He had, however, seen me first, for in a voice scarce articulate he exclaimed, "My God! does Caroline Evelyn still live? Lift up thy head, if my sight has not blasted thee, thou image of my long-lost Caroline!"
Affected beyond measure, I half arose and embraced his knees.
"Yes, yes," cried he, looking earnestly in my face, "I see thou art her child! She lives, she is present to my view!"
"Yes, sir," cried I, "it is your child if you will own her!"
He knelt by my side, and folded me in his arms. "Own thee!" he repeated, "yes, my poor girl, and heaven knows with what bitter contrition!"
All is over, my dearest sir, and the fate of your Evelina is decided! This morning, with tearful joy, and trembling gratitude, she united herself for ever with the object of her dearest, eternal affection.
I have time for no more; the chaise now waits which is to conduct me to dear Berry Hill and the arms of the best of men.