His manner to my mother was, at first, shy and reserved.

This wore off by degrees, and before two years had expired, from the death of his wife, his visits became so constant, and his attentions so marked, that Dinah once more began to entertain hopes that her ambitious schemes for her daughter might yet be realized.

These hopes were only frustrated by the sudden death of the object for whom they were cherished.

My mother, for some weeks, had complained of an acute pain in her left side, just under her breast, and the medicines she procured from the doctor afforded her no relief.

She grew nervous and apprehensive of the consequences, but as her personal appearance was not at all injured by her complaint, Dinah ridiculed her fears.
"'You may laugh as you please, mother,' said she, the very day before she died, 'but I feel this pain will be the death of me--and I so unfit to die,' she added, with a deep sigh.
"'Nonsense!' returned Dinah, 'you will wear your wedding clothes a second time, before we put on your shroud.' "My mother only answered with another deep-drawn sigh.