September 16.—
My mother asked me
to-day, Had I considered of what she had
been saying to me? I told her I had, and
only begged a little more time. She
kissed me with tears in her eyes. To be
sure, my dear, as much as you can reasonably
desire. I know my Sidney is
above trifling. Mrs. Vere was present
when my mother left the room. Oh, Miss
Bidulph, said she, who would refuse to
gratify such a parent as that? Had my
mother condescended to treat me so, I am
sure she could have wrought on me to do
any thing she liked, even though it had
been repugnant to my inclination. Dear
madam, I replied, how sweetly you inforce
my duty—Yes, I will obey that kindest,
best of mothers. I believe I spoke this,
tho' without intending it, in a tone that
implied something like making a merit of
this concession; for Mrs. Vere immediately
answered, There's a good child!
that, to oblige its mamma, will accept
of a very handsome young gentleman,
with a good estate, and one that many a
girl in England would give her eyes for.
I felt the rebuke; but turning it off with
a smile, said, but you forget, my dear, that
I am not dying for him.
