"You spoke of an Embroidery-Shop, Madam—we thought of that too, as Gatty is so clever, and can design as well as execute Patterns; but my Mother thought it would expose such a pretty, unprotected Girl, thoughtless and ignorant of Evil, to many Temptations we had not taken into the Account."
"The Clouds are breaking, now, Aunt," said Mr. Arbuthnot, returning from the Garden-Door, where he had been apparently watching the Weather, but very likely hearing none the less of what was said. "I think we may shortly venture to return."
"Presently, my Dear. The young Person has gone to fetch me some Patterns."
"By-the-by, Ma'am, would not such a young Person as Mrs. Gatty be very useful to you in the Parlour, writing your Notes, threading your Needles, and making Tea for you? Mrs. Rachael is getting past Work now, and is not much of a Companion."
"My Dear, I have thought of it myself, but we will do Nothing hastily. At present we will let Mrs. Gatty go Home to recover her Health and make my Aprons."
Gatty at this Moment reappearing, no more was said, except about the Patterns, which occasioned more Debate than Mr. Arbuthnot could reasonably be expected to listen to as patiently as he did. But perhaps he was thinking of some other Matter all the Time. After this, they went away.
Though there was now not much Daylight left, Gatty knew she should match the Muslin and Silks so much better in Town than in the Country, that she resolved on going out to buy them; and I, to have all of her Company I could, went with her. The Walk was a long one, but our Spirits made us insensible of Fatigue, and the Weather after the Shower was delightful. In the Evening Mr. Fenwick reappeared, though not to Tea, and asked us what he should read. "Oh, something cheerful, please, Sir!" cried Gatty hastily, which made us all laugh; but she said she had no Mind to cry again before she went Home. So he read to us about Sir Roger de Coverly.
At Night Gatty was in such a nervous Fidget, she could scarce keep still. She kept saying, "I hope to Goodness I shall not over-sleep myself! Don't let me over-sleep myself!" I told her there was no Danger, for I always could wake what Time I chose in the Morning, if I resolved on it overnight; and I had already resolved I would wake, and wake her, at Five. I told her I meant to see her off. She said, "Oh, don't!" I said, "Yes, I shall—I want to see the Last of you, so it's no Use speaking. Otherwise you may miss the Coach, and be returned on our Hands like a bad Penny." She laughed, and said, "It is quite insincere of me to pretend to wish you not to go, for I wish to have you with me to the very Last; only it is such a Shame to give you so much Fatigue and Trouble." I said, "People who really care for one another, don't mind Fatigue and Trouble. Would not you do as much for me?" "Yes, to be sure I would," says she.
"Very well, then," said I, "say no more about it, but let us get to Sleep as fast as we can."