Parting an Anchor

Cornelia, upon her arrival in New York, had been met at the station by
an emissary of Aunt Margaret, and conducted to a country-seat some
distance up the river. Four or five young ladies were already assembled
there, and as many young gentlemen came up on afternoon trains, and
availed themselves of Aunt Margaret's hospitality, until business called
them to the city again the nest morning, except that on Saturdays they
brought an extra change or two of raiment, to tide them over the blessed
rest of Sunday.

"I've been so ill, my love--how sweet and fresh you do look!
Give your auntie a kiss--there. Oh! you naughty girl, how jealous
all the girls will be of those eyes of yours!--so ill--such
dreadful sick-headaches--oh, yes! I'm a great sufferer, dear,
a great sufferer--but no one, hardly, knows it. I tell you, you
know, dear, because you are my own darling little Cornelia. Oh! those
sweet eyes! So ill--so unable, you know, to be up and doing--to
be as I should wish to be--as I once was--as you are now,
you--splendid--creature--you! Now you must let me speak my heart out
to you, dear; it's my nature to do it, and I can't restrain,
it--foolish I know, but I always was so foolish! oh dear! well--Ah!
there's the first bell already. Let me show you your room, darling. As I
was going to say, I've been so indisposed that I've been obliged to pet
myself up a little here, before starting on our tour, you know, but in
a week I mean to be well again--I will be. Oh! I have immense
resolution, dear Neelie--immense fortitude, where those I love are
concerned. There, this is your little nest--now one more kiss. Oh!
those sweet lips! Remember you sit by me at dinner."