Page:Sylvester Sound the Somnambulist (1844).djvu/224

"Why, you amaze me!"

"That is the substance of the letter which I received yesterday morning."

"And signed by Sylvester."

"Signed by him—in his own hand-writing."

"Impossible!"

"It's a fact. I'll take my oath to the writing. I'd just commenced breakfast when the letter arrived, and when I read the contents you may imagine my surprise."

"You might well be surprised," said Aunt Eleanor, smiling.

"I was surprised, because I never imagined for one moment that you contemplated anything of the sort. However, it appeared to me quite clear then, and therefore I came up to London at once."

"And was this the sole cause of your coming to town?"

"I had no other object than that of seeing you."

"Then, really, I am very sorry for it."

"I am not—I am not! On the contrary—now that I find that it's nothing but what they, in London, call a hoax—I'm quite pleased—I'm delighted! It seems to have struck into my mind a new light: it has given animation to feelings which have long lain dormant. I candidly confess to you that I am much pleased: nay, I'll also confess to you, this; that I came up fully determined to oppose that man's claim, by declaring—if I found that he was anything of a size—that he was, in reality, much too stout."

"What!" said Aunt Eleanor, gaily; "and thus to prevent me from gaining an affectionate husband?"

"No; to prevent you merely from having him. But we'll speak more of this by and bye. The idea of my leaving that letter at the inn! I wish that I had brought it. I changed my coat, you see, when I went to dress."

"Well, but are you quite sure," said Aunt Eleanor, upon whom the observation of the reverend gentleman, having reference to those feelings which had long been dormant, had a very peculiar effect; "are you certain that that letter was written by Sylvester?"

"Quite. But you shall see it in the morning, and form your own judgment. I feel quite clear upon the point."

"Then, really, I must scold him well."

"Leave that to me, my dear madam: just leave that to me. Although I cannot be angry with him for it, I'll give him a lecture. We had better not, however, say a word to him to-night. I'll bring the letter with me in the morning, and then we shall have all before us."

Mrs. Delolme now re-entered the room, and shortly after, the doctor returned and recommenced chatting to the reverend gentleman, while, at intervals, Aunt Eleanor merrily laughed at the idea of her having objected to a lover on the ground of his being too stout.

Soon after the return of Tom and Sylvester, their reverend friend took his leave, and when prayers had been read, they went as usual, into the study to supper, and when they had eaten to their hearts' content, they adjusted the bells, and went to bed.