I was also informed that
nothing contributed so much to the recovery of her reason as music,
which was always administered on those occasions by Narcissa, who
played perfectly well on the harpsichord, and to whom she (the maid)
was just then going to intimate her aunt's disorder.
She was no sooner gone than I was summoned by the bell to my lady's
chamber, where I found her sitting squat on her hands on the floor,
in the manner of puss when she listens to the outcries of her
pursuers. When I appeared, she started up with an alarmed look,
and sprang to the other side of the room to avoid me, whom, without
doubt, she mistook for a beagle thirsting after her life. Perceiving
her extreme confusion, I retired, and on the staircase met the
adorable Narcissa coming up, to whom I imparted the situation of my
mistress; she said not a word, but smiling with unspeakable grace,
went into her aunt's apartment, and in a little time my ears were
ravished with the efforts of her skill. She accompanied the instrument
with a voice so sweet and melodious, that I did not wonder at the
surprising change it produced on the spirits of my mistress which
composed to peace and sober reflection.
About seven o'clock, the hunters arrived with the skins of two foxes
and one badger, carried before them as trophies of their success;
and when they were about to sit down to dinner (or supper) Sir
Timothy Thicket desired that Narcissa would honour the table with
her presence; but this request, notwithstanding her brother's
threats and entreaties, she refused, on pretence of attending her
aunt, who was indisposed; so I enjoyed the satisfaction of seeing
my rival mortified: but this disappointment made no great impression
on him, who consoled himself with the bottle, of which the whole
company became so enamoured that, after a most horrid uproar of
laughing, singing, swearing, and fighting, they were all carried to
bed in a state of utter oblivion.
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