lking of a reconciled
mother! And to dear Miss Byron!--No, indeed.

She often held out one open hand, while the forefinger of the other, in
full action, patted it; as at other times both were spread, with pretty
wonder and delight: and thus she began:--

Why, you must know, it was about six o'clock yesterday afternoon, that my
mother and her husband, and Captain Salmonet, came. I was told of their
visit but two hours before: and when the coach stopped, and I at the
window saw them alight, I thought I should have fainted away. I would
have given half I was worth in the world to have been an hundred miles
off.

Dr. Bartlett was there, and received them. My guardian was unexpectedly
engaged in answering a letter sent him by Lord W----, for which a
gentleman waited: but they had not been there a quarter of an hour, when
he entered, and made apologies to them in his usual gracious manner.
Never, the doctor says, did any body look so respectful as the major and
the captain; and they would have made apologies to my guardian, for their
last behaviour to him; but he would not let them. And my mother, the
doctor says, from the very first, behaved prettily.

The moment she asked for me, my guardian himself condescended to come up
to me, and took my hand--Was not that very good of him?--My dear, said
he, as he led me down stairs, (and spoke so kindly,) don't tremble so: am
I not with you?--Your mother is very calm and composed: you must ask her
blessing. I shall ease your tender heart of every pang. I shall hint to
you what to do, and how to behave to the gentlemen, as occasions arise.

He had no sooner said the words, but the drawing-room door gave way to
his hand, and I was in the room with him.

Down on my knees dropt I--as I now do to you: but I could not speak.
Thus I did. [And she kissed my hand, and bowed her face upon it.] And
my mother raised me--You must raise me, madam--Yes, just so--And she
kissed me too, and wept on my neck; and called me pretty names; and
encouraged me, and said she loved me, as she loved her own soul--And I
was encouraged.

My guardian then, with the air and manner of a gracious prince, took my
hand, and presented it first to the major, then to the captain; and they
each kissed my hand, and spoke in my praise, I can't tell how many fine
things.

Major, said my guardian, when he presented me to him, you must excuse the
dear child's weakness of spirits: she wishes you all happiness on your
nu