Thus warned, Julia came into the room alone, and while Dr. Sampson was
inculcating self-restraint for her own sake, she listened with a superior
smile, and took quite a different line. "Mamma," said she, "he is in the
town; but I dare not bring him here till you are composed: his reason is
restored; but his nerves are not so strong as they were. Now, if you
agitate yourself, you will agitate him, and will do him a serious
mischief."
This crafty speech produced an incredible effect on Mrs. Dodd. It calmed
her directly: or rather her great love gave her strength to be calm. "I
will not be such a wretch," she said. "See: I am composed, quite
composed. Bring me my darling, and you shall see how good I will be:
there now, Julia, see how calm I am, quite calm. What, have I borne so
much misery, with Heaven's help, and do you think I cannot bear this
great happiness for my dear darling's sake?"
On this they proposed she should retire to her room, and they would go
for David.
"Think over the meeting, dear, dear mamma," said Julia, "and then you
will behave well for his sake, who was lost to us and is found.
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