Then turning to Emilia, "I am come, madam,"
said he, "to claim the performance of your promise, which I can
produce under your own fair hand. You may, therefore, lay aside all
superfluous ceremony and shyness, and crown my happiness without
further delay; for, upon my soul! my thoughts are wound up to the
last pitch of expectation, and I shall certainly run distracted,
if I am doomed to any term of probation."
His mistress having by this time recollected herself, replied,
with a most exhilarating smile, "I ought to punish you for your
obstinacy with the mortification of a twelvemonth's trial; but
it is dangerous to tamper with an admirer of your disposition,
and therefore, I think, I must make sure of you while it is in my
power."--"You are willing then to take me for better, for worse, in
presence of heaven and these witnesses?" cried Peregrine kneeling,
and applying her hand to his lips. At this interrogation, her
features softened into an amazing expression of condescending love;
and, while she darted a side glance that thrilled to his marrow,
and heaved a sigh more soft than Zephyr's balmy wing, her answer
was, "Why--ay--and heaven grant me patience to bear the humours of
such a yoke-fellow.
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