She said, "I'm afraid I'm too old; but
it was very kind of you to think of it. They are just what I
should have liked years ago--when I was young."
"So I thought, my little Matty. I remembered your tastes; they
were so like my dear mother's." At the mention of that name the
brother and sister clasped each other's hands yet more fondly, and,
although they were perfectly silent, I fancied they might have
something to say if they were unchecked by my presence, and I got
up to arrange my room for Mr Peter's occupation that night,
intending myself to share Miss Matty's bed. But at my movement, he
started up. "I must go and settle about a room at the 'George.'
My carpet-bag is there too."
"No!" said Miss Matty, in great distress--"you must not go; please,
dear Peter--pray, Mary--oh! you must not go!"
She was so much agitated that we both promised everything she
wished. Peter sat down again and gave her his hand, which for
better security she held in both of hers, and I left the room to
accomplish my arrangements.
Long, long into the night, far, far into the morning, did Miss
Matty and I talk. She had much to tell me of her brother's life
and adventures, which he had communicated to her as they had sat
alone. She said all was thoroughly clear to her; but I never quite
understood the whole story; and when in after days I lost my awe of
Mr Peter enough to question him myself, he laughed at my curiosity,
and told me stories that sounded so very much like Baron
Munchausen's, that I was sure he was making fun of me.
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