It did not,
as she expected, bear the Belamour sheaf of arrows, but was a gem,
representing a sleeping Cupid with folded wings, so beautiful that
she asked leave to take another impression for Harriet, who collected
seals, after the fashion of the day.
"You are welcome," Mr. Belamour replied. "I doubt its great antiquity,
since the story of Cupid and Psyche cannot be traced beyond Apuleius.
I used it because Dr. Godfrey will remember it. He was with me at
Rome when I purchased it."
The ring was of the size for a lady's finger, and Aurelia durst ask
no more.
How the letter was sent she knew not, but Mrs. Aylward was summoned
to Mr. Belamour's room, and desired to have a room ready at any time
for his friend.
Three days later, towards sunset, a substantial-looking clergyman,
attended by two servants, rode up to the door; and was immediately
appropriated by Jumbo, disappearing into the mysterious apartments;
Aurelia expected no summons that night, but at the usual hour, the
negro brought a special request for the honour of her society; and
as she entered the dark room, Mr. Belamour said, "My fair and
charitable visitor will permit me to present to her my old and
valued friend, Dr. Godfrey." He laid the hand he had taken on one
that returned a little gentlemanly acknowledgment, while a kind
fatherly voice said, "The lady must pardon me if I do not venture
to hand her to her chair.
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