What you have already said, replied De Lancaster, is apology more than sufficient for an oversight on your part, especially as it proceeded from so considerate a motive; but I am afraid, Madam, my abrupt departure is not so easily to be excused, and I can only say, that if we are to exchange forgiveness, I shall have much to sue for, and very little to bestow. However let me hope that Miss Jones has not been molested by our misunderstanding, but has the miniature, and thinks it, as it appeared to me, a very admirable painting. Sir, resumed Mrs. Jennings, I am sorry to say that the error I committed, in taking the delivery of the present out of your hands, has very much molested Miss Jones; and the chief reason for my hastening to Denbigh is, that I may restore to you the pacquet, which is still in my keeping, in the hope, that you will condescend to fulfil your first intention, and with your own hands bestow it upon her, who from her respect for you and for the express conditions attached to your delivery of it, has scrupulously denied herself even the pleasure of a sight of it. You surprize me and delight me, cried our hero in a tone of exultation. ’Tis an instance of so refined and delicate a sense of honour in the young lady, whom you have educated, as recommends her to my warmest veneration and esteem. Don’t let me lose an hour, that can be employed for her relief, and as you tell me that you are hastening home, where you have the pacquet in your keeping, I will mount my horse and be ready at your door to hand you out of your carriage, and in your presence, if such shall be your pleasure, make a transfer of the relick to the lovely person, who is so properly intitled to it. Ah sir, cried Mrs. Jennings, you are infinitely kind, and will not only take a heavy load from off my heart, but give delight to that beloved child, whose disappointment has been very great. Say to her then, said John, that I am gone to make myself ready to attend upon her, for I hear the chariot coming up to the door. Tell her that it is to her I owe the conscious gratification of being able to say with truth, I have never disobeyed any one command of my departed mother, and say moreover that to save her from disappointment and guard her from danger is another command delivered to me by the same authority, and intitled to be treated with the same obedience.--But why do I trouble you with this idle talk? Say nothing to your lovely charge for me: What have I to do with professions? Let me earn her good opinion by my actions--Farewell! Your chariot waits. CHAPTER VII. _Our Hero accompanies Amelia and Mrs. Jennings to Denbigh. Past Mistakes are set to rights in a very natural and agreeable Manner._