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her mind; and the idea of the step she was about to take seemed so momentous, as to make her shudder; and her expression was so doubtful, as to alarm Michael. "I hope, Esther, you do not repent?" This question, put with much feeling, recalled her to the consideration of the pain she was giving, and she exclaimed, "Oh, no indeed.' "Well, then, we will say Tuesday next;" and it remained fixed. And now, so strong was the impression of the momentary pang she had inflicted upon a heart so kind and generous, that from that time, Michael had no cause to doubt her regard for him.

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On the following morning, as James Finch stood brushing his coat in the hall at the Brow, "I was thinking, my young friend," said Michael, "I was thinking to dispatch you homewards." James's colour had been heightened by the exercise of brushing, and was now flushed to crimson, by the words, dispatch you home;" but Michael's extended hand soon reassured him; and he continued, "to your family I owe so much, James, and so many blessings have been conveyed to me through their means, that I should be indeed ungrateful, if I did not continue to associate them with the happiest events of my life. I am about to change my state, and

I have every reason to believe most happily; and it is my earnest wish to secure for my future partner the friendship of your dear sister. Do you think it would be possible for her, and agreeable to her, to be present at my nuptials?" « Delightful!" said James, and he skipped involuntarily. "When shall I go, Sir?" Sir?" "As soon as you can conveniently get ready." And the animated boy replied, "I am ready as soon as my horse is saddled."

So the affair was arranged; and, ere the evening of the following day, Jemima was making her little preparations to join them. Mrs. Finch, in her own calm, placid manner, leaning on the shoulder of her darling son, said, "James, I have such a regard for Mr. Kemp, and with very good reason, that I really do not like to be left behind and, as our little tax-cart is very light, you can continue with the horse you brought, and Jemima and I may accompany you together. Do you think it would be inconvenient?" "Dear, no, mother; I am sure Mr. Kemp would be very much pleased to see you.

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We will not weary the reader by the description of the journey; but merely say, how agreeable was the meeting on both sides; the cordial welcome to Mrs. Finch, and the grateful surprise to Michael.

It was Friday evening when the travellers arrived. Jemima withdrew to the little room she had been accustomed to occupy in her uncle's time, to make herself a little comfortable, before she went to the Mill, to see Fanny; and Betty Smith came curtsying, to know, whether Mrs. Finch would please to occupy the large green bed, or would like better to go into the porch bed room, which was just new furnished with white dimity. "I think," said Jemima, "my mother would not like the green bed quite so well; my poor dear uncle died there."

There was something in Betty's look, which seemed to convey an idea to Jemima's mind, that she thought this weak, and, without any expression in words from Betty, Jemima observed, "we're not all constituted alike, Mrs. Smith; some minds are stronger than others." "Ah, ma'am," said Betty, "far be it from me to blame any body; I was thinking of something clean contrary to that. My father was once very well to do in the world, but he was ruined by being too good natured; he was bound for a neighbour, and they broke, and that ruined my poor father."

Jemima was looking, and wondering what this had to do with her mother and the green bed; but Betty cleared herself

by adding, "That very bed, Miss, my father bought quite new, at old Mr. Harvey's, the quaker; and when my poor father's goods were sold, your uncle, Miss, bought it. I never like to make it, and you don't like to sleep in it; no more does master. I believe he thinks it too good; so the poor old bed is kept to look at. But we have proud hearts ma'am; I am afraid I told you this story, that you might know I had seen better days." "Oh, my good Betty, I trust our best days are to come." "Yes, Madam, I do hope so too; and I believe it, and can almost say I know it. Oh, I have passed such a time here, with that good young man, my master; not a day but something is to be learned from him. "Pray, Betty, do you know any thing of the young person he intends marrying." "Yes, Madam, I know her very well, indeed and, if my master had travelled England through, I do not think he could have met with a young person more deserving. "I am delighted to hear you say so, Betty; we are all very fond of Mr. Kemp, I assure you." "I am very glad of it, Ma'am; for I can say, that I love my master as if he were my son."

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Mrs. Finch began to wonder at the long stay of Jemima, and sat with the tea-things before her, till she was weary; and Betty

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began to feel it. She said, perhaps, Ma'am, you do not know I had taken in the tea;" and she was swiftly with them in the parlour.

It was one feature in this excellent girl, that she studied every point in her mother's character, and moulded herself to her will, wherever that mould was safe; and as a pattern of order, and excellent management, none could surpass Mrs. Finch.

There is an awkwardness in the meeting of persons upon an important event, in which all feel interested, and upon which none care to speak; and perhaps this ice is not so easily broken by any, as one of Michael's character.

Shortly after they were seated, the following conversation took place. "From the kind interest you take in me, Madam, I cannot but suppose I have hitherto acted agreeably to your wishes; and, indeed, your generosity in relinquishing what I thought it my duty to pay you, convinces me that you do not disapprove any part of my conduct. I have been as prudent as I could, and I owe no man any thing; but I have added nothing to the stores my master left me, in the way of household goods. Betty is very prudent, and has never asked for an addition; but I should like to have every thing comforta

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