On her requiring me to take the air, I asked, If I might have the honour
of her company in a coach; and this, that I might observe if she had an
intention of going out in my absence.
If she thought a chair were not a more proper vehicle for my case, she
would with all her heart!
There's a precious!
I kissed her hand again! She was all goodness!--Would to Heaven I better
deserved it, I said!--But all were golden days before us!--Her presence
and generous concern had done every thing. I was well! Nothing ailed
me. But since my beloved will have it so, I'll take a little airing!--
Let a chair be called!--O my charmer! were I to have owned this
indisposition to my late harasses, and to the uneasiness I have had for
disobliging you; all is infinitely compensated by your goodness.--All the
art of healing is in your smiles!--Your late displeasure was the only
malady!
While Mrs. Sinclair, and Dorcas, and Polly, and even poor silly Mabell
[for Sally went out, as my angel came in] with uplifted hands and eyes,
stood thanking Heaven that I was better, in audible whispers: See the
power of love, cried one!--What a charming husband, another!--Happy
couple, all!
O how the dear creature's cheek mantled!--How her eyes sparkled!--How
sweetly acceptable is praise to conscious merit, while it but reproaches
when applied to the undeserving!--What a new, what a gay creation it
makes all at once in a diffident or dispirited heart!
And now, Belford, was it not worth while to be sick? And yet I must tell
thee, that too many pleasanter expedients offer themselves, to make trial
any more of this confounded ipecacuanha.