LETTER XI.CharlestoWilliam.
Dr. Bartlett went this morning to visit an old friend, and left me to comfort the females, as he, smiling, said, who would have been quite disconsolate, if they had lost both their beaux at once. I enjoy here all the pleasures of the country; ride, walk, and go on the water, with the sons of a neighbouring clergyman, whom he has educated himself. They are modest, sensible young men, and so far advanced in their studies, that I felt yesterday evening, after our conversation, a little vexed with myself for not having made a better use of my time; I shall rub the dust off my Greek and Latin books when I return to Grandison Hall. Yet in spite of their knowledge, they havenot neglected accomplishments; I assure you, we had, yesterday evening, a very good concert, in which they bore a part—but I am interrupted.
I have been very much shocked—a messenger brought me a letter from my poor cousin Edward, scarcely legible, for it must have been written by a trembling hand—in short, William, he has been wounded in a duel, and intreats me to come tohim. Heaven knows what danger he may be in; and as to his antagonist, the letter is quite silent in this respect; I fear, lest he should have the blood of a fellow-creature on his head. What can I do, his letter is very pressing, and the danger immediate and great; I do not like to go without consulting my tutor; and yet, if I wait for it, Edward may expire before I see him; besides, I do not wish to interrupt the pleasure he has promised himself in the society of an old college friend,whom he has not seen these ten years: Harry, too, is gone with him.—I must consider a moment—Well, my friend, I am going; they are now saddling my horse, and the kind mistress of the house has recommended an honest young man, who is acquainted with the road, to accompany me. As the Doctor is not expected home these two or three days, I hope, before his return, to send him a more satisfactory account of an affair, which I know will make him very uneasy, for he has always considered his pupils in the light of children. Should he return before my letter can reach this house, his sister will account for my conduct, which meets with her approbation. Farewell, I have at least forty miles to ride before night.
CHARLES.
CHARLES.
CHARLES.
CHARLES.