It is not our intention to give the conversation between the two ladies, which was, indeed, not one of long duration.

Mrs.Lindsay simply stated that she had been deputed by her son, Woodward, to have the honor of making a proposal in his name to her uncle, in which proposal she, Miss Riddle, was deeply concerned, but that her son himself would soon have the greater honor of pleading his own cause with the fair object of his most enthusiastic affection.

To this Miss Riddle said neither yes nor no; and, after a further chat upon indifferent topics, the matron took her departure, much satisfied, however, with the apparent suavity of the worthy peer's fair niece.
It matters not how hard and iniquitous the hearts of mothers may be, it is a difficult thing to extinguish in them the sacred principle of maternal affection.

Mrs.Lindsay, during her son Charles's illness, and whilst laboring under the apprehension that she was about to lose him, went to his sick room after her return from Lord Coccletown's, and, finding he was but slightly improving,--if improving at all,--she felt herself much moved, and asked him how he felt.
"Indeed, my dear mother," he replied, "I can scarcely say; I hardly know whether I am better or worse." Harry was in the room at the time, having gone up to ascertain his condition.
"O, come, Charles," said she, "you were always an affectionate son, and you must strive and recover.

If it may give you strength and hope, I now tell you that the property which I intended to leave to Harry here, I shall leave to you.