ABSTRACT
Sir Edward’s health rapidly declined as Lady Aubrey’s intercourse with folly augmented. Her inattention kept pace with his irascibility, till at last, unable to bear either her insolence or neglect, she was peremptorily commanded to quit the metropolis. Frances had long been weary of every surrounding object, (for even the most delightful scenes produce satiety,) and would have become a voluntary recluse, had it not been the will of her husband that she should be dissipated no longer. She had been taught to resist every species of oppression, and the idea of yielding to the authority of her wedded tyrant was replete with horrors. She consulted her female friends; they ridiculed the injunction, as barbarous and absurd: but Sir Edward was inexorable, and notwithstanding all the energy of prayers, tears, and intreaties, the lovely Lady Aubrey was again condemned to waste her days in a solitude which was abhorrent to her nature.
