 upon a point of much delicacy87. It was of her friend, Mrs. Berlinton; ‘who now,’ said she, ‘you are not, perhaps, aware, is become a general topic of discourse. To the platonics, with which she set out in life, she has, of late, joined coquetry; nor even there stops the ardour with which she seeks to animate88 her existence; to two characters, hitherto thought the most contradictory89, the sentimental90 and the flirting91, she unites yet a third, till now believed incompatible92 with the pleasures and pursuits of either; this, I need not tell you, is that of a gamestress. And when to three such attributes is added an open aversion to her husband, a professed93, an even boasted hatred94 of his person, his name, his very being-what hope can be entertained, be her heart, her intentions what they may, that the various dangers she sets at defiance95, will not ultimately take their revenge, and surprise her in their trammels?’
Edgar himself seemed, to Camilla, to be speaking in this representation; and that idea made it catch her attention, in the midst of her utmost misery. She urged, however, all she knew, and could suggest, in favour of Mrs. Berlinton; and Lady Isabella expressed much concern in occasioning her any painful sensations. ‘But who,’ said she, ‘can see you thus nearly, and not be interested in your happiness? And I have known, alas!-though I am still under thirty, instances innumerable of self-deluded young women, who trusting to their own pure intentions, have neither feared nor heeded96 the dangers which encircled them, till imperceptibly, from the insidious97 influence of levity98, they have pursued the very course they began with disclaiming99, and followed the very steps from which at first they unaffectedly recoiled101.’
Instructed and grateful, though incapable102 of being tranquillised, Camilla the next day reached Grosvenor Square long before her fair friend had left her downy pillow. Lady Isabella exacted a promise to be informed of her proceedings103, and, loaded with merited acknowledgments, returned to her own mansion104.
Camilla took possession of the first room in which she found a pen and ink, and wrote instantly to Lavinia a short, rapid, and incoherent letter, upon the distraction105 of her mind at the dreadful calamity106 she had occasioned her Father, and the accumulated horrours to which her Mother had returned. She durst not present herself before them uncalled, not even by letter; but she would live in the strictest retirement107 and penance108 till they ordered her home, for which epoch109, not more longed than dreaded110, she besought her sister’s mediation.
This sent off, she forced herself to wait upon Miss Margland, who had received an answer from Cleves to continue in town till Indiana wrote or re-appeared. She was put immediately into uncommon111 good-humour, by the ill success at the journey of Camilla, which she protested was exactly what she expected.
Camilla then strove to recollect112 all she had been told by Lord O’Lerney of Mr. Macdersey, and to relate it to Miss Margland, who, pleased and surprised, undertook to write it to Sir Hugh.
To three days of dreadful suspense113 she now saw herself inevitably114 condemned115, in waiting an answer from Lavinia: but as her eyes were opened to remark, by the admonitions of Lady Isabella, and her attention was called back to the earlier cautions of Edgar, her time, though spent with misery, hung not upon her unoccupied. She thought herself called upon by every tie of friendship, faithfully and courageously116 to represent to Mrs. Berlinton her impropriety of conduct with regard to Bellamy, and the reports that were spread abroad to her more general disadvantage.
Her reception from that Lady, she had thought, for the first time, cold. She had welcomed her, indeed, with an accustomed embrace, but her kindness seemed strained, her smile was faint, and the eyes which so softly used to second it, were averted117.
As soon as they were alone together, Camilla took her hand; but, without returning its pressure, Mrs. Berlinton presented her with a new poem for her evening’s amusement.
Camilla put it down, but while hesitating how to begin, Bellamy was announced. She started, and flew away, but returned when he was gone, and begged a conference.
Mrs. Berlinton answered certainly; though she looked embarrassed, and added not immediately, as she was obliged to dress for the evening.
Camilla entreated118 she might speak with her before dinner the next day.
To this she received a gentle assent119: but no interview at the time appointed took place; and when at dinner they met, no notice was taken of the neglect.
She now saw she was pointedly120 avoided. Her courage, however, was called upon, her gratitude was indebted for past kindnesses, and her honour felt a double engagement. The opportunity therefore she could not obtain by request, she resolved to seize by surprise.
Bellamy was again, however, announced; but the moment that, from her own chamber, she heard him descend25 the stairs, she flew to the dressing-room, and abruptly121 entered it.
The surprise she gave was not greater than that she received. Mrs. Berlinton, her fine eyes streaming with tears, and her white hands uplifted with an air of supplication122, was evidently in an act of devotion. Camilla drew back, and would have retired123, but she hastily dried her eyes, and said: ‘Miss Tyrold? Do you want me? where’s Miss–Miss Margland?’
‘Ah! my dearest Mrs. Berlinton! my friend, as I had hoped, and by me, surely I trust loved for ever,’ cried Camilla, throwing her arms round her neck, ‘why this sorrow? why this distance? why this unkind avoidance?’
Mrs. Berlinton, who, at first, had shrunk from her embrace, now fell, in trembling agitation124, upon her breast. Camilla hoped this was the instant to improve; when she appeared to be, herself, calling religion to her aid, and when the tenderness of her appeal seemed to bring back a movement of her first partiality. ‘Suffer, suffer me,’ she therefore cried, ‘to speak to you now! hear me, my dear and amiable125 friend, with the sweetness that first won my affection!’
Mrs. Berlinton, affrighted, drew back, acknowledging herself unhappy; but shrinking from all discourse, and starting when Camilla named Bellamy, with a confusion she vainly strove to repress.
Unhackneyed in the world as was Camilla, her understanding and sense of right stood here in the place of experience, to point out the danger and impropriety surrounding her friend; and catching126 her by the gown, as she would have quitted the room, ‘Mrs. Berlinton,’ she emphatically cried, ‘if you persist in this unhappy, this perilous127 intercourse128, you risk your reputation, you risk my sister’s peace, you risk even your own future condemnation129!–O forgive me, forgive me! I see how I have affected100 you-but you would listen to no milder words!’
Mrs. Berlinton had sunk upon a chair, her hands clasped upon for forehead, and tears running rapidly down her cheeks. Brought up with religious terrours, yet ill instructed in religious principles, the dread of future punishment nearly demolished130 her, though no regular creed131 of right kept her consistently or systematically132 in any uniform exercise of good. But thus forcibly surprised into sudden conscientious133 recollections, she betrayed, rather than opened her heart, and acknowledged that she was weeping at a denial she had given to Bellamy; who, molested134 by the impossibility of ever conversing135 with her undisturbed, had entreated her to grant him, from time to time, a few hours society, in a peaceful retirement. ‘Nor should I-nor could I–’ she cried’ ‘refuse him-for I have every reliance in his honour-but that the guilty world, ignorant of the purity of our friendship, might causelessly alarm my brother for my fame. And this, and the fear of any-though so groundless-uneasiness to your sister, makes me resist his powerful eloquence136, and even my own notions of what is due to our exalted137 league of friendship.’
Camilla listened with horrour to this avowal138, yet saw, with compassion, that her friend endeavoured to persuade herself she was free from wrong; though with censure that she sought to gloss139 over, rather than investigate, every doubt to the contrary: but while fear was predominant for the event of such a situation to herself, abhorrence140 filled her whole mind against Bellamy, in every part, every plan, and every probability of the business.
‘O Mrs. Berlinton!’ she cried, ‘conquer this terrible infatuation, which obscures danger from your sight, and right from your discernment! Mr. Bellamy is married; and if you think, yourself, my sister would be hurt to know of these unhallowed leagues and bonds, you must be sure, with the least reflection, that they are wrong; you too, are married; and if Mr. Melmond would join with the world in contemning141 the extraordinary project you mention, you must feel, with the least reflexion, it ought not to be granted. Even were you both single, it would be equally improper142, though not so wide spreading in its mischief. I have committed many errours; yet not one of them wilfully143, or against conviction: nevertheless, the ill consequences that have ensued, tear me at this moment with repentant144 sorrow:–Ah! think then, what you-so tender, so susceptible145, so feeling, will suffer, if with your apprehensions146 all awake, you listen to any request that may make my sister unhappy, or involve your deserving brother in any difficulty or hazard!’
Mrs. Berlinton was now subdued147. Touched, terrified, and convinced, she embraced Camilla, wept in her arms, and promised to see Bellamy no more.
The next day arrived an answer from Lavinia, long, minute, and melancholy148, but tenderly affectionate and replete149 with pity.
‘Ah, my sister,’ she began, ‘we cannot yet meet! Our Mother is in no state to bear any added emotion. The firmness of her whole character, the fortitude150 of her whole life, hitherto unbroken by any passion, and superior to any misfortune, have both given way, suddenly and dreadfully, to the scene following her arrival.’
She then went back to particulars.
Mr. Clykes, she had heard, finding his bill for his own trouble positively151 refused, had conceived the Tyrold family in danger of bankruptcy152, by the general rumours153 of the joint154 claimants of Lionel and Clermont; and imagining he had no time to lose, hoped by an arrest to frighten their Father to terms, in order to obviate155 the disgrace of such a measure. Their Father would, however, hear of none, nor pay any thing above the exact amount of the signed receipts of the various creditors156; and submitted to the confinement157, in preference to applying to any friend to be his bail158, till he could consult with a lawyer. He was already at Winchester, where he had given Clykes a meeting, when the writ was served against him. He sent a dispatch to Etherington, to prevent any surprise at his not returning, and to desire the affair might not travel to Cleves, where Lavinia was then with Sir Hugh. This note, addressed to the upper servant, fell into the hands of Mrs. Tyrold herself, the next evening, upon her sudden arrival. She had been thus unexpectedly brought back by the news of the flight of Bellamy with Eugenia: her brother was still ill; but every consideration gave way to the maternal159; and in the hope to yet rescue her daughter from this violator, she set off in a packet which was just sailing. But what, upon descending160 from the chaise, was the horrour of her first news! She went on instantly to Winchester, and alighting at an hotel, took a guide and went to the place of confinement.
‘The meeting that ensued,’ continued Lavinia, ‘no one witnessed, but everyone may imagine. I will not therefore, wound your feelings, my dearest Camilla, with even touching161 upon my own. The impression, however, left upon the mind of our Poor Mother, I should try vainly to disguise, since it has given her a shock that has forced from me the opening of this letter.’
She then besought her to take, nevertheless, some comfort, since she had the unspeakable satisfaction to inform her that their Father was returned to the rectory. He had been liberated162, from the writ’s being withdrawn; though without his consent, without even his knowledge, and contrary to his wishes. Nor was it yet ascertained163 by whom this was done, though circumstances allowed no division to their conjectures164.
Harry165 Westwyn had learnt the terrible event in a ride he had accidentally taken to Winchester; and, upon returning to Cleves, had communicated it, with the most feeling circumspection166, to herself. The excess of grief with which she had heard him, had seemed to penetrate6 to his quickly sensitive soul, ‘for he is yet more amiable,’ she added, ‘than his Father’s partiality paints him;’ they agreed not to name it to Sir Hugh; though Harry assured her that no less than five gentlemen in the vicinity had already flown to Mr. Tyrold, to conjure167 to be accepted as his bail: but he chose first to consult his lawyer upon the validity of the claim made against him. All their care, however, was ineffectual; through some of the servants, Sir Hugh was informed of the affair, and his affliction was despair. He accused himself as being the cause of this evil, from the money he had borrowed for Clermont, which might wholly have been avoided, had he followed his brother’s advice in immediate and severe retrenchments. These, however, he now began, in a manner that threatened to rob him of every comfort; and Mr. Westwyn was so much affected by his distress168, that, to relieve him, at least, from the expence of two guests and their servants, he instantly took leave, promising169 nevertheless, to yet see him again, before he returned for the rest of his days to his native home. In a few hours after the departure of these gentlemen, news arrived that Mr. Tyrold was again at the rectory. Mr. Clykes had suddenly sent his receipt, in full of all demands, and then set off for London.
‘There cannot be a doubt this was the deed of the generous Mr. Westwyn, in compact with his deserving Son,’ continued Lavinia; ‘they have been traced to Winchester; but we none of us know where, at present, to direct to them. The delight of my Uncle at this act of his worthy old friend, has extremely revived him. My Father is much dissatisfied the wretched Clykes should thus be paid all his fraudulent claims; but my Mother and my Uncle would, I believe, scarce have supported life under his longer confinement.’
The letter thus concluded.
‘My Mother, when first she heard you were in town, was herself going to send for you; but when she understood that Miss Margland was with you, and you lived in utter seclusion171 from company, she said; “Since she is safe, I had rather not yet see her.” Our beloved Father acquiesces172, for he thinks you, at present, too much shaken, as well as herself, for so agitating173 an interview, till her mind is restored to its usual firmness. Judge then, my sister, since even he is for the delay, if your Lavinia can gather courage to plead against it?
‘You know, my dearest Camilla, her extreme and tender fondness; you cannot, therefore, doubt, but her displeasure will soon pass away. But when, to the dreadful pangs174 of finding the hapless fate of Eugenia irremediable, was added the baneful175 sight of an adored Husband in custody, you cannot wonder such complicate176 shocks should have disordered her frame, and taught her,-even her, as my incomparable Father has just said to me, “that always to be superior to calamity, demands a mental strength beyond the frail177 texture178 of the human composition; though to wish, and to try for it, shews we have that within, which aspires179 at a higher state, and prepares us for fuller perfection”.
‘Can I better finish my letter than with words such as these? Adieu, then, my dear sister, I hope soon to write more chearful tidings.
‘Our poor Mother is gone to Belfont. What a meeting again there!
LAVINIA TYROLD.’
A wish for death, immediate death, in common with every youthful mourner, in the first paroxysm of violent sorrow, was the sole sensation which accompanied the reading, or remained after the finishing of this letter, with Camilla. ‘Here,’ she cried, falling prostrate, ‘here might I but at once expire! close these unworthy eyes, forbidden to raise themselves to the authors of my existence! finish my short and culpable career, forgotten-since no longer cherished-by the parents I have offended-by the Mother who no longer wishes to see me!’
She laid down her head, and her sight became dim; a convulsive shivering, from feelings over-strained, and nerves dreadfully shattered, seized her; she sighed short and quick, and thought her prayer already accomplishing; but the delusion180 soon ceased; she found life still in its vigour181, though bereft182 of its joy; and death no nearer to her frame, for being called upon by her wishes.
In the heaviness of disappointment, ‘I have lived,’ she cried, ‘too long, and yet I cannot die! I am become an alien to my family, and a burthen to myself! ordered from my home by my Father, lest my sight should be destructive to my Mother-while my sister durst not even plead for me.... O happy Edgar! how great has been thy escape not to have taken for thy wife this excommunicated wretch170!’–
To live thus, seemed to her impossible; to pass even the day in such wretchedness she believed impracticable. Any, every period appeared to her preferable, and in the desperation of her heart, she determined instantly to pursue her Mother to Belfont; and there, by the gentle intercession of Eugenia, to obtain her pardon, or, which she thought immediately would follow its refusal, to sink to death at her feet.
Relieved from the intenseness of her agony by this plan, and ever eager to pursue the first idea that arose, she flew to borrow from Mrs. Berlinton her post-chaise for the next morning, and to supplicate183 that Miss Margland would accompany her to Belfont; whence, if she missed Mrs. Tyrold, they could easily return the same day, as the distance was not more than thirteen miles.
The chaise was accorded promptly184 by Mrs. Berlinton, and no regret expressed at the uncertainty185 of Camilla whether or not she should return; but Miss Margland, though burning with curiosity to see Eugenia as Mrs. Bellamy, would not quit town, from continual expectation of some news of Indiana.
At an early hour the following morning, and feeling as if suspended but by a thread between life and death, Camilla set off for Belfont.
收听单词发音 |
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discourse
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| n.论文，演说；谈话；话语；vi.讲述，著述 | |
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misery
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| n.痛苦，苦恼，苦难；悲惨的境遇，贫苦 | |
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adhesive
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| n.粘合剂；adj.可粘着的，粘性的 | |
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faculties
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| n.能力( faculty的名词复数 )；全体教职员；技巧；院 | |
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penetrated
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| adj. 击穿的，鞭辟入里的 动词penetrate的过去式和过去分词形式 | |
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penetrate
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| v.透(渗)入；刺入，刺穿；洞察，了解 | |
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gratitude
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| adj.感激，感谢 | |
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exertion
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| n.尽力，努力 | |
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abides
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| 容忍( abide的第三人称单数 )； 等候； 逗留； 停留 | |
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abide
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| vi.遵守；坚持；vt.忍受 | |
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miserable
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| adj.悲惨的，痛苦的；可怜的，糟糕的 | |
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expiate
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| v.抵补，赎罪 | |
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outrage
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| n.暴行，侮辱，愤怒；vt.凌辱，激怒 | |
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anguish
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| n.(尤指心灵上的)极度痛苦，烦恼 | |
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forth
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| adv.向前；向外，往外 | |
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enquired
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| 打听( enquire的过去式和过去分词 )； 询问； 问问题； 查问 | |
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17
enquire
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| v.打听，询问；调查，查问 | |
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18
intimacy
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| n.熟悉，亲密，密切关系，亲昵的言行 | |
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19
proceeding
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| n.行动，进行，(pl.)会议录，学报 | |
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20
debtors
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| n.债务人，借方( debtor的名词复数 ) | |
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21
custody
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| n.监护，照看，羁押，拘留 | |
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22
chamber
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| n.房间，寝室；会议厅；议院；会所 | |
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23
determined
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| adj.坚定的；有决心的 | |
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24
writ
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| n.命令状，书面命令 | |
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25
descend
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| vt./vi.传下来，下来，下降 | |
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26
descended
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| a.为...后裔的，出身于...的 | |
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27
dread
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| vt.担忧，忧虑；惧怕，不敢；n.担忧，畏惧 | |
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28
fervently
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| adv.热烈地，热情地，强烈地 | |
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29
trepidation
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| n.惊恐，惶恐 | |
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30
prostrate
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| v.拜倒，平卧，衰竭；adj.拜倒的，平卧的，衰竭的 | |
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31
worthy
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| adj.(of)值得的，配得上的；有价值的 | |
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32
abhor
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| v.憎恶；痛恨 | |
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33
malediction
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| n.诅咒 | |
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34
frantic
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| adj.狂乱的，错乱的，激昂的 | |
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35
instinctive
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| adj.(出于)本能的；直觉的；(出于)天性的 | |
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36
repentance
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| n.懊悔 | |
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37
shuddering
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| v.战栗( shudder的现在分词 )；发抖；（机器、车辆等）突然震动；颤动 | |
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38
desperately
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| adv.极度渴望地，绝望地，孤注一掷地 | |
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39
disorders
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| n.混乱( disorder的名词复数 )；凌乱；骚乱；（身心、机能）失调 | |
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40
countenance
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| n.脸色，面容；面部表情；vt.支持，赞同 | |
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41
abominate
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| v.憎恨，厌恶 | |
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42
frightful
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| adj.可怕的；讨厌的 | |
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43
humble
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| adj.谦卑的，恭顺的；地位低下的；v.降低，贬低 | |
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44
obtrude
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| v.闯入；侵入；打扰 | |
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45
judicious
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| adj.明智的，明断的，能作出明智决定的 | |
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46
retard
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| n.阻止，延迟；vt.妨碍，延迟，使减速 | |
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47
mediation
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| n.调解 | |
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48
motive
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| n.动机，目的；adv.发动的，运动的 | |
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49
soothe
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| v.安慰；使平静；使减轻；缓和；奉承 | |
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50
immediate
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| adj.立即的；直接的，最接近的；紧靠的 | |
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51
deferred
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| adj.延期的，缓召的v.拖延，延缓，推迟( defer的过去式和过去分词 )；服从某人的意愿，遵从 | |
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52
hardiness
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| n.耐劳性，强壮；勇气，胆子 | |
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53
wringing
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| 淋湿的，湿透的 | |
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54
parental
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| adj.父母的；父的；母的 | |
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55
embittered
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| v.使怨恨，激怒( embitter的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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56
wrath
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| n.愤怒，愤慨，暴怒 | |
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57
culpable
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| adj.有罪的，该受谴责的 | |
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58
blighted
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| adj.枯萎的，摧毁的 | |
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59
compassionating
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| v.同情（compassionate的现在分词形式） | |
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60
compassion
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| n.同情，怜悯 | |
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61
penitent
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| adj.后悔的；n.后悔者；忏悔者 | |
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62
galloped
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| （使马）飞奔，奔驰( gallop的过去式和过去分词 )； 快速做[说]某事 | |
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63
frankly
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| adv.坦白地，直率地；坦率地说 | |
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64
benevolence
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| n.慈悲，捐助 | |
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65
censure
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| v./n.责备；非难；责难 | |
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66
judgment
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| n.审判；判断力，识别力，看法，意见 | |
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67
accrued
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| adj.权责已发生的v.增加( accrue的过去式和过去分词 )；（通过自然增长）产生；获得；（使钱款、债务）积累 | |
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68
foresight
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| n.先见之明，深谋远虑 | |
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69
mischief
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| n.损害，伤害，危害；恶作剧，捣蛋，胡闹 | |
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70
Augmented
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| adj.增音的 动词augment的过去式和过去分词形式 | |
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71
benign
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| adj.善良的，慈祥的；良性的，无危险的 | |
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72
expedients
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| n.应急有效的，权宜之计的( expedient的名词复数 ) | |
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73
confessions
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| n.承认( confession的名词复数 )；自首；声明；（向神父的）忏悔 | |
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74
inflicted
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| 把…强加给，使承受，遭受( inflict的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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75
disposition
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| n.性情，性格；意向，倾向；排列，部署 | |
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76
esteem
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| n.尊敬，尊重；vt.尊重，敬重；把…看作 | |
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77
besought
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| v.恳求，乞求（某事物）( beseech的过去式和过去分词 )；(beseech的过去式与过去分词) | |
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78
admiration
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| n.钦佩，赞美，羡慕 | |
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79
apprehension
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| n.理解，领悟；逮捕，拘捕；忧虑 | |
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80
withdrawn
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| vt.收回；使退出；vi.撤退，退出 | |
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81
clandestine
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| adj.秘密的，暗中从事的 | |
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82
incurring
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| 遭受，招致，引起( incur的现在分词 ) | |
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83
alas
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| int.唉(表示悲伤、忧愁、恐惧等) | |
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84
consolation
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| n.安慰，慰问 | |
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85
bestow
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| v.把…赠与，把…授予；花费 | |
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86
sincerity
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| n.真诚，诚意；真实 | |
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87
delicacy
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| n.精致，细微，微妙，精良；美味，佳肴 | |
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88
animate
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| v.赋于生命，鼓励；adj.有生命的，有生气的 | |
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89
contradictory
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|
| adj.反驳的，反对的，抗辩的；n.正反对，矛盾对立 | |
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90
sentimental
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| adj.多愁善感的，感伤的 | |
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91
flirting
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| v.调情，打情骂俏( flirt的现在分词 ) | |
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92
incompatible
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| adj.不相容的，不协调的，不相配的 | |
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93
professed
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| 公开声称的，伪称的，已立誓信教的 | |
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94
hatred
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| n.憎恶，憎恨，仇恨 | |
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95
defiance
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| n.挑战，挑衅，蔑视，违抗 | |
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96
heeded
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| v.听某人的劝告，听从( heed的过去式和过去分词 )；变平，使（某物）变平( flatten的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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97
insidious
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| adj.阴险的，隐匿的，暗中为害的，（疾病）不知不觉之间加剧 | |
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98
levity
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| n.轻率，轻浮，不稳定，多变 | |
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99
disclaiming
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| v.否认( disclaim的现在分词 ) | |
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100
affected
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| adj.不自然的，假装的 | |
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101
recoiled
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| v.畏缩( recoil的过去式和过去分词 )；退缩；报应；返回 | |
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102
incapable
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| adj.无能力的，不能做某事的 | |
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103
proceedings
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| n.进程，过程，议程；诉讼(程序)；公报 | |
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104
mansion
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| n.大厦，大楼；宅第 | |
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105
distraction
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| n.精神涣散，精神不集中，消遣，娱乐 | |
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106
calamity
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| n.灾害，祸患，不幸事件 | |
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107
retirement
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| n.退休，退职 | |
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108
penance
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| n.（赎罪的）惩罪 | |
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109
epoch
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| n.(新)时代；历元 | |
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110
dreaded
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| adj.令人畏惧的；害怕的v.害怕，恐惧，担心( dread的过去式和过去分词) | |
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111
uncommon
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| adj.罕见的，非凡的，不平常的 | |
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112
recollect
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| v.回忆，想起，记起，忆起，记得 | |
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113
suspense
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| n.（对可能发生的事）紧张感，担心，挂虑 | |
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114
inevitably
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| adv.不可避免地；必然发生地 | |
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115
condemned
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| adj. 被责难的, 被宣告有罪的 动词condemn的过去式和过去分词 | |
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116
courageously
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| ad.勇敢地，无畏地 | |
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117
averted
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| 防止，避免( avert的过去式和过去分词 )； 转移 | |
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118
entreated
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| 恳求，乞求( entreat的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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119
assent
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| v.批准，认可；n.批准，认可 | |
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120
pointedly
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| adv.尖地，明显地 | |
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121
abruptly
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| adv.突然地，出其不意地 | |
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122
supplication
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| n.恳求，祈愿，哀求 | |
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123
retired
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| adj.隐退的，退休的，退役的 | |
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124
agitation
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| n.搅动；搅拌；鼓动，煽动 | |
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125
amiable
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| adj.和蔼可亲的，友善的，亲切的 | |
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126
catching
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| adj.易传染的，有魅力的，迷人的，接住 | |
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127
perilous
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| adj.危险的，冒险的 | |
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128
intercourse
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| n.性交；交流，交往，交际 | |
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129
condemnation
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| n.谴责; 定罪 | |
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130
demolished
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| v.摧毁( demolish的过去式和过去分词 )；推翻；拆毁（尤指大建筑物）；吃光 | |
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131
creed
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| n.信条；信念，纲领 | |
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132
systematically
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| adv.有系统地 | |
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133
conscientious
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| adj.审慎正直的，认真的，本着良心的 | |
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134
molested
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| v.骚扰( molest的过去式和过去分词 )；干扰；调戏；猥亵 | |
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135
conversing
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| v.交谈，谈话( converse的现在分词 ) | |
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136
eloquence
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| n.雄辩；口才，修辞 | |
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137
exalted
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| adj.(地位等)高的，崇高的；尊贵的，高尚的 | |
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138
avowal
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| n.公开宣称，坦白承认 | |
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139
gloss
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| n.光泽，光滑；虚饰；注释；vt.加光泽于；掩饰 | |
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140
abhorrence
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| n.憎恶；可憎恶的事 | |
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141
contemning
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| v.侮辱，蔑视( contemn的现在分词 ) | |
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142
improper
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| adj.不适当的，不合适的，不正确的，不合礼仪的 | |
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143
wilfully
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| adv.任性固执地；蓄意地 | |
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144
repentant
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| adj.对…感到悔恨的 | |
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145
susceptible
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| adj.过敏的，敏感的；易动感情的，易受感动的 | |
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146
apprehensions
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| 疑惧 | |
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147
subdued
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| adj. 屈服的，柔和的，减弱的 动词subdue的过去式和过去分词 | |
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148
melancholy
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| n.忧郁，愁思；adj.令人感伤（沮丧）的，忧郁的 | |
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149
replete
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| adj.饱满的，塞满的；n.贮蜜蚁 | |
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150
fortitude
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| n.坚忍不拔；刚毅 | |
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151
positively
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| adv.明确地，断然，坚决地；实在，确实 | |
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152
bankruptcy
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| n.破产；无偿付能力 | |
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153
rumours
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| n.传闻( rumour的名词复数 )；风闻；谣言；谣传 | |
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154
joint
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| adj.联合的，共同的；n.关节，接合处；v.连接，贴合 | |
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155
obviate
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| v.除去，排除，避免，预防 | |
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156
creditors
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| n.债权人，债主( creditor的名词复数 ) | |
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157
confinement
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| n.幽禁，拘留，监禁；分娩；限制，局限 | |
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158
bail
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| v.舀（水），保释；n.保证金，保释，保释人 | |
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159
maternal
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| adj.母亲的，母亲般的，母系的，母方的 | |
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160
descending
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| n. 下行 adj. 下降的 | |
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161
touching
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| adj.动人的，使人感伤的 | |
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162
liberated
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| a.无拘束的，放纵的 | |
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163
ascertained
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| v.弄清，确定，查明( ascertain的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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164
conjectures
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| 推测，猜想( conjecture的名词复数 ) | |
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165
harry
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| vt.掠夺，蹂躏，使苦恼 | |
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166
circumspection
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| n.细心，慎重 | |
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167
conjure
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| v.恳求，祈求；变魔术，变戏法 | |
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168
distress
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| n.苦恼，痛苦，不舒适；不幸；vt.使悲痛 | |
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169
promising
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| adj.有希望的，有前途的 | |
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170
wretch
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| n.可怜的人，不幸的人；卑鄙的人 | |
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171
seclusion
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| n.隐遁，隔离 | |
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172
acquiesces
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| v.默认，默许( acquiesce的第三人称单数 ) | |
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173
agitating
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| 搅动( agitate的现在分词 )； 激怒； 使焦虑不安； （尤指为法律、社会状况的改变而）激烈争论 | |
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174
pangs
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| 突然的剧痛( pang的名词复数 )； 悲痛 | |
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175
baneful
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| adj.有害的 | |
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176
complicate
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| vt.使复杂化，使混乱，使难懂 | |
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177
frail
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| adj.身体虚弱的；易损坏的 | |
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178
texture
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| n.(织物)质地；(材料)构造；结构；肌理 | |
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179
aspires
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| v.渴望，追求( aspire的第三人称单数 ) | |
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180
delusion
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| n.谬见，欺骗，幻觉，迷惑 | |
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181
vigour
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| （=vigor）n.智力，体力，精力 | |
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182
bereft
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| adj.被剥夺的 | |
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183
supplicate
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| v.恳求；adv.祈求地，哀求地，恳求地 | |
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184
promptly
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| adv.及时地，敏捷地 | |
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185
uncertainty
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| n.易变，靠不住，不确知，不确定的事物 | |
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