“Thank you, Miss, for the comparison,” replied Alfred, laughing.
“I certainly consider that your proposal, Alfred, merits due reflection,” observed Mrs Campbell. “Your father and I will consult, and perhaps by to-morrow morning we may have come to a decision. Now we had better all go to bed.”
“I shall dream of the Indian, I am sure,” said Mary.
“And I shall dream of the bear,” added Emma, looking archly at Alfred.
“And I shall dream of a very pretty girl that I saw at Portsmouth,” said Alfred.
“I don’t believe you,” replied Emma.
Shortly afterwards Mr Campbell rang the bell for the servants; family prayers were read, and all retired in good spirits.
The next morning they all met at an early hour; and after Mr Campbell had, as was his invariable rule, read a portion of the Bible, and a prayer of thankfulness, they sat down to breakfast. After breakfast was over, Mr Campbell said—
“My dear children, last night, after you had left us, your mother and I had a long consultation, and we have decided that we have no alternative left us but to follow the advice which Alfred has given; if, then, you are all of the same opinion as we are, we have resolved that we will try our fortunes in the Canadas.”
“I am certainly of that opinion,” replied Henry.