Page:The Expedition of Humphry Clinker, Volume 1 - Smollett (1772).djvu/54

 "out ceremony." So saying, he put a bit of paper into her hand, which she opening with great trepidation, exclaimed in an extacy, "Twenty pounds! Oh, sir!" and sinking down upon a settee, fainted away—Frightened at this fit, and, I suppose, afraid of calling for assistance, left her situation should give rise to unfavourable conjectures, he ran about the room in distraction, making frightful grimaces; and, at length, had recollection enough to throw a little water in her face; by which application she was brought to herself: but, then her feeling took another turn. She shed a flood of tears, and cried aloud, "I know not who you are: but, sure—worthy. sir—generous sir!—the distress of me and my poor dying child—Oh! if the widow's prayers—if the orphan's tears of gratitude can ought avail—gracious Providence!—Blessings!—shower down eternal blessings."—Here she was interrupted by my uncle, who muttered in a voice still more and more discordant, "For Heaven's sake be quiet, madam—consider—the people of the house—'sdeath! can't you."—All this time she was struggling to throw herself on her knees, while he seizing her by the wrists,