ABSTRACT
Emily, on her return to Mrs. Wilson, acquainted her with her unexpected good fortune, felt every gratitude for her, but proposed the following day for her removal. Mrs. Wilson listened in silence, and even after Emily had ceased to speak, could only answer by a profound sigh. At length she said, ‘This separation is severe as it is sudden. Your absence includes the loss of so many tender ideas, so much consolation, so sweet a tranquillity, and such numerous and gentle offices! I know that I am not worthy of enjoying / a friendship like yours; but once to have called such excellence my own raises me in my own estimation. The pride I feel but gives a sharper pang to this laceration of my affections. I had busied my thoughts in forming an easy establishment for you; but it is now over! Allow me, however, my dear Miss Emily, when you are quite settled, to call once on you. Let me have at least the consolation of knowing that you feel your situation agreeable.’ ‘My dear Mrs. Wilson,’ replied Emily, pressing her hand, while a tear dropt from her eye, ‘I can never forget you. Superior to your occupation, I lament to leave you in it. You was my first friend in this great town; perhaps the only one I now possess. Call on me whenever you chuse; I shall certainly call frequently on you.’ Emily thought to herself ‘what a delicate circumstance! / I feel grateful, yet must not evince gratitude!’
