It
will not take much room, and may beguile a weary hour. It is a little
book of meditations. Will you accept it, and promise me to read it
when you have time?"
"I certainly will, my dear Patience--if I may venture on the
expression--read it, and think of you."
"Nay, you must read it, and think of what it contains," replied
Patience.
"I will, then. I shall not need the book to remind me of Patience
Heatherstone, I assure you."
"And now, Edward, I do not pretend to surmise the reason of your
departure, nor would it be becoming in me to attempt to discover what
my father thinks proper to be silent upon; but I must beg you to
promise one thing."
"Name it, dear Patience," replied Edward; "my heart is so full at the
thought of leaving you, that I feel I can refuse you nothing."
"It is this: I have a presentiment, I know not why, that you are about
to encounter danger. If so, be prudent--be prudent for the sake of
your dear sisters--be prudent for the sake of all your friends, who
would regret you--promise me that."
"I do promise you, most faithfully, Patience, that I will ever have my
sisters and you in my thoughts, and will not be rash under any
circumstances."
"Thank you, Edward; may God bless you and preserve you!"
Edward first kissed Patience's hand, that was held in his own; but,
perceiving the tears starting in her eyes, he kissed them off, without
any remonstrance on her part, and then left the room.
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