ughing.
"I certainly consider that your proposal, Alfred, merits due
reflection," observed Mrs. Campbell. "Your father and I will consult,
and perhaps by to-morrow morning we may have come to a decision. Now we
had better all go to bed."
"I shall dream of the Indian, I am sure," said Mary.
"And I shall dream of the bear," added Emma, looking archly at Alfred.
"And I shall dream of a very pretty girl--that I saw at Portsmouth,"
said Alfred.
"I don't believe you," replied Emma.
Shortly afterward Mr. Campbell rang the bell for the servants; family
prayers were read, and all retired in good spirits.
The next morning they all met at an early hour; and after Mr. Campbell
had, as was his invariable rule, read a portion of the Bible, and a
prayer of thankfulness, they sat down to breakfast. After breakfast was
over, Mr. Campbell said--
"My dear children, last night, after you had left us, your mother and I
had a long consultation, and we have decided that we have no alternative
left us but to follow the advice which Alfred has given: if, then, you
are all of the same opinion as we are, we have resolved that we will try
our fortunes in the Canadas."
"I am certainly of that opinion," replied Henry.
"And you, my girls?" said Mr. Campbell.
"We will follow you to the end of the world, uncle," replied Mary, "and
try if we can by any means in our power repay your kindness to two poor
orphans."
Mr. and Mrs. Campbell embraced their nieces, for they were much affected
by Mary's reply.
After a pause, Mrs. Campbell said--
"And now that we have come to a decision, we must commence our
arrangements immediately. How shall we dispose of ourselves? Come,
Alfred and Henry, what do you propose doing?"
"I must return immediately to Oxford, to settle my affairs, and dispose
of my books and other property."
"Shall you have sufficient money, my dear boy, to pay every thing?" said
Mr. Campbell.
"Yes, my dear father," replied Henry, coloring up a little.
"And I," said Alfred, "presume that I can be of no use here; therefore I
propose that I should start for Liverpool this afternoon by the coach,
for it is from Liverpool that we had better embark. I shall first write
to our purser for what information he can procure, and obtain all I can
at Liverpool from other people. As soon as I have any thing to
communicate, I will write."
"Write as soon as you arrive, Alfred, whether you have any thing to
communicate or
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