The major swore by his soul, I was an angel!--Captain Salmonet said,
that, by his salvation, I was a charming young lady!
My mother wept--O, Sir! said she to my guardian: and dropping down in a
chair by the window, not a word more could she speak.
I ran to her, and clasped my arms about her. She wept the more: I wiped
her eyes with her own handkerchief: I told her, it went to my heart to
see her cry: I begged she would spare me this grief.
She clasped her arms then about me, and kissed my cheek, and my forehead.
O, thought I, it is very good of you, my dear mother.
Then came my guardian to us, and he kindly took my mother's hand, and
conducted her to the fire-side; and he led me, and placed me by her, at
the tea-table; and he made the major and the captain sit down by him: so
much graciousness in his countenance. O, madam! I shall be an idolater,
I am afraid. And he said, Emily, my dear, you will make tea for us. My
sister dined abroad, madam, to my mother.--Yes, sir, I will, said I: and
I was as lively as a bird.
But before the servants came in, Let me tell you, madam, said he, what
Miss Jervois has proposed to me.--They were in silent expectation.
She has desired that you, major, will accept from her, for your mutual
use, of an additional 100L. a year; which I shall order to be paid you
quarterly, during Mrs. O'Hara's life, not doubting but you will make her
as happy as it is in your power to make her.
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