ABSTRACT
The melancholy event related in my last Chapter was speedily conveyed to the gay groupe whom the elegant dejeuné of the duchess of A. had assembled on the flowery banks of Thames. It was announced to lady Arabella with very little preparation; for as, in compliance with the wishes of the company, though declaredly out of spirits, she had just consented to exhibit her own fine person and her lover’s to the best advantage by standing up in a reel, no one supposed but that she might hear the sad tale with decent composure. It was, however, quite / the reverse, and her sensibility now became as remarkable, as her fortitude had been before. She fainted, fell into hysterics, wept, recovered, and was at last conveyed apparently lifeless to her carriage. Every creature present partook in her concern for lady Madelina’s death, for it certainly spoiled a most delightful party. Though the company endeavoured to recover their spirits after the fair mourner was removed, all attempts at brilliancy was prevented by the unavoidable intrusion of serious ideas. The ladies grew as stupid as if they were at church. Death’s heads and physicians intruded into every subject; and the last topic of conversation that was started by the gentlemen was a discussion of the merits of the patent coffin. 270
