Barford Abbey by Susannah Minific Gunning
page 34 of 205 (16%)
page 34 of 205 (16%)
![]() | ![]() |
|
Why should I blame Mr. Jenkings?--Is not Edmund his only son?--his only child?--Is he less my friend for suspecting?--Yes, my Lady, I perceive he does _suspect_.--He is uneasy.--He supposes his son encouraging an improper affection.--I see it in his very looks:--he must think me an artful creature.--This it is that distresses me.--I wish I could hit on a method to set his heart at rest.--If I barely hint a design of leaving the neighbourhood, which I have done once or twice, he bursts into tears, and I am oblig'd to sooth him like a child. How account for this behaviour?--Why does he look on me with the eye of fatherly affection,--yet think me capable of a meanness I _despise?_ I believe it impossible for a human being to have _more_ good nature, or _more_ good qualities, than Edmund; yet had he the riches of a Mogul, I could never think of a connection with him.--_He_, worthy young man, has never given his father cause for _suspicion_.--I am convinced he has not.--Naturally of an obliging disposition, he is ever on the watch for opportunities to gratify his amiable inclinations:--not _one_ such selfish motive as love to push him on. A summons to breakfast.--Lord Darcey, it seems, is below;--I suppose, slid away from his friends to call on Edmund.--Mr. and Mrs. Jenkings are _all_ smiles, _all_ good humour, to their son,--I hope it is only I who have been _suspicious_.--Lord Darcey is still with Edmund.--They are at this moment under my window,--counselling perhaps, about a commission he wants his father to purchase for him in the Guards.--I should be glad to see this matter accommodated;--yet, I could wish, in _so_ tender a point, his Lordship may not be _too_ forward in advising.--Mr. and Mrs. Jenkings have such an opinion of him,--they pay such deference to what |
|