Agnes Vol. 2 — page 205: what you’re looking at

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

198 to communicate Sir John’s death to the rest of the household.” ‘Yos, and to the son himeelf!” added the valet in an under-tone, which was however in: audible to the lawyer. Meanwhile Roderick Dalham had arrived at Mrs. Slater’s house in Aldersgate Street. Spring- ing from the cab, he knocked at the front door, which was instantaneously opened by the worthy landiady herself; for she had seen the arrival from the window of her little parlour. “Well, Mr. Dalham,” she ejaculated; “what newsP But Ah! I need not ask you!” “The decision is on the right side,” exclaimed Roderick, whose countenance was expressive of 2 magnanimous joy: “truth and justice have pre veiled! But how is he?” and then an expression of the utmost suspense appeared upon his fea- tures. “ Better, better !—improving rapidly!” cried Mrs. Slater. An ejaculation of joy burst from Roderick’s lips; and he sprang up the staircase to the cham. ber where his wife, the devoted Winifred, sat by the bedside of her aged grandsire, who was cleep- ing. “Tis won!” cried Dalham: and Winifred pre- cipitated herself into his arma. “Oh, my dear husband !” she murmured, “ how generous is your heart that you can rejoice on Ate account ”—~and she glanced towards tho old man —“at a result which impoverisbes your own father !” “You forget, my dear Winifred,” he whispered, “that I am now discarded and disowned! But even if i¢ were othorwiee, it would be all the same; for it ia a matter of rejoicing that right and jus- tico have prevailed at lsat !” “Hush! he sleeps!” said Winifred, again glancing towards the couch. “Tell me--tell me, dearest,” interjected Rode- rick, “ think you that when he awakes again it will be to consciousness °” “Ob, I hope so!—and I think so!” rejoined Winifred. “He recognised me just now— he murmured a few words—but I could not exactly catch their meaning——” “ Fo is awakening now!” said Boderick. “Oh, if he should regain the full power of his intellects, what happiness to communicate to bim these joyous tidings !” “ Happiness indeed!” added Winifred, in « tone replete with a concentration of all the ten- derest emotions. The old man was now opening his eyes: his: granddaughter bent over him—a smile appeared upon his countenance—and raising bis hand, he caressed ber face, murmurjng feebly yet audibly, ‘Dear, dear Winnie!” Mr. Timperley had not deceived Sir John Dal- bam when be told him how he had beard on the preceding night that old Barrington was in astate of unconsciousness beyond all hope: but at an parly hour in the morning tho old man had rallied somewhat; and during the last few hours his me- dical attendants had been enabled tv speak more cheerfully concerning him. This much the reader may have gathered from the remarks made by Mrs, Siater and alsu by Winifred. 4nd now what a thrill of joy sbot through AGNES; OR, BEAUTY AND PLRASURR. Winifred’s heart as her grandsire, on opening his eyes, recognised her, patted ber on the cheeke, and spoke endearingly unto her! She sobbed and wept in the fulness of her emotions; and the old man said, “Don’t cry, Winnio—don’t cry! I have been very ill—have I not? It seems to me as if my mind had been a blank——” “ Yes, you have been very ill, dear grandfather ; but now, if you will not excite yourself—if you will only let me nurse you—and if you will hie perfectly quiet, you will soon get well. Ab, dear grandfather! don’t you remember that the other evening you said you would receive Roderick ? And he is here !” “The other evening P” ejaculated the old man —for he was thus suddenly reminded that some time might have passed—though he knew not how long—during which his mind, as he expressed it, had remained a blank. A gleam of intelligence shot vividly across his wan countenance ; and in a tone which derived its apparent strength from the powerful excitement which 42¢ the instant seized upon him, he said, “The lawsuit, Winnie? the ‘udgmentP Itis to be-pronounced this Term !” “Tt¢ Cphes. 1000, my dear sir!” said Roderick, iteppi werd and taking the old man’s hand. “ Yes, i? is pronounced !—and you But pray be calm! I beseech you, be calm !—whilo I proffer ‘ou My sincerest congratulations ——” “ Kaovugh, enough!” and Mr. Barrington sank back upon the pillow from which in hie excitement io bad partially raised himself; then he pressed Roderick Dalham’s hand; and looking up in his countenance, he said with a sort of wonder, “ Did - hear rightly ? or did my ears deceive me? You —you—a Dalham—congratulating me, a Barring- ton !” “Oh! pray, my dear sir,” cried Roderick, acknowledge me as one of your family now! for my own father hae discarded me !” “ Discarded you?” ejaculated the old man. Why—what——”’ “ He has discarded me, sir,” rejoined BR derick, beeause I loved your granddaughter, and because have espoused her!” “Is this soP—is this sof’? asked Barrington. Your father has disowned you?” “ Yeos— it is all too true!” murmured Winifred : but yow therefore, dear grandfather, must acknowledge him!” ‘I will—I will!” responded the old man, in a ‘cice that was quivering with emotions. The door now opened gently; and Lord Ormsby ooked into the chamber. ic had been a regular visitor there since the memorable evening when ‘he old man was smitten with a sudden illness; ie had therefore made Boderick Dalham’s acquaint- ance; and he knew how he had been disuwned by his father. “Ah!” said the nobleman, at once perceiving that Mr. Barrington had completely regained his consciousness, and comprehending likewiso that Roderick Dalbam had been acknowledged and wel- comed by him; “affairs are altogether taking 4 must prosperous turn! Yvur restoration to health, Mr. Barrington, will bring smiles to many a lip; aod I suppose that I may now congratulets you 98 “Yes,” said Winifred; “he knows that the lawauit is ended !”’ WOO) CONMIUC S (C@