The bad success of his enquiry had such an effect upon his
spirits, that immediately at his return he was seized with a
dangerous fever, which overwhelmed his parents with terror and
affliction; but he was now happily recovered, though still weak
and disconsolate. My nephew joining us in our walk, I informed
him of these circumstances, with which he was wonderfully
pleased. He declared he would promote the match to the utmost of
his power, and that he longed to embrace young Mr Dennison as his
friend and brother. -- Mean while, the father went to desire his
wife to communicate this discovery gradually to Liddy, that her
delicate nerves might not suffer too sudden a shock; and I
imparted the particulars to my sister Tabby, who expressed some
surprize, not altogether unmixed, I believe, with an emotion of
envy; for, though she could have no objection to an alliance at
once so honourable and advantageous, she hesitated in giving her
consent on pretence of the youth and inexperience of the parties:
at length, however, she acquiesced, in consequence of having
consulted with captain Lismahago.
Mr Dennison took care to be in the way when his son arrived at
the gate, and, without giving him time or opportunity to make any
enquiry about the strangers, brought him up stairs to be
presented to Mr Loyd and his family -- The first person he saw when
he entered the room, was Liddy, who, notwithstanding all her
preparation, stood trembling in the utmost confusion -- At sight of
this object he was fixed motionless to the floor, and, gazing at
her with the utmost eagerness of astonishment, exclaimed, 'Sacred
heaven! what is this! -- ha! wherefore --' Here his speech failing,
he stood straining his eyes, in the most emphatic silence 'George
(said his father), this is my friend Mr Loyd.
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