“But when the commission was sold, and the estate bought, what does Fanny do but fall into a deep melancholy? I found her crying one day, in her mother's room, where the two ladies had been at work trimming hats for my negroes.
“'What! crying, miss?' says I. 'Has my mother been scolding you?'
“'No,' says the dear creature. 'Madam Esmond has been kind to-day.'
“And her tears drop down on a cockade which she is sewing on to a hat for Sady, who is to be head-groom.
“'Then, why, miss, are those dear eyes so red?' say I.
“'Because I have the toothache,' she says, 'or because—because I am a fool.' Here she fairly bursts out. 'Oh, Mr. Harry! oh, Mr. Warrington! You are going to leave us, and 'tis as well. You will take your place in your country, as becomes you. You will leave us poor women in our solitude and dependence. You will come to visit us from time to time. And when you are happy and honoured, and among your gay companions, you will remember your——'
“Here she could say no more, and hid her face with one hand as I, I confess, seized the other.
“'Dearest, sweetest Miss Mountain!' says I. 'Oh, could I think that the parting from me has brought tears to those lovely eyes! Indeed, I fear, I should be almost happy! Let them look upon your——'
“'Oh, sir!' cries my charmer. 'Oh, Mr. Warrington! consider who I am, sir, and who you are! Remember the difference between us! Release my hand, sir! What would Madam Esmond say if—if——'
“If what, I don't know, for here our mother was in the room.