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The Absentee by Maria Edgeworth
Book, page 182 / 300


that must be gold before the agent would take or touch it so I
was laying out to sell the dresser, and had taken the plates and
cups, and little things off it, and my boy was lifting it out
with Andy the carpenter, that was agreeing for it, when in comes
Grace, all rosy, and out of breath--it's a wonder I minded her
run out, and not missed her. "Mother," says she, "here's the
gold for you! don't be stirring your dresser."--"And where's
your gown and cloak, Grace?" says I. But I beg your pardon, sir;
maybe I'm tiring you?'

Lord Colambre encouraged her to go on.

'"Where's your gown and cloak, Grace!" says I.--"Gone," says she.
"The cloak was too warm and heavy, and I don't doubt, mother, but
it was that helped to make me faint this morning. And as to the
gown, sure I've a very nice one here, that you spun for me
yourself, mother; and that I prize above all the gowns ever came
out of a loom; and that Brian said become me to his fancy above
any gown ever he see me wear; and what could I wish for more?"
Now I'd a mind to scold her for going to sell the gown unknown'st
to me, but I don't know how it was, I couldn't scold her just
then, so kissed her, and Brian the same, and that was what no man
ever did before. And she had a mind to be angry with him, but
could not, nor ought not, says I; "for he's as good as your
husband now, Grace; and no man can part yees now," says I,
putting their hands together. Well, I never saw her look so
pretty; nor there was not a happier boy that minute on God's
earth than my son, nor a happier mother than myself; and I
thanked God that had given them to me; and down they both fell
on their knees for my blessing, little worth as it was; and my
heart's blessing they had, and I laid my hands upon them. "It's
the priest you must get to do this for you to-morrow," says I.
And Brian just held up the ring, to show me all was ready on his
part, but could not speak. "Then there's no America any more!"
said Grace low to me, and her heart was on her lips; but the
colour came and went, and. I was a FEARED she'd have swooned
again, but not for sorrow so I carried her off Well, if she was
not my own--but she is not my own born so I may say it--there
never was a better girl, nor a more kind-hearted, nor generous;
never thinking anything she could do, or give, too much for them

 
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