Glanville was going to reply, when Lucy, entering, told them her lady had ordered their admission: upon which they followed her into Arabella's chamber, who was lying negligently upon her bed.
Her deep mourning, and the black gauze, which covered part of her fair face, was so advantageous to her shape and complexion, that Sir Charles, who had not seen her since she grew up, was struck with an extreme surprise at her beauty, while his son was gazing on her so passionately, that he never thought of introducing his father to her, who contemplated her with as much admiration as his son, though with less passion.
Arabella, rising from her bed, saluted her uncle with a grace that wholly charmed him; and turning to receive Mr. Glanville, she burst into tears at the remembrance of his having assisted her in her last attendance upon her father. Alas! sir, said she, when we saw each other last, we were both engaged in a very melancholy office: had it pleased Heaven to have spared my father, he would, doubtless, have been extremely sensible of your generous cares; nor shall you have any reason to accuse me of ingratitude, since I shall always acknowledge your kindness as I ought.
If you think you owe me any obligation, returned Glanville, pay me, dearest cousin, by moderating your sorrow: indeed you suffer yourself to sink too much under an affliction which is impossible to be remedied.
Alas! answered Arabella, my grief is very slight, compared to that of many others upon the death of their relations. The great Sysigambis, who, questionless, wanted neither fortitude nor courage, upon the news of her grand-daughter's death, wrapped herself up in her veil; and, resolving never more to behold the light, waited for death in that posture.
Menecrates, upon the loss of his wife, built a magnificent tomb for her; and, shutting himself up in it, resolved to pass away the remainder of his life with her ashes. These, indeed, were glorious effects of piety and affection, and unfeigned signs of an excessive sorrow: what are the few tears I shed to such illustrious instances of grief and affection, as these?
Glanville, finding his cousin upon this strain, blushed extremely, and would have changed the subject; but the old gentleman, who had never heard of these two persons she mentioned, who expressed their sorrow for their losses in so strange a manner, was surprised at it; and was resolved to know more about them.
Pray, niece, said he, were you acquainted with these people, who could not submit to the dispensation of Providence, but, as one may say, flew in the face of Heaven by their impatience?
I am very well acquainted with their history, resumed Arabella; and I can assure you, they were both very admirable persons.
Oh! Oh! their history! interrupted the knight. What, I warrant you, they are to be found in the Fairy Tales, and those sort of books! Well, I never could like such romances, not I; for they only spoil youth, and put strange notions into their heads.