me desired me to read it first. I
trust this communication will accelerate your recovery, and that we
shall soon see you again. At all events, answer my letter, and if I
am in error, let me know, that I may undeceive others."

The enclosure from Emma was then opened by our hero; it was in few
words:--

"My dear friend,--On reflection, I consider that I have treated you
unjustly; I intended to tell you so, if I had had an opportunity,
before you quitted us so hastily. My fault has preyed upon my mind
ever since, and I cannot lose this first opportunity of requesting
your forgiveness, and hoping that when we meet we shall be on the same
friendly terms that we always had been previous to my unfortunate
ebullition of temper.--Yours truly, EMMA."

That this letter was a source of unqualified delight to our hero, may be
easily imagined. He was at once told by the uncle, and certainly Emma
did not leave him to suppose the contrary, that he might aspire and
obtain her hand. Our hero could not reply to it by return of post. If
distress had occasioned his illness, joy now prostrated him still more;
and he was compelled to return to his bed; but he was happy, almost too
happy, and he slept at last, and he dreamt such visions as only can be
conjured up by those who have in anticipation every wish of their heart
gratified. The next day he replied to Mr Small's, acknowledging, with
frankness, his feelings towards his niece, which a sense of his own
humble origin and unworthiness had prevented him from venturing to
disclose, and requesting him to use his influence in his favour, as he
dared not speak himself; until he had received such assurance of his
unmerited good fortune as might encourage him so to do. To Emma, his
reply was in a few words; he thanked her for her continued good opinion
of him, the idea of having lost which had made him very miserable,
assuring her that he was ashamed of the petulance which he had shown,
and that it was for him to have asked pardon, and not one who had
behaved so kindly, and protected him for so long a period; that he felt
much better already, and hoped to be able to shorten the time of absence
which had been demanded by him and kindly granted by his patrons.
Having concluded and despatched these epistles, our hero determined that
he would take a stroll about the metropolis.

CHAPTER FORTY THREE.

A VERY LONG CHAPTER, WITH A VERY LONG STORY, WHICH COULD NOT WEL