--I was
piteously grieved, said he; but all I could say could not comfort them;
nor would they give me the papers; though I told them I should deliver
them only to Mrs. Andrews herself. And so, and please your honour, I was
forced to come away without them.
My good master saw me all bathed in tears at this description of your
distress and fears for me; and he said, I would not have you take on so.
I am not angry with your father in the main; he is a good man; and I
would have you write out of hand, and it shall be sent by the post to Mr.
Atkins, who lives within two miles of your father, and I'll enclose it in
a cover of mine, in which I'll desire Mr. Atkins, the moment it comes to
his hand, to convey it safely to your father or mother; and say nothing
of their sending their papers, that it may not make them uneasy; for I
want not now to see them on any other score than that of mere curiosity;
and that will do at any time. And so saying, he saluted me before
Thomas, and with his own handkerchief wiped my eyes; and said to Thomas,
The good old folks are not to be blamed in the main. They don't know my
honourable intentions by their dear daughter; who, Tom, will, in a little
time, be your mistress; though I shall keep the matter private some days,
and would not have it spoken of by my servants out of my house.
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