His servants saw an evident change in his manner, from the anguish of mourning for the loss of a sister, to what they could not quite comprehend; a state of liveliness they had never before witnessed in him. Their master never appeared so interested about the house, the rooms, the garden, and the green lawn. He was most unusually moved; he gave orders for the preparation of his house to receive his brother-in-law’s children, to the great amazement of his female domestics, who could not conceive how a bachelor would manage such a family.
He did not breathe a word of his intention to any of his domestics; but every one observed a great change in his behaviour, which all his habitual quietude could not entirely conceal.
He wandered down to his favourite spot upon the river, and indulged in a reverie of imaginary bliss, which, to say the truth, was more real with him than with many thousands who fancy themselves in love.
Margaret arrived at Sydney on the day following the receipt of Mrs. Palmer’s letter. She was a little excited at the tone of that epistle, but much surprised at being received in a manner to which she had never been accustomed. Margaret saw in a moment, from Mrs. Palmer’s manner, that she had something to communicate of a very different kind to what she had before mentioned, and at once said—
“I perceive, my dear lady, that you have something to say to me which concerns me more than you wish to let me see it does, and yet you cannot conceal it. You need not be afraid to tell me; good or bad, I am prepared for it, but suspense is the most painful.”
“The news I have to tell you then is good; to be at once declared—it is your free pardon!”
“This is news indeed, my dearest lady; almost too good news—it comes so unlooked for; forgive my tears.” Margaret wept for joy.
“Shall I again see dear old England? shall I again see my dear friends, my mistress, my uncle, aunt, and family? Oh! how shall I ever repay your kindness? Oh! what can I say to you for your goodness? On my knees, I thank God, my good friend, and say, God be praised for His mercies, and bless you, the instrument thereof!”
“You may thank God; but you must not bless me, Margaret, for I am only the bearer of the news. I have not even got the pardon in my possession; but I have seen it. It is signed by the governor, and I know that you are free.”
“Oh! thanks, dear lady, thanks!—but is it not to Mr. Palmer that I am indebted? You must have had something to do with it.”