Barford Abbey by Susannah Minific Gunning
page 5 of 205 (02%)
page 5 of 205 (02%)
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_That_ only makes a coronet fit graceful on the head;--_that_ only is
the true ornament of greatness. Pardon my disobedience.--Can there be a stronger command than your request?--But, my Lady, I must have died,--my life _must_ have been the sacrifice, had I gone to the Lodge.--The windows opposite, the windows of that little mansion where I spent nineteen happy years with my angelic benefactress,--could it be borne?--Your Ladyship's absence too;--what an aggravation;--The young ladies you kindly propose for my companions, though very amiable, could not have shut my eyes, or deaden'd my other senses. Now let me account for being at Barford Abbey.--Was Mr. Jenkings my father, I think I could not love him more; yet when he press'd me to return with him to Hampshire, I was doubtful whether to consent, till your Ladyship's approbation of him was confirmed in so particular a manner.--His son an only one;--the fine fortune he must possess;--these were objections not only of _mine_, but, I believe, of my dear, dear--Oh! my Lady, I cannot yet write her name.--Often has she check'd Mr. Jenkings, when he has solicited to take me home with him:--her very looks spoke she had something to fear from such a visit.--She loved me;--the dear angel loved me with maternal affection, but her partiality never took place of noble, generous sentiments.--Young people, she has frequently said, are, by a strict intimacy, endeared to each other. This, I doubt not, was her motive for keeping me at a distance.--She well knew my poor expectations were ill suited to his large ones.--I know what was her opinion, and will steadily adhere to it. Edmund, to do him common justice, is a desirable youth:--such a one as I can admire his good qualities, without another with than to imitate |
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