Good night, once more; God bless you!" Mr.Hamilton knew the character of his noble friend too well to urge more, and therefore contented himself by accompanying her down stairs.
To describe Mrs.Hamilton's feelings, as she listened to the words of the Duchess, would be indeed a vain attempt.

We know all the anguish she had suffered when Caroline's conduct had first caused her uneasiness, and now the heightened agony of her fond heart may be easily imagined.
Almost unconsciously she had withdrawn her arm; but Caroline clung more convulsively to her robe, and her first wild words sounded again and again in her mother's ears, soothing while they inflicted pain.
"Can it be possible I have heard aright?
Have I indeed been thus deceived ?" she asked, struggling to speak calmly, when the Duchess and her husband had left the room; and she fixed her sad, searching glance upon Caroline, who for a moment raised her head.
"Mother, dearest mother, condemn me, despise me as you please; I deserve it all," she replied, in an accent of most piercing wretchedness.

"Only say that I may in time regain your love, your confidence; that you will take me to your heart again.

I have disregarded your affection; I have wilfully cast it from me.

Yet--oh, if you knew all I have suffered.
Mamma, mamma, oh, speak but one word more of kindness! I know I deserve it not, but my heart feels breaking.