“My daughters will be delighted to serve you in every way,” said Mrs. Medway, graciously.
“Now is your chance,” loudly whispered Sophy, to her sister, “lay your eyes, ears, and tongue, at the feet of your golden idol.”
“Sophy!” exclaimed her mother, in an agony, but the sight of the ear-cornet calmed her fears.
The evening passed slowly away; Uncle Medway retired early, and the young ladies, after exchanging opinions of him, went to rest, to dream golden dreams, as Sophy maliciously said.
Uncle Medway did not appear at breakfast on the following morning, but during the forenoon, while the young ladies were occupied at their several employments, he unexpectedly entered, and with an apologetic smile and bow, took the seat which Matilda hastened to offer, tendering at the same time very affectionate inquiries regarding his health. The old gentleman quietly put on his glasses and lowered his ear-cornet, requesting her to repeat her words, while Sophy maliciously offered to prompt her, in case she forgot her lesson. Matilda looked thunder at her sister, and sunshine at her uncle as she repeated her questions.
“I rested well, thank you,” said her uncle, “and as I hope to become better acquainted in time, you will not, I trust, be offended at my scrutiny.” He took Matilda’s hand as he spoke, and looked earnestly in her countenance.
“Do you consider me like papa?” she inquired with her most engaging smile, and speaking in the cornet, without which it was evident he could hear nothing.
“Humph, not much; your sister there is more like him,” he answered, pointing with his ear-trumpet to Sophy.
“There, Matilda, is ten thousand lost to you,” laughed the giddy girl.
“What does she say?” asked the old gentleman, casting a shrewd look at her; “come here, merry one, and tell me yourself.”