Clarissa Harlowe; or the history of a young lady — Volume 9 by Samuel Richardson
page 110 of 379 (29%)
page 110 of 379 (29%)
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The maids who brought the flowers were ambitious of strewing them about it: they poured forth fresh lamentations over her; each wishing she had been so happy as to have been allowed to attend her in London. One of them particularly, who is, it seems, my cousin Arabella's personal servant, was more clamorous in her grief than any of the rest; and the moment she turned her back, all the others allowed she had reason for it. I inquired afterwards about her, and found, that this creature was set over my dear cousin, when she was confined to her chamber by indiscreet severity. Good Heaven! that they should treat, and suffer thus to be treated, a young lady, who was qualified to give laws to all her family! When my cousins were told that the lid was unscrewed, they pressed in again, all but the mournful father and mother, as if by consent. Mrs. Hervey kissed her pale lips. Flower of the world! was all she could say; and gave place to Miss Arabella; who kissing the forehead of her whom she had so cruelly treated, could only say, to my cousin James, (looking upon the corpse, and upon him,) O Brother!--While he, taking the fair, lifeless hand, kissed it, and retreated with precipitation. Her two uncles were speechless. They seemed to wait each other's example, whether to look upon the corpse, or not. I ordered the lid to be replaced; and then they pressed forward, as the others again did, to take a last farewell of the casket which so lately contained so rich a jewel. Then it was that the grief of each found fluent expression; and the fair corpse was addressed to, with all the tenderness that the sincerest love |
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