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 sweet girl but kindly listen to my, artless tale, would she but give my ardent passion one approving smile ‘Alas ! interrupted Charlotte ‘I have no smiles to give. On any other subject, I will hear, you, but, till again my father breathes the air of freedom, till from the chains of bondage he is freed, I have foresworn all joy.’

‘Till that blest period, said Trueman, ‘when fortune shall cease to persecute thy venerable sire, and give the captive to his weeping friends, my passion in concealment’s painful bosom shall dwell immured, if then thou wilt give my artless tale attention ! This only do I ask: grant me but this and hope shall nurture my love, and lull to rest each intrusive care.’

‘Then, by my hopes of bliss hereafter,’ said the maid, ‘I vow, when that happy hour arrives, I will not chide thy fondness. But tell me, what means this sudden joy that through the village reigns?’

‘And see,’ said Trueman, ‘where to my Charlotte’s cottage they bend their steps! —But see! your brother comes, the harbinger of happiness.’

‘Oh, Charlotte !’ said Henry, ‘our dear father is come home again. Farmer Welford brought the news that he was on the road, and the whole village went to meet him. They took the horses from! the chaise, and dragged him to our cottage. My mother cries for joy, and sent me to seek after you. Make haste, my father longs to see you.And do