"I hope
it will be as you say; but I'm compelled to tell you that you may
be disappointed. There's no certainty that this trouble will pass
away at once under any one's influence. You and your husband come
with me. Mr. Kemble, I will send Jackson down, and so secure the
privacy which you would kindly provide. I will be present, for I
may be needed."
He led the way, the mother following with the impetuosity and
abandon of maternal love, and the father with stronger and
stranger emotions than he had ever known, but restrained in a
manner natural to a quiet, reticent man. They were about to greet
one on whom they had once centred their chief hopes and affection,
yet long mourned as dead. It is hard to imagine the wild tumult of
their feelings. Not merely by words, but chiefly by impulse,
immediate action, could they reveal how profoundly they were
moved.
With kindly intention, as he opened the door of the apartment, the
doctor began, "Mr. Jackson, please leave us a few--"
Mrs. Nichol saw her son and rushed upon him, crying, "Albert,
Albert!" It was enough at that moment that she recognized him; and
the thought that he would not recognize her was banished.
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