Then he read various characters of the ship’s company, which are given with much energy and discrimination. I could not but admire every passage he chose, and I was sensible each of them owed much obligation to his reading, which was full of feeling and effect.
How unwillingly did I interrupt him, to go upstairs and wait my night’s summons! But the queen has no bell for me, except to my bed-room.
He hastily took the hint, and rose to go. “Shall I leave the poem,” he cried, “or take it with me, in case there should be any leisure to go on with it to-morrow?”
“Which you please,” cried I, a little stupidly, for I did not, at the moment, comprehend his meaning which, however, he immediately explained by answering, “Let me take it, then;—let me make a little interest in it to myself, by reading it with you.”
And then he put it in his pocket, and went to his home in the town, and up stairs went I to my little cell, not a little internally simpering to see a trait so like what so often I have done myself,—carrying off a favourite book, when I have begun it with my Susanna, that we might finish it together, without leaving her the temptation to peep beforehand.
MISS BURNEY MEETS AN OLD FRIEND.
Tuesday, July 15—While the royals were upon the walks, Miss Planta and I strolled in the meadows, and who should I meet there—but Mr. Seward! This was a great pleasure to me. I had never seen him since the first day of my coming to St. Jades’s, when he handed me into my father’s coach, in my sacque and long ruffles. You may think how much we had to talk over. He had a gentleman with him, fortunately, who was acquainted with Miss Planta’s brother, so that we formed two parties, without difficulty. All my aim was to inquire about Mrs. Piozzi,—I must, at last, call her by her now real name!—and of her we conversed incessantly. He told me Mr. Baretti’s late attack upon her, which I heard with great concern.[280] It seems he has broken off all intercourse with her, and not from his own desire, but by her evident wish to drop him. This is very surprising; but many others of her former friends, once highest in her favour, make the same complaint.
We strolled so long, talking over this ever-interesting subject, that the royals were returned before us, and we found Mr. Fairly waiting in my parlour. The rest soon joined. Mr. Seward had expected to be invited; but it is impossible for me to invite any body while at Cheltenham, as there is neither exit nor entrance but by passing the king’s rooms, and as I have no place but this little common parlour in which I can sit, except my own room.