“Of course, you would not! therefore we will say no more about it. Now, Laurence, please let me go and read my letter. Good bye!” and she held out her hand so prettily, and pressed it into his so gently, yet so warmly, and looked into his face with so much simplicity and sweetness, that Laurence felt the tears starting to his eyes. These new touches of tenderness and mercy strengthened his virtue, and made his heart steady in the beautiful change upon which he had resolved.
Jill, as soon as she got to her room, opened the letter. Of course, it was from Jack. It contained an order for £12 on an Irish Bank, and a very earnest entreaty that she would come to America without delay, and be his wife. It stated that he was now bailiff and manager of a good farm, which his cousin had just bought—that he had saved a little money, and had now a comfortable home, which only wanted Jill to make it delightful. The £12 enclosed were for the expenses of her passage out.
Such a letter as this could not be received but with mixed feelings. There was joy in the prospect, but it could not be reached without much present pain. There was a blessed meeting to look forward to, but there was also a sorrowful separation to endure. So it is! Heaven’s beautiful affections are the means of dividing families, as well as of drawing them together. And so it will be, till all are “gathered together into one fold.”
And now the hours, as they rolled on, brought near the time of another parting—parting, the lot, sooner or later, of all meeting things in this world below. Many of the villagers went as far as Cork, to see the last of their dear little friend; and when the vessel left the harbour, amidst the tears and blessings of mother, and sister, and friends, several of them (Laurence and his father among the number) clustered on the sea-shore, and watched it, as it glided away with her whom they loved on board.
Sail gallantly, proud ship! Waft her gently on, ye winds! Roll, roll ye murmuring waters! Rejoice, ye waves, and smile! for Love, the most beautiful of all things, is now upon the sea!
Adventure with a Shark