And my mother, the
doctor says, from the very first, behaved prettily.
The moment she asked for me, my guardian himself condescended to come up
to me, and took my hand--Was not that very good of him?--My dear, said
he, as he led me down stairs, (and spoke so kindly,) don't tremble so: am
I not with you?--Your mother is very calm and composed: you must ask her
blessing. I shall ease your tender heart of every pang. I shall hint to
you what to do, and how to behave to the gentlemen, as occasions arise.
He had no sooner said the words, but the drawing-room door gave way to
his hand, and I was in the room with him.
Down on my knees dropt I--as I now do to you: but I could not speak.
Thus I did. [And she kissed my hand, and bowed her face upon it.] And
my mother raised me--You must raise me, madam--Yes, just so--And she
kissed me too, and wept on my neck; and called me pretty names; and
encouraged me, and said she loved me, as she loved her own soul--And I
was encouraged.
My guardian then, with the air and manner of a gracious prince, took my
hand, and presented it first to the major, then to the captain; and they
each kissed my hand, and spoke in my praise, I can't tell how many fine
things.
Major, said my guardian, when he presented me to him, you must excuse the
dear child's weakness of spirits: she wishes you all happiness on your
nuptials: she has let me know, that she is very desirous to do you
service for her mother's sake.
Pages:
138
139
140
141
142
143
144
145
146
147
148
149
150
151
152
153
154
155
156
157
158
159
160
161
162