CHAPTER VII. "THE HE next day we set out for Warwick, my husband intending to reside there some time; at which place also, he promised me I should amuse myself with writing to my parents---a circumstance he should not object to at the present, but that he thought the hurry of travelling would hinder me from saying so much as I might choose to do at a more convenient opportunity. "To this proposal I consented with the greatest cheerfulness, though, I must confess, it would have made me happier to have taken the earliest opportunity of entering into something like a correspondence with my friends. "We arrived late in the evening at Warwick, the place he had fixed upon for our residence; and the next day hired a genteel apartment, into which he ushered me, saying- I hope my dear Louisa will find every thing in this dwelling agreeably to her wishes." "When I had in some degree settled myself in this spot, I wrote to my parents requesting their forgiveness for the rash step I had taken; at the same time assuring them, that my husband devoted himself entirely to the study of making me happy. That I hoped they would reinstate me and Mr. Bellamy in their good opinion, as an intimation to this purpose would would render me the happiest of my sex. "I waited whole weeks under the pleasing expectation of hearing from them, but, alas! but, alas! flattered myself with a fruitless hope, and I could not prevent the disappointment from preying secretly on my mind.. My husband conducted himself for a considerable time with the greatest assiduity and tenderness. He was incessantly in my company, during which he tried every means to amuse and entertain me.. "He studied my every wish, and spared no pains to procure me the gratification of it. "Sometimes he would take a flute, and accompany me on the harpsi- chord. G 5 "At "At others, would assist me in the attainment of some language. I was unacquainted with. "Now he would entertain me with some agreeable author, and not unfrequently sit whole hours in admiration at my skill in painting; and, as a relief to our mutual employment, would conduct me in some rural and entertaining excursion. A "In fine, his indefatigable efforts to please produced a heaven in my mind; which, however, was sometimes clouded by a reflection on the possible uneasiness and disquietude of my parents. "In this delightful manner did. time glide away, nor was I altogether without hopes of a completion of my happiness in the mutual smiles both of a husband and a parent ! "But, "But, alas! an event was about to take place, which convinced me how, delusive are our fondest hopes! "Mr. Bellamy grew peevish; relaxed in his assiduity towards me, and, instead of expressions of tenderness, confined himself to mere terms of common civility. "He was not morose; but there was a distance in his conduct, which cut, me to the heart. "Alarmed at such a woeful change, I examined my own heart, and, after the most faithful scrutiny, I could not accuse myself of a single instance to induce him to abate in his affection for me. "At length I remonstrated with him on his conduct, and earnestly intreated G. 6 |