The offer of one's valuable assistance is liable to be declined uncivilly--it requires the talents of a diplomatist to convey it without offense--still, I possess those talents.

Again, undoubtedly the profession is in itself temporary, can never be permanent; but then, has not nature especially favored me for it, after my mother's model?
Shall I not be a boy at forty, and blooming at fifty-three?
The idea of you being fifty-three, mother!" As they stood together side by side it seemed, indeed, impossible that this young man could be her son, far less the offspring of her middle age.

She smiled upon him sadly, patting his handsome cheek.

"And is my Richard so full-grown a man," said she, "as, to flatter, and not to grant ?" It was impossible to imagine a more winsome voice, or a more tender tone.
"Nay, mother; I will promise, if you please," said the young fellow, kissing her.

"And now, let us divide this Crompton spoil together." He pulled out his purse, and counted the contents.