Part 21 (2/2)

If to witness the honours with I am surrounded, is insufficient to fill your expanded heart;--if it looks out for a warmer gratification; you shall see, you shall hear, the exulting parents?--you shall see Mr.

Morgan revers'd;--Mr. Watson restor'd to _more_ than sight--the steward and his family worthy every _honour_ they receive from this _honourable house_.

I hear my _shadow_.--Strange, indeed! to hear _shadows_;--but more so to hear them swear.--Ha! ha! ha!--Ha! ha! ha!--I cannot speak to it for laughing.--Coming, Sir!--coming, Mr. Morgan!--Now is he cursing me in every corner of the house;--I suppose dinner is on the table.

This moment return'd from regaling myself with the happy family:--I mean Sir James and Lady Powis, with their joyful inmates.--Mr. and Mrs. Powis are set out for London.--As an addition to their felicity, Lady Powis had a letter from her grand-daughter the instant they were stepping into the chaise.

For one hour I am at your command:--take, then, the particulars which I was incapable of giving you by John.--

I was sitting in the library-window, talking to Mr. Watson; the Ladies, Sir James, and Mr. Morgan, in the dressing-room, when I saw John riding down the great road a full gallop.--At first I thought Lord Darcey had been dead; then, again, consider'd his faithful servant would not have come post with the news:--however, I had not patience to go through the house, but lifting up a sash, jump'd out before he could reach the stable yard.--Without speaking, I enquired of his face what tidings; and was answer'd by a broad grin. I had nothing to fear from his message.

Well, John, said I, running up to him,--how is your Lord? how is Mr.

Molesworth?--

Better, I thank G.o.d, Sir;--better, I thank G.o.d! With that he turned his horse, and was riding across the lawn.--

Zounds, John, where are you going?--where are you going?

Follow me, Sir;--follow me (setting up a brisk trot). If you kill me, I dare not deliver letter or message before we are at a distance from the Abbey.

I thought him mad, but kept on by the side of his horse 'till we came to the gate of a meadow, where he dismounted.

Now, Sir,' said he, with a look that bespoke his consequence,--have patience, whilst I tie up my horse.

_Patience_, John! (and I swore at him) I am out of all _patience_.

With that he condescended to deliver your letters.--I rambled with surprise at the contents, and fell against a hedge.--John, who by this time had fasten'd his steed, came up to me just as I recover'd my legs;--and speaking close to my ear,--'Twas _John Warren_, Sir, was the _man_ who found out the Lady; 'twas I was the _man_, Sir.

I shook him heartily by the hand, but for my soul could not utter a syllable.--I hope you are not ill, Sir, said the poor fellow, thinking me seiz'd speechless.--

No, John;--no, reply'd I; it is only excess of pleasure.--You are a welcome messenger:--you have made your fortune, John Warren, and please your honour, has made his dear Lord happy;--that is more _pleasurable_ to him than all the riches in the world.

You are an honest, good creature, John.

Ay, Captain; but was it not very sensible to remember the young Lady's hand-writing?--Would a powder-headed monkey have had the forecast?

Oh very sensible, John;--very sensible, indeed!--Now go the Abbey;--ask for my servant;--say you was sent by Mr. Molesworth to enquire for the family; but do not mention you have seen me:--I shall return by a different way.

John mounted immediately, and I walk'd full speed towards the house. I found Mr. Morgan taking long strides up and down the dining-parlour, puffing, blowing, and turning his wig on every side.

Where have you been, Captain? I have sent to seek you.--Lord Darcey's servant is without;--come to enquire how things are _here_.--I would not let them send his message up;--but I have been out myself to ask for his Lords.h.i.+p.

Well, Sir, and what says the servant?

Says!--Faith I hardly know what he says--something about hopes of him:--to be plain, I should think it better if _hope_ was out of the question.--If _he_ and all of _us_ were dead--But see John yourself; I will send him to you.

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