Page:The female Quixote, or, The adventures of Arabella (Second Edition).pdf/125



The History of Miss Groves, interspersed with some very curious Observations.

Though, Madam, said Mrs. Morris, I have not been long in Miss Groves's Service, yet I know a great many Things by the means of her former Woman, who told them to me, tho' my Lady thinks I am ignorant of them; and I know that this is her second Trip into the Country.

Pray, interrupted Arabella, do me the Favour to relate Things methodically: Of what Use is it to me to know that this is your Lady's second Trip, as you call it, into the Country, if I know not the Occasion of it? Therefore begin with informing me, who were the Parents of this admirable young Person.

Her Father, Madam, said Mrs. Morris, was a Merchant; and, at his Death, left her a large Fortune, and so considerable a Jointure to his Wife, that the Duke of, being then a Widower, was tempted to make his Addresses to her. Mrs. Groves was one of the proudest Women in the World; and, this Offer flattering her Ambition more than ever she had Reason to expect, she married the Duke after a very short Courtship; and carried Miss Groves down with her to, where the Duke had a fine Seat, and where she was received by his Grace's Daughters, who were much about her own Age, with great Civility. Miss Groves, Madam, was then about twelve Years old, and was educated