'Pretty companion of my confinement!' cried she, apostrophizing an
enormous toad which she pulled out of her bosom 'dear, spotted
fondling, thou, next to my Cherubina, art worthy of my love. Embrace
each other, my friends.' And she put the hideous pet into my hand. I
screamed and dropped it.
'Oh!' cried I, in a passion of despair, 'what madness possessed me to
undertake this execrable enterprise!' and I began beating with my hand
against the door.
'Do you want to leave your poor mother?' said she in a whimpering
tone.
'Oh! I am so frightened!' cried I.
'You will spend the night here, however,' said she; 'and your whole
life too; for the ruffian who brought you hither was employed by Lady
Gwyn to entrap you.'
When I heard this terrible sentence, my blood ran cold, and I began
crying bitterly.
'Come, my love!' said my mother, 'and let me clasp thee to my heart
once more!'
'For goodness sake!' cried I, 'spare me!'
'What!' exclaimed she, 'do you spurn my proffered embrace again?'
'Dear, no, madam,' answered I. 'But--but indeed now, you squeeze one
so!'
My mother made a huge stride towards me; then stood groaning and
rolling her eyes.
'Help!' cried I, half frantic, 'help! help!'
I was stopped by a suppressed titter of infernal laughter, as if from
many demons; and on looking towards the black curtain, whence the
sound came, I saw it agitated; while about twenty terrific faces
appeared peeping through slits in it, and making grins of a most
diabolical nature. I hid my face with my hands.
''Tis the banditti!' cried my mother.
As she spoke, the door opened, a bandage was flung over my eyes, and I
was borne away half senseless, in some one's arms; till at length, I
found myself alone in my own chamber.
Such was the detestable adventure of to-night. Oh, that I should live
to meet this mother of mine! How different from the mothers that other
heroines rummage out in northern turrets and ruined chapels! I am out
of all patience. Liberate her I must, of course, and make a suitable
provision for her too, when I get my property; but positively, never
will I sleep under the same roof with--(ye powers of filial love,
forgive me!) such a living mountain of human horror. Adieu.