His utterance was choked up a good while by the agitation of his soul; at length he broke out into "Mysterious Providence!--O my dear Charlotte, there yet remains a pledge of our love! and such a pledge!--so found! O infinite Goodness, let me adore thy all-wise decrees!" Having thus expressed himself, he kneeled upon the floor, lifted up his eyes and hands to heaven, and remained some minutes in silent ecstacy of devotion.

I put myself in the same posture, adored the all-good Dispenser in a prayer of mental thanksgiving: and when his ejaculation was ended, did homage to my father, and craved his paternal blessing.

He hugged me again with unutterable fondness, and having implored the protection of Heaven upon my head, raised me from the ground, and presented me as his son to the company, who wept in concert over this affecting scene.

Among the rest, my uncle did not fail to discover the goodness and joy of his heart.
Albeit unused to the melting mood, he blubbered with great tenderness, and wringing my father's hand, cried, "Brother Random, I'm rejoiced to see you--God be praised for this happy meeting!" Don Rodrigo, understanding that he was his brother-in-law, embraced him affectionately, saying, "Are you my Charlotte's brother?
Alas! unhappy Charlotte! but why should I repine?
we shall meet again, never more to part! Brother, you are truly welcome.

Dear son, I am transported with unspeakable joy! This day is a jubilee--my friends and servants shall share my satisfaction." While he dispatched messengers to the gentlemen in the neighbourhood, to announce this event, and gave orders for a grand entertainment, I was so much affected with the tumults of passion, which assailed me on this great, sudden, and unexpected occasion, that I fell sick, fevered, and in less than three hours became quite delirious: so that the preparations were countermanded, and the joy of the family converted into grief and despair.