They were here interrupted by the arrival of a servant, with a summons
to breakfast, and, on entering the parlour, they had the satisfaction
of seeing Mrs. Blond, assembled with the rest of the family. Sir Henry
instantly flew to her, and affectionately welcomed her return to their
society.
"The happiness of my friend Ellenor, and the discovery of your
existence," said Mrs. Blond, faintly smiling, "have been my
restoratives; to see the child of my beloved Corbet; to know that the
means of obtaining him justice, are in our possession--O, Harry, I
cannot speak my joy!"
They proceeded to breakfast, and the Captain, at Ellenor's request,
related the occurrences of his life, since their separation, and the
little train of accidents which had conducted him to her. "And now, my
Ellenor," he continued, "will you gratify my impatience, and explain a
mystery, which for years has perplexed and rendered me unhappy?"
"As I live, there are Harland and Louise!" interrupted Sir Henry, as a
carriage drove to the gate; and, hastening out of the room, he
immediately introduced his sister and the Lieutenant. An exclamation of
surprise escaped Mr. Talton, as Sir Henry presented her to him, but
passed unheeded, as the Captain asked Harland, by what accident he had
discovered where they were?
"By unexpectedly meeting your servant, Captain," answered Harland.--"We
have for some weeks been engaged in a ramble through the adjacent parts,
and were this morning going to Brecon, when we met James. He instantly
informed us where you were, and of some farther particulars, which
induced us to use the privilege of relationship, and join Sir Henry.
"Welcome, indeed," said Ellenor, "shall the relations of my Henry ever
be. The countenance of Louise is a passport to the heart; nor is there
one here, who could refuse her a claim to their friendship."
Louise looked wistfully at Ellenor; the strong resemblance between her
and Sir Henry, the cordiality of her salutation, gave rise to the idea,
that it might perhaps be the mother she so ardently wished to know, who
embraced her. The name of mother faintly escaped her lips, as her
inquiring eye glanced to Sir Henry, for a confirmation of her suspicion.
"No, my sweet girl," replied Sir Henry, "this Lady is not your mother;
would to Heaven thine were equally amiable! This morning, Louise, is
dedicated to the explanation of my life and conduct; and fortunately are
you arrived to learn the particulars of your birth without necessitating
me to repeat a tale, which will distress you equally to hear, as me to
relate."
"I was early taught resignation to the will of Heaven, my brother,"
replied Louise; "nor will I shrink from the recital; though happy should
I have deemed myself, if I had here found a mother!"
"In affection you shall, sweet girl," said Ellenor; "Louise is not
answerable for the vices of her parents!"
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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