The History of Sir Charles Grandison, Volume 4 (of 7)   By: Samuel Richardson (1689-1761)

E text prepared by Julie C. Sparks

THE HISTORY OF SIR CHARLES GRANDISON, VOLUME IV

by

SAMUEL RICHARDSON

CONTENTS OF VOLUME IV

LETTER I. Miss Byron to Miss Selby. A tenth letter from Dr. Bartlett: Description of a formal visit Sir Charles Grandison paid to the whole of the Porretta family assembled: their different characters clearly displayed on this occasion; and the affectionate parting of Sir Charles and his friend Jeronymo.

LETTER II. Miss Byron to Miss Selby. An eleventh letter from Dr. Bartlett: Signor Jeronymo writes to Sir Charles Grandison an account of what farther passed in conversation between the family after his departure.

LETTER III. Miss Byron to Miss Selby. Dr. Bartlett's twelfth letter: Sir Charles Grandison takes leave of his friends at Bologna, and is setting out for Florence; when he receives a friendly letter from Signor Jeronymo, by which he learns that Clementina had earnestly entreated her father to permit her to see him once again before his departure; but that she had met with an absolute refusal: Jeronymo also describes the ill treatment of his sister by her aunt, and her resignation under her trials. Sir Charles arrives at Naples, and there visits Clementina's brother, the general: account of his reception, and of the conversation that passed between them.

LETTER IV. Miss Byron to Miss Selby. Dr. Bartlett's thirteenth letter; containing an account of Sir Charles Grandison's final departure from Italy; and various matters relative to the Porretta family; the persecutions Clementina endured from her relations; and a letter Sir Charles Grandison received from Mrs. Beaumont. Dr. Bartlett concludes with an apostrophe on the brevity of all human affairs.

LETTER V. Miss Harriet Byron to Miss Lucy Selby. Explanation of the causes of Sir Charles Grandison's uneasiness, occasioned by intelligence lately brought him from abroad. Miss Byron wishes that Sir Charles was proud and vain, that she might with the more ease cast of her acknowledged shackles. She enumerates the engagements that engross the time of Sir Charles; and mentions her tender regard toward the two sons of Mrs. Oldham, the penitent mistress of his father Sir Thomas. A visit from the Earl of G , and his sister Lady Gertrude.

LETTER VI. Miss Byron to Miss Selby. Sir Charles Grandison dines with Sir Hargrave Pollexfen and his gay friends; his reflections on the riots and excesses frequently committed at the jovial meetings of gay and thoughtless young men. Sir Charles negociates a treaty of marriage for Lord W ; and resolves to attempt the restoring of the oppressed Mansfield family to their rights.

LETTER VII. Miss Byron to Miss Selby. Farther traits in the character of Sir Charles Grandison.

LETTER VIII. Sir Charles Grandison to Dr. Bartlett. Sir Charles describes the interview he had with Sir Harry Beauchamp and his lady; and how he appeased the anger of the imperious lady. His farther proceedings in favour of the Mansfields.

LETTER IX. Miss Byron to Miss Selby. A visit from the Countess of D , and the earl her son. Account of the young earl's person and deportment. Miss Byron confesses to the countess, that her heart is already a wedded heart, and that she cannot enter into a second engagement. Reflections on young men being sent by their parents to travel to foreign countries.

LETTER X. Miss Byron to Miss Selby. Various self debatings and recriminations that passed through the young lady's mind on the expectation of breakfasting with Sir Charles Grandison.