Mr. Longman, who had struck me of a heap, withdrawing soon after, my
master said, Why, my dear, you can't look up! The old man said nothing
shocking. I did not expect it, though, from him, said I. I was not aware
but of some innocent pleasantry. Why, so it was, said he, both innocent
and pleasant: and I won't forgive you, if you don't say as he says.
Come, speak before Mrs. Jervis. May every thing happen, sir, said I,
that will give you delight!--That's my dearest love, said he, and kissed
me with great tenderness.
When the servants had dined, I desired to see the maidens; and all four
came up together. You are welcome home, madam, said Rachel; we rejoice
all to see you here, and more to see you our lady. O my good old
acquaintances, said I, I joy to see you! How do you do, Rachel? How do
you all do? And I took each of them by the hand, and could have kissed
them. For, said I to myself, I kissed you all, last time I saw you, in
sorrow; why should I not kiss you all with joy? But I forbore, in honour
of their master's presence. They seemed quite transported with me: and my good master was pleased
with the scene. See here, my lasses, said he, your mistress! I need not
bid you respect her; for you always loved her; and she'll have it as
much in her power as inclination to be kind to the deserving. Indeed,
said I, I shall always be a kind friend to you; and your dear master has
ordered me to give each of you this, that you may rejoice with me on my
happiness. And so I gave them five guineas a-piece, and said, God bless
you every one! I am overjoyed to see you! And they withdrew with the
greatest gratitude and pleasure, praying for us both.
I turned to my dear master: 'Tis to you, dear sir, said I, next to God,
who put it into your generous heart, that all my happiness is owing!
That my mind thus overflows with joy and gratitude! And I would have
kissed his hand; but he clasped me in his arms, and said, You deserve
it, my dear: You deserve it all. Mrs. Jervis came in. Said she, I have
seen a very affecting sight; you have made your maidens quite happy,
madam, with your kindness and condescension! I saw them all four, as
I came by the hall-door, just got up from their knees, praising and
praying for you both! Dear good bodies! said I; and did Jane pray too?
May their prayers be returned upon themselves, I say!