This message, as I expected, brought down Mrs. Fielder alone. I never saw this lady before. There was a struggle in her countenance between anger and patience; an awful and severe solemnity; a slight and tacit notice of me as she entered. We both took chairs without speaking. After a moment's pause,--
"Mr. Colden, I presume."
"Yes, madam."
"You wish to see my daughter?"
"I was anxious, madam, to see you. My business here chiefly lies with you,--not her."
"With me, sir? And pray, what have you to propose to me?'7
"I have nothing to solicit, madam, but your patient attention." (I saw the rising vehemence could scarcely be restrained.) "I dare not hope for your favourable ear: all I ask is an audience from you of a few minutes."
"This preface, sir," (her motions less and less controllable,) "is needless. I have very few minutes to spare at present. This roof is hateful to me while you are under it. Say what you will, sir, and briefly as possible."
"No, madam; thus received, I have not fortitude enough to say what I came to say. I merely entreat you to peruse this letter."
"'Tis well, sir," (taking it, with some reluctance, and, after eyeing the direction, putting it aside.) "And this is all your business?"