We are driving here at a strange rate.  They promised to keep measures with the dear creature; but she has heard that you are leaving Bologna, and raves to see you.

Poor soul!  She endeavoured to prevail upon her father, mother, aunt, to permit her to see you, but for five minutes:  that was the petition which was denied her, as I mentioned in my last.

Camilla was afraid that she would go into a gloomy fit upon it, as I told you—­She did; but it lasted not long:  for she made an effort, soon after, to go out of the house by way of the garden.  The gardener refused his key, and brought Camilla to her, whom she had, by an innocent piece of art, but just before, sent to bring her something from her toilette.

The general went with Camilla to her.  They found her just setting a ladder against the wall.  She heard them, and screamed, and, leaving the ladder, ran, to avoid them, till she came in sight of the great cascade; into which, had she not by a cross alley been intercepted by the general, it is feared she would have thrown herself.

This has terrified us all:  she begs but for one interview; one parting interview; and she promises to make herself easy:  but it is not thought advisable.  Yet Father Marescotti himself thought it best to indulge her.  Had my mother been earnest, I believe it had been granted:  but she is so much concerned at the blame she met with on permitting the last interview, that she will not contend, though she has let them know, that she did not oppose the request.

The unhappy girl ran into my chamber this morning —­Jeronymo; he will be gone! said she:  I know he will.  All I want, is but to see him!  To wish him happy!  And to know, if he will remember me when he is gone, as I shall him!—­Have you no interest, Jeronymo?  Cannot I once see him?  Not once?

The bishop, before I could answer, came in quest of her, followed by Laurana, from whom she had forcibly disengaged herself, to come to me.

Let me have but one parting interview, my lord, said she, looking to him, and clinging about my neck.  He will be gone:  gone for ever.  Is there so much in being allowed to say, Farewell, and be happy, Grandison! and excuse all the trouble I have given you?—­What has my brother’s preserver done, what have I done, that I must not see him, nor he me, for one quarter of an hour only?

Indeed, my lord, said I, she should be complied with.  Indeed she should.

My father thinks otherwise, said the bishop:  the count thinks otherwise:  I think otherwise.  Were the chevalier a common man, she might.  But she dwells upon what passed in the last interview, and his behaviour to her.  That, it is plain, did her harm.

The next may drive the thoughts of that out of her head, returned I.

Dear Jeronymo, replied he, a little peevishly, you will always think differently from every body else!  Mrs. Beaumont comes to-morrow.