She was speaking, as it were, in little paragraphs, with a momentary pause
between each, to allow its meaning to impress itself.

'If I were to choose to explain, your papa he would implore me to remain.
But no--I would not--notwithstanding your so cheerful house, your charming
servants, your papa's amusing society, and your affectionate and sincere
heart, my sweet little maraude.

'I am to go to London first, where I 'av, oh, so good friends! next I will
go abroad for some time; but be sure, my sweetest Maud, wherever I may
'appen to be, I will remember you--ah, ha! Yes; _most certainly_, I will
remember you.

'And although I shall not be always near, yet I shall know everything
about my charming little Maud; you will not know how, but I shall indeed,
_everything_. And be sure, my dearest cheaile, I will some time be able to
give you the sensible proofs of my gratitude and affection--you understand.

'The carriage is waiting at the yew-tree stile, and I must go on. You did
not expect to see me--here; I will appear, perhaps, as suddenly another
time. It is great pleasure to us both--this opportunity to make our adieux.
Farewell! my dearest little Maud. I will never cease to think of you, and
of some way to recompense the kindness you 'av shown for poor Madame.'

My hand hung by my side, and she took, not it, but my thumb, and shook
it, folded in her broad palm, and looking on me as she held it, as if
meditating mischief. Then suddenly she said--

'You will always remember Madame, I _think_, and I will remind you of me
beside; and for the present farewell, and I hope you may be as 'appy as you