So far, therefore, from
expecting a paternal embrace, she would have felt, had it been
given, like the doomed daughter of the Gileadite, consecrated to
sacrifice.
Both she and her mother were anxious to hear the proceedings of the
meeting, and to receive personal news of the many friends whom Eli
had seen; but they asked few questions until the supper-table was
ready and Moses had come in from the barn. The old man enjoyed
talking, but it must be in his own way and at his own good time.
They must wait until the communicative spirit should move him.
With the first cup of coffee the inspiration came. Hovering at
first over indifferent details, he gradually approached those of
more importance,--told of the addresses which had been made, the
points of discipline discussed, the testimony borne, and the
appearance and genealogy of any new Friends who had taken a
prominent part therein. Finally, at the close of his relation, he
said--
"Abigail, there is one thing I must talk to thee about. Friend
Speakman's partner,--perhaps thee's heard of him, Richard Hilton,--
has a son who is weakly.
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