"Do not go yet, sweet Imogen," cried she.
"We want a little more of your company. We have done you all the service
in our power, and you have not paid us for it. We will not ask any thing
hard and unreasonable of you. Only comply with us in this one thing, to
stay with us a few hours, and let us know a little better the worth of
that amiable female we have endeavoured to oblige." "Indeed, indeed,"
replied Imogen, "I cannot. I am not used to be obstinate; and you are so
kind and fair spoken, that it goes to my heart to refuse you. But I
would not for the world keep my dear, good Edith in a moment's suspense.
But since you are so desirous of being acquainted with me, repair as
soon and as often as you please to my father's cot, that lies on the
right hand side of the valley, about a mile from the sea, and just
beside the pretty brawling brook of Towey. There I will treat you with
the nicest apples and the richest cream. And I would treat you with
better, if I knew of any thing better, that I might thank you for your
goodness. Farewel!" added she, and affectionately pressed the hand that
was still untwined with her's.
"No, Imogen, no, you must not leave us thus. Though we would have done a
thousand times more than we have for your own sake, who are so simple
and so good, it is yet fit that you should know, that we are not
mistresses here, and that all we have done has been by the orders of the
lord of this rich mansion.
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