My Father, replied Arabella, can never be offended with me for doing a charitable Action. Ah! Madam, interrupted Lucy, let me go then immediately, for fear the poor Gentleman should grow worse. If he be sick almost to Death, resumed Arabella, he will recover, if I command him to do so: When did you hear of a Lover dying through Despair, when his Mistress let him know it was her Pleasure he should live? But as it will not be altogether so proper for you to go to his House, as it may be suspected you come from me; I'll write a few Lines, which you shall copy, and your Brother may carry them to him To-morrow, and I'll engage he shall be well in a few Hours. Saying this, she went to her Closet, and, having written a short Note, made Lucy write it over again. It was as follows:
Lucy, To the Unfortunate Lover of her Lady.
My Lady, who is the most generous Person in the World, has commanded me to tell you, that, presumptuous as you are, she does not desire your Death; nay more, she commands you to live, and permits you, in case you obey her, to hope for her Pardon, provided you keep within the Bounds she prescribes to you.
Adieu.
This Letter Lucy copied, and Arabella, examining
it again, thought it rather too kind;
