"Indeed, sir," said Aurelia, quite restored, "I cannot see why they
should imagine me to have such objections, or want me to be so
cautious and considerate. I shall write to my papa that it is not
at all repugnant to me, for that you are very, very good to me; and
if I can make your time pass ever so little more pleasantly, it is
a delight to me. I am sure I shall like you better than if---"
"Stay, stay, child," he said, half laughing; "remember, it is as a
father that I ask you to love and trust the old recluse."
She thought she had been forward, crimsoned in the dark, and retired
into her shell for the rest of the evening. She was glad when with
his usual tact, Mr. Belamour begged for the recitation he knew she
could make with the least effort of memory.
At the end, however, she ventured to ask--"Sir, shall I be permitted
ever to see my father and sister?"
"Certainly, my child. In due time I hope you will enjoy full liberty,
though you may have to wait for it."
Aurelia durst not ask what was in her mind, whether they would not
come to the wedding, but that one great hope began to outweigh all
the strange future. She began to say something about being too young,
ignorant, and foolish for him, but this was kindly set aside, she
hardly knew how.
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