Page:Affecting history of an inn-keeper in Normandy.pdf/9

(9) in every joint, and immediately ſunk down in a ſwoon. The aged churchman blamed himſelf for the temerity of his proceedings, and wiſhed a thouſand times, that he had ſuppreſſed this affecting part of his narrative. But ſince he could not retract his story, he cheriſhed hopes, that a fuller explanation of every circumstance might deliver his brother's mind from this distraction of contending paſſions. Wherefore, when the unhappy man was recovered from his fits, the miniſter intreated him to compoſe the  of his thoughts; and further informed him, that his ſon, by a late ſignal diſplay of valour, had been rewarded with an hundred louis d'ores and a lieutenancy. That the dear youth, noticing the officious aſſiduity of his father, preſently inferred from thence his parent's ignorance of him; now diſguiſed, as it were, by his improved ſtature, and the ſuperiority of his attire. That pleaſed with this uncommon adventure, he had apprized his friends thereof, and appointed them to dine with him, that they might ſhare the joys of the family upon his diſcovery of himſelf. To all which the Abbe ſubjoined, that this worthy and amiable child had brought his indigent father a purſe of money, to obviate his preſent neceſſities, and to prevent future anxieties.

Scarce had the uncle mentioned this ſuperlative inſtance of filial goodneſs, before the