'
'And pray, Helen,' said Sir Edward, 'am I to consider this poem as an
equivalent for the music you have cheated us of, this evening?'
'I hope you will consider that it is,' said Elizabeth; 'is it not
positively poetical, Uncle Edward?'
Helen was hardly ever in a state of greater surprise and pleasure
than at this moment, for though she could not seriously believe that
her lines were worthy of all the encomiums bestowed on them, yet she
was now convinced that Elizabeth was not absolutely determined to
depreciate every performance of hers, and that she really possessed a
little kindness for her.
When Mr. Woodbourne rang the bell, Elizabeth gathered up all the
papers, and was going to put them into a drawer, when Harriet came up
to her, saying in a whisper, evidently designed to attract notice,
'Lizzie, do give me that ridiculous thing, you know, of Mr. Merton's;
I could not bear you to have it, you would shew it to everyone.'
'Indeed I should do no such thing,' said Elizabeth; 'I never wish to
see it more, you are very welcome to it.'
Harriet received the precious document with great satisfaction,
carefully folded it up, and placed it in her bag, very much to
Rupert's delight, as he silently watched her proceedings.
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