“And you, my girls?” said Mr Campbell.
“We will follow you to the end of the world, uncle,” replied Mary, “and try if we can by any means in our power repay your kindness to two poor orphans.”
Mr and Mrs Campbell embraced their nieces, for they were much affected by Mary’s reply.
After a pause, Mrs Campbell said—
“Now that we have come to a decision, we must commence our arrangements immediately. How shall we dispose of ourselves? Come, Alfred and Henry, what do you propose doing?”
“I must return immediately to Oxford, to settle my affairs, and dispose of my books and other property.”
“Shall you have sufficient money, my dear boy, to pay everything?” said Mr Campbell.
“Yes, my dear father,” replied Henry, colouring up a little.
“And I,” said Alfred, “presume that I can be of no use hers; therefore I propose that I should start for Liverpool this afternoon by the coach, for it is from Liverpool that we had better embark. I shall first write to our purser for what information he can procure, and obtain all I can at Liverpool from other people. As soon as I have anything to communicate, I will write.”
“Write as soon as you arrive, Alfred, whether you have anything to communicate or not; at all events, we shall know of your safe arrival.”