It stated that I might bring two maids with me if
I wished so many, and that his next letter would give me the details of my
route, and the day of my departure for Derbyshire; and he said that I ought
to make arrangements about Knowl during my absence, but that he was hardly
the person properly to be consulted on that matter. Then came a prayer that
he might be enabled to acquit himself of his trust to the full satisfaction
of his conscience, and that I might enter upon my new relations in a spirit
of prayer.
I looked round my room, so long familiar, and now so endeared by the idea
of parting and change. The old house--dear, dear Knowl, how could I leave
you and all your affectionate associations, and kind looks and voices, for
a strange land!
With a great sigh I took Uncle Silas's letter, and went down stairs to the
drawing-room. From the lobby window, where I loitered for a few moments,
I looked out upon the well-known forest-trees. The sun was down. It was
already twilight, and the white vapours of coming night were already
filming their thinned and yellow foliage. Everything looked melancholy.
Pages:
271
272
273
274
275
276
277
278
279
280
281
282
283
284
285
286
287
288
289
290
291
292
293
294
295