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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 prosecute 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? How sweetly sound the merry bells; while every breeze from yon shouting throng wafts the the breath of pleasure."
"And see," said Trueman, "where, to my Charlotte's cottage, they bend their steps! It is, methinks, no vulgar cause that swells this loud exclaim! But see! your brother comes, the harbinger of happiness!"
"Oh, Charlotte!" said Harry, "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 you, Mr Trueman, come too; my mother has told him what a kind friend you have been; I will run back, and say you are coming."
"Now, my Charlotte," said Trueman, "indulge
