No attempt at defiance being made, however, her face gradually relaxed, and became so pleasant, that I was emboldened to kiss and thank her; which I did with great heartiness, and with both my arms clasped round her neck. I then shook hands with Mr.Dick, who shook hands with me a great many times,and hailed this happy close of the proceedings with repeated bursts of laughter.
'You'll consider yourself guardian, jointly with me,of this child, Mr. Dick,' said my aunt.