The good woman of the house had shifted her linen,
and put her into bed; but she was seized with the idea that her
uncle had perished, and in this persuasion made a dismal out-cry;
nor did she pay the least regard to what I said, when I solemnly
assured her he was safe. Mr Bramble hearing the noise, and being
informed of her apprehension, desired she might be brought into
his chamber; and she no sooner received this intimation, than she
ran thither half naked, with the wildest expression of eagerness
in her countenance -- Seeing the 'squire sitting up in the bed, she
sprung forwards and throwing her arms about his neck, exclaimed
in a most pathetic tone, 'Are you -- Are you indeed my uncle -- My
dear uncle! -- My best friend! My father! -- Are you really living?
or is it an illusion of my poor brain!' Honest Matthew was so
much affected, that he could not help shedding tears, while he
kissed her forehead, saying, 'My dear Liddy, I hope I shall live
long enough to shew how sensible I am of your affection -- But your
spirits are fluttered, child -- You want rest -- Go to bed and
compose yourself' -- 'Well, I will (she replied) but still methinks
this cannot be real -- The coach was full of water -- My uncle was
under us all -- Gracious God! -- You was under water -- How did you get
out; -- tell me that? or I shall think this is all a deception' --
'In what manner I was brought out, I know as little as you do, my
dear (said the 'squire); and, truly, that is a circumstance of
which I want to be informed.
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