Did you not see the postscript?"
"No, the letter was enough for one while."
"Here it is: 'I shall send Dove in the Space of about a Fortnight or
three Weeks to bring to Town the young Coach Horses you mentioned.
His Wife is to return with him, as I have Occasion for her in Town,
and your Daughter must be ready to come up with them.'"
"Bless me! That is prompt! But it is thoughtful. Mrs. Dove is a good
soul. It seems to me as if my Lady, though she may not choose to say
so, wishes to see the child, and if she approve of her, breed her up
in the accomplishments needed for such an elevation."
"If you hold that opinion, dear sir, it is well."
"If I thought she meant other than kindness toward the dear maid, I had
rather we all pinched together than risk the little one in her hands.
I had rather-if it comes to that--live on a crust a day than part with
my sweet child; but if it were for good, Betty! It is hard for you all
three to be cooped up together here, with no means of improving your
condition; and this may be an opening that I ought not to reject. What
say you, Betty?"
"If I were to send her out into the world, I had rather bind her
apprentice to the Misses Rigby to learn mantua-making."
"Nay, nay, my dear; so long as I live there is no need for my children
to come to such straits.
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