sound with less visible emotion--But to be bid, on the blessing of a
mother so dearly beloved, so truly reverenced, to think of being MRS.
SOLMES--what a denunciation was that!

Shorey came in with a message (delivered in her solemn way): Your
mamma, Miss, is concerned for your disorder: she expects you down
again in an hour; and bid me say, that she then hopes every thing from
your duty.

I made no reply; for what could I say? And leaning upon my Hannah's
arm, withdrew to my own apartment. There you will guess how the
greatest part of the hour was employed.

Within that time, my mother came up to me.

I love, she was pleased to say, to come into this apartment.--No
emotions, child! No flutters!--Am I not your mother?--Do not
discompose me by discomposing yourself! Do not occasion me
uneasiness, when I would give you nothing but pleasure. Come, my
dear, we will go into your closet.

She took my hand, led the way, and made me sit down by her: and after
she had inquired how I did, she began in a strain as if she supposed I
had made use of the intervening space to overcome all my objections.

She was pleased to tell me, that my father and she, in order to spare
my natural modesty, had taken the whole affair upon themselves--

Hear me out; and then speak.--He is not indeed every thing I wish him
to be: but he is a man of probity, and has no vices--