Clarissa Harlowe; or the history of a young lady — Volume 9 by Samuel Richardson
page 100 of 379 (26%)
page 100 of 379 (26%)
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said, O Cousin, Cousin, of all our family, you are the only one who have
nothing to reproach yourself with!--You are a happy man! The poor mother, bowing her head to me in speechless grief, sat with her handkerchief held to her eyes with one hand. The other hand was held by her sister Hervey, between both her's; Mrs. Hervey weeping upon it. Near the window sat Mr. John Harlowe, his face and his body turned from the sorrowing company; his eyes red and swelled. My cousin Antony, at his re-entering the parlour, went towards Mrs. Harlowe--Don't--dear Sister, said he!--Then towards my cousin Harlowe-- Don't--dear Brother!--Don't thus give way--And, without being able to say another word, went to a corner of the parlour, and, wanting himself the comfort he would fain have given, sunk into a chair, and audibly sobbed. Miss Arabella followed her uncle Antony, as he walked in before me, and seemed as if she would have spoken to the pierced mother some words of comfort. But she was unable to utter them, and got behind her mother's chair; and, inclining her face over it, on the unhappy lady's shoulder, seemed to claim the consolation that indulgent parent used, but then was unable, to afford her. Young Mr. Harlowe, with all his vehemence of spirit, was now subdued. His self-reproaching conscience, no doubt, was the cause of it. And what, Sir, must their thoughts be, which, at that moment, in a manner, deprived them of all motion, and turned their speech into sighs and groans!--How to be pitied, how greatly to be pitied! all of them! |
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