"
"Their father is never weary of telling me so. He is never so happy
as when they hang about him and tell him of Cousin Aura, or Sister
Aura as they love to call her."
"It was charming to see them dance round her when he brought them to
spend the day with her. Mr. Wayland brought his good kinswoman, who
will take charge of them on the voyage, and Aurelia was a little
consoled at the parting by seeing how tender and kind she is with
them."
"Aye! If I do not hate that woman it will be well, for she is as
much a duenna for me as governess for the children! Heigh-ho! what
do not our follies bring on us? We poor creatures should never be
left to the great world."
The pretty air of repentance was almost irresistible, well as the
Major knew it for the mood of the moment, assumed as what would
best satisfy him.
"I rejoice," she went on, "in spite of my lovely daughter-in-law's
discretion, she will be well surrounded with guardians. Has the
excellent Betty consented?"
"At last, madam. My persuasions were vain till she found that Mr.
Belamour would gladly come with us to Austria, and that she should
be enabled to watch over both her young sister and me."
"There, again, I give myself credit, Harry. Would the sacred flame
ever have awakened in yonder misanthrope had I not sent your daughter
to restore him to life?" She spoke playfully, but the Major could
not help thinking she had persuaded herself that all his present
felicity was owing to her benevolence, and that she would persuade
him of it too, if she went on much longer looking at him so sweetly.
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