[The Absentee by Maria Edgeworth]@TWC D-Link bookThe Absentee CHAPTER XVII 6/22
Then our hero proceeded with his father on his journey, and on this journey nothing happened worthy of note.
On his first perusal of the letter from Grace, Lord Colambre had feared that she would have left Buxton with Lady Berryl before he could reach it; but, upon recollection, he hoped that the few lines he had written, addressed to his mother AND Miss Nugent, with the assurance that he should be with them on Wednesday, would be sufficient to show her that some great change had happened, and consequently sufficient to prevent her from quitting her aunt, till she could know whether such a separation would be necessary.
He argued wisely, more wisely than Grace had reasoned; for, notwithstanding this note, she would have left Buxton before his arrival, but for Lady Berryl's strength of mind, and positive determination not to set out with her till Lord Colambre should arrive to explain.
In the interval, poor Grace was, indeed, in an anxious state of suspense; and her uncertainty, whether she was doing right or wrong, by staying to see Lord Colambre, tormented her most. 'My dear, you cannot help yourself; be quiet,' said Lady Berryl; 'I will take the whole upon my conscience; and I hope my conscience may never have anything worse to answer for.' Grace was the first person who, from her window, saw Lord Colambre, the instant the carriage drove to the door.
She ran to her friend Lady Berryl's apartment--'He is come!--Now, take me away!' 'Not yet, my sweet friend! Lie down upon this sofa, if you please; and keep yourself tranquil, whilst I go and see what you ought to do; and depend upon me for a true friend, in whose mind, as in your own, duty is the first object.' 'I depend on you entirely,' said Grace, sinking down on the sofa; 'and you see I obey you!' 'Many thanks to you for lying down, when you can't stand.' Lady Berryl went to Lady Clonbrony's apartment; she was met by Sir Arthur. 'Come, my love! come quick!--Lord Colambre is arrived.' 'I know it; and does he go to Ireland? Speak instantly, that I may tell Grace Nugent.' 'You can tell her nothing yet, my love; for we know nothing.
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