I inveighed bitterly against the
indiscretion of his wife, and reproached him with his unmanly
acquiescence under the absurd tyranny which she exerted. I
exhorted him to recollect his resolution, and make one effectual
effort to disengage himself from a thraldom, equally shameful and
pernicious. I offered him all the assistance in my power. I
undertook to regulate his affairs, and even to bring about a
reformation in his family, if he would only authorise me to
execute the plan I should form for his advantage. I was so
affected by the subject, that I could not help mingling tears
with my remonstrances, and Baynard was so penetrated with these
marks of my affection, that he lost all power of utterance. He
pressed me to his breast with great emotion, and wept in silence.
At length he exclaimed, 'Friendship is undoubtedly the most
precious balm of life! Your words, dear Bramble, have in a great
measure recalled me from an abyss of despondence, in which I have
been long overwhelmed. I will, upon honour, make you acquainted
with a distinct state of my affairs, and, as far as I am able to
go, will follow the course you prescribe. But there are certain
lengths which my nature -- The truth is, there are tender
connexions, of which a batchelor has no idea -- Shall I own my
weakness? I cannot bear the thoughts of making that woman
uneasy' -- 'And yet (cried I), she has seen you unhappy for a
series of years -- unhappy from her misconduct, without ever
shewing the least inclination to alleviate your distress' --
'Nevertheless (said he) I am persuaded she loves me with the most
warm affection; but these are incongruities in the composition of
the human mind which I hold to be inexplicable.
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