' Roused at this
intimation, he turned and received my salute, when I said, 'Young
gentleman, if you had trusted me with your secret at our last
meeting, we should have parted upon better terms.' Before he
could make any answer, Jery came round and stood before him with
open arms. -- At first, he started and changed colour; but after a
short pause, he rushed into his embrace, and they hugged one
another as if they had been intimate friends from their infancy:
then he payed his respects to Mrs Tabitha, and advancing to
Liddy, 'Is it possible, (cried he), that my senses do not play me
false! that I see Miss Melford under my father's roof -- that I am
permitted to speak to her without giving offence -- and that her
relations have honoured me with their countenance and
protection.' Liddy blushed, and trembled, and faltered -- 'To be
sure, sir (said she), it is a very surprising circumstance -- a
great -- a providential - -I really know not what I say -- but I beg
you will think I have said what's agreeable.'
Mrs Dennison interposing said, 'Compose yourselves, my dear
children. -- Your mutual happiness shall be our peculiar care.' The
son going up to his mother, kissed one hand; my niece bathed the
other with her tears; and the good old lady pressed them both in
their turns to her breast.
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