'It is in vain,' said Adeline faintly. 'I bless God that he allows me to enjoy this consolation—say that you forgive me.'
'Forgive you! Oh, Adeline! for years have I forgiven and pined after you; but a wicked woman intercepted all your letters; and I thought you were dead, or had renounced me for ever.'
'Indeed!' cried Adeline. 'Oh! had I suspected that!'
'Nay more, Mrs Pemberton is now in London, in search of you, in order to bring you back to happiness!' As Mrs Mowbray said this, Savanna, drawing near, took her hand and gently pressed it.
Adeline observed the action, and seeing by it that Savanna's heart relented towards her mother, said, 'I owe that faithful creature more than I can express; but to your care I bequeath her.'
'I will love her as my child,' said Mrs Mowbray, 'and behave to her better than I did to—'
'Hush!' cried Adeline, putting her hand to Mrs Mowbray's lips.
'But you shall live! I will send for Dr Norberry; you shall be moved to my house, and all will be well—all our past grief be forgotten,' returned Mrs Mowbray with almost convulsive eagerness.
Adeline faintly smiled, but repeated that every hope of that kind was over, but that her utmost wish has gratified in seeing her mother, and receiving her full forgiveness.
'But you must live for my sake!' cried Mrs Mowbray: 'and for mine,' sobbed out Savanna.