"
The youth dwelt on her lovely but pallid features with rapture; and, as
he folded her to his heart, exclaimed,--
"For your sake, I will, lovely innocent!" Frances sobbed a moment on his
bosom, and he tore himself from her presence.
Miss Peyton retired with her niece, to whom she conceived it necessary,
before they separated for the night, to give an admonitory lecture on
the subject of matrimonial duty. Her instruction was modestly received,
if not properly digested. We regret that history has not handed down to
us this precious dissertation; but the result of all our investigation
has been to learn that it partook largely of those peculiarities which
are said to tincture the rules prescribed to govern bachelors' children.
We shall now leave the ladies of the Wharton family, and return to
Captain Wharton and Harvey Birch.
CHAPTER XXXII
Allow him not a parting word;
Short be the shrift, and sure the cord!
--_Rokeby_.
The peddler and his companion soon reached the valley, and after pausing
to listen, and hearing no sounds which announced that pursuers were
abroad, they entered the highway. Acquainted with every step that led
through the mountains, and possessed of sinews inured to toil, Birch led
the way, with the lengthened strides that were peculiar to the man and
his profession; his pack alone was wanting to finish the appearance of
his ordinary business air.
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