A Daughter of Maryland — page 145: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

124 A DAUGHTER OF MARYLAND. ‘‘Send me!’’ echoed Aurian, but when she and her father had talked the matter, pro and con, for an hour he was as firm in his intentions, while she had consented to make the visit. She had always felt a desire to travel, but she had never been outside of her native state. Thus, when she had fully decided to go to New England, she entered into the arrangements necessary for the journey with a keen zest. Happily, to a certain extent, it occupied her mind to the exclusion of the dark mystery of the gray coat. Though she wanted to speak to her father about it, she failed in the purpose, day by day, until her departure drew near. Of all at Sylvania Esten Berners took the unexpected news of her prospective absence the most to heart. At first he would not believe it, but when she assured him it had been finally settled, he said: ‘ff shall miss you, Aurian, more than any one. You have been very kind to me, and you must not blame me for my weakness, as I cannot help feeling that this parting is forever. ’’ | | ‘Nonsense, Mr. Berners! you are only relapsing into your old melancholy ways: and you kuow there is nothing I so dislike as a gloomy face and a mournful yoice. I shall not be gone but a month, or two at the most, and when I come back you will be stronger and better for what you have suffered. To be frank with you, I would not go if I thought you really needed my care longer. ”’ ‘‘T am very thankful to you, and those words give me joy. You call me melancholy, but with your help you shall neyer have reason to call me that again. Still I ecan- not stifle those mysterious warnings of the heart, which foretell the shades and sunshine, the storms and calms of life just as faithfully as the moan of the wind bears the message of the rain coming on its wings, or the lengthen- ing shadows prophesy the approach of night. You are going among strangers, and will make new friends. You will let me hear from you occasionally, Aurian? And you “ ~~