Tales and Novels Volume VIII Part 73

Richmond.

Words cannot express what I have suffered since I wrote last! Oh! why do I not bear that the danger is over!--Long since would I have been with you, all that my soul holds dear, could I have escaped from these tyrants, these medical despots, who detain me by absolute force, and watch over me with unrelenting vigilance. I have consulted Dr. ----, who a.s.sures me that my fears of my wound opening, were I to take so long a journey, are too well-founded; that in the present feverish state of my mind he would not answer for the consequences. I heed him not--life I value not.--Most joyfully would I sacrifice myself for the man I love.

But even could I escape from my persecutors, too well I know that to see you would be a vain attempt--too well I know that I should not be admitted. Your love, your fears for Olivia would barbarously banish her, and forbid her your dear, your dangerous atmosphere. Too justly would you urge that my rashness might prove our mutual ruin--that in the moment of crisis or of convalescence, anxiety for me might defeat the kind purpose of nature. And even were I secure of your recovery, the delay, I speak not of the danger of my catching the disease, would, circ.u.mstanced as we are, be death to our hopes. We should be compelled to part. The winds would waft you from me. The waves would bear you to another region, far--oh! far from your

OLIVIA.

LETTER CIII.

GENERAL B---- TO THE d.u.c.h.eSS OF ----.

MY DEAR MADAM, Yarmouth, Thursday,--.

Mr. L---- has had a relapse, and is now more alarmingly ill than I have yet seen him: he does not know his situation, for his delirium has returned. The physicians give him over. Dr. H---- says that we must prepare for the worst.

I have but one word of comfort for your Grace--that your admirable daughter's health has not yet suffered.

Your Grace's faithful servant,

J.B.

LETTER CIV.

LEONORA TO HER MOTHER.

MY DEAREST MOTHER, Yarmouth.

The delirium has subsided. A few minutes ago, as I was kneeling beside him, offering up an almost hopeless prayer for his recovery, his eyes opened, and I perceived that he knew me. He closed his eyes again without speaking, opened them once more, and then looking at me fixedly, exclaimed: "It is not a dream! You are Leonora!--_my_ Leonora!"

What exquisite pleasure I felt at the sound of these words, at the tone in which they were p.r.o.nounced! My husband folded me in his arms; and, till I felt his burning lips, I forgot that he was ill.

When he came thoroughly to his recollection, and when the idea that his fever might be infectious occurred to him, he endeavoured to prevail upon me to leave the room. But what danger can there be for me _now_?

My whole soul, my whole frame is inspired with new life. If he recover, your daughter may still be happy.

LETTER CV.

GENERAL B----TO THE d.u.c.h.eSS OF----.

My Dear Madam,

A few hours ago my friend became perfectly sensible of his danger, and calling me to his bedside, told me that he was eager to make use of the little time which he might have to live. He was quite calm and collected. He employed me to write his last wishes and bequests; and I must do him the justice to declare, that the strongest idea and feeling in his mind evidently was the desire to show his entire confidence in his wife, and to give her, in his last moments, proofs of his esteem and affection. When he had settled his affairs, he begged to be left alone for some time. Between twelve and one his bell rang, and he desired to see Lady Leonora and me. He spoke to me with that warmth of friends.h.i.+p which he has ever felt from our childhood. Then turning to his wife, his voice utterly failed, and he could only press to his lips that hand which was held out to him in speechless agony.

"Excellent woman!" he articulated at last; then collecting his mind, he exclaimed, "My beloved Leonora, I will not die without expressing my feelings for you; I know yours for me. I do not ask for that forgiveness which your generous heart granted long before I deserved it. Your affection for me has been shown by actions, at the hazard of your life; I can only thank you with weak words. You possess my whole heart, my esteem, my admiration, my grat.i.tude."

Lady Leonora, at the word _grat.i.tude_, made an effort to speak, and laid her hand upon her husband's lips. He added, in a more enthusiastic tone, "You have my undivided love. Believe in the truth of these words--perhaps they are the last I may ever speak."

My friend sunk back exhausted, and I carried Lady Leonora out of the room.

I returned half an hour ago, and found every thing silent: Mr. L---- is lying with his eyes closed--quite still--I hope asleep. This may be a favourable crisis. I cannot delay this letter longer.

Your Grace's faithful servant,

J. B.

LETTER CVI.

LEONORA TO HER MOTHER.

DEAREST MOTHER, Yarmouth.

He has slept several hours.--Dr. H----, the most skilful of all his physicians, says that we may now expect his recovery. Adieu. The good general will add a line to a.s.sure you that I am not deceived, nor too sanguine.

Yours most affectionately,

LEONORA L----.

_Postscript by General B----._

I have some hopes--that is all I can venture to say to your grace.

LETTER CVII.

LEONORA TO HER MOTHER.

DEAREST MOTHER, Yarmouth.

Excellent news for you to-day!--Mr. L---- is p.r.o.nounced out of danger.

He seems excessively touched by my coming here, and so grateful for the little kindness I have been able to show him during his illness! But alas! that fatal promise! the recollection of it comes across my mind like a spectre. Mr. L---- has never touched upon this subject,--I do all in my power to divert his thoughts to indifferent objects.

This morning when I went into his room, I found him tearing to pieces that note which I mentioned to you a few days ago. He seemed much agitated, and desired to see General B----. They are now together, and were talking so loud in the next room to me, that I was obliged to retire, lest I should overhear secrets. Mr. L---- this moment sends for me. If I should not have time to add more, this short letter will satisfy you for to-day.

Leonora L----.

I open my letter to say, that I am not so happy as I was when I began it. I have heard all the circ.u.mstances relative to this terrible affair.