languor of his countenance, and, as he entered the parlour exclaimed, "Well, cousin Atherton, I thought something must ail you, to keep you in bed so long; and here you are, looking as pale as a Dutch ghost.' "I know not how I could oversleep myself so strangely, on so bright a morning as this,' returned Atherton; you have a capricious climate, Captain, and storms and sunshine succeed each other so rapidly, that we have scarcely time to guard against the one, or enjoy the other. Last evening, I scarcely expected to see blue sky again for a week at least.' "Our southerly gales,' said the Captain, are short and violent; and, had you asked me, I could have told you, last night, that it would be fair weather to-day. But that is nothing to the purpose; so tell me truly now, if that confounded game of swimming has not washed away your colour, and given you a cold.' 'I am perfectly well,' replied Atherton; and I believe my colour is not on the surface, to be rubbed off so easily.' 6 'As for that,' said the Captain, my little rosebud here, has generally as bright a tinge as most damsels, on her cheek; but just look at her now, she is as wan and drooping as a lily.' Atherton was looking at her, and with an anxious expression, which, as his eyes encountered those of Miriam Grey, suffused her face with the deepest blush, which again gradually faded into its former paleness. 'How now?' said the Captain, regarding her with attention; I believe the girl is feverish, such a flush, and all for nothing; Mistress Saveall must steep you some more of her herbs, and mess you up, in her way.' No, no,' said Miriam laughing,' I only wanted to contradict you, Captain; and, not daring to do it with my lips, conjured up that colour, which was a modest way of saying you are mistaken, sir.' And a very pretty way, truly,' returned the Captain, and I were a few years younger, Miriam, there is no knowing what effect it would have upon my heart.' 'Now I pray you, Captain,' said Miriam, blushing more deeply than before, probably from observing the gaze of Atherton, who was admiring the bright glow-do not give me the trouble of trying it again; to tell you the truth, I have a keen appetite this morning, and have been wishing for breakfast, for the last half hour or two.' 'I am sorry to have caused so much delay by my indolence,' said Atherton. 'Nay,' said Miriam, gaily but you must take more leisure, if you mean to apologise, Major Atherton; there is master Peregrine, looking very hungry; and my father, I know, is in haste to return home." Mr. Grey, had expressed a wish, to return, as early as possible to Plymouth. Captain Standish, therefore ordered a boat to be prepared; and, soon after breakfast, they were all in readiness to de part. Atherton felt a strong desire to go with them, which he was hesitating to make known, when the Captain said, 'I had thoughts of taking a trip with you, Mr. Grey, if it pleased you to accept my company, and cousin Atherton's; but, on second thoughts. he had enough of the water last night, and had better rest awhile.' 'Indeed, sir,' replied Atherton,' I am perfectly well; and, if not, this elastic air might restore health to an invalid.' 6 'We have many such days in autumn,' said the Captain; and if Hobamock were here, I think he would predict an Indian summer to us, after this storm; so we will see you soon, Mr. Grey, and I will teach Major Atherton to harvest corn this morning.' Atherton tried not to look vexed, though he really felt so; and Mr. Grey, with much cordiality, expressed a hope that he should see him as soon, and as often as he could find it convenient; a hope which Atherton fancied was confirmed by Miriam's eyes, and to which he yielded a ready assent. 6 'All's ready,' said Peregrine White; so good bye to you all; and now, away, master Ashly; but take care that you do not break the oar. and set us all adrift again: and, looking back, he called out, I pray you, Captain, to look sharp at your corn, and not teach Major Atherton to bind it into sheafs, like wheat, as you did me once, I can tell you the Governor had some trouble to unlearn me. 'It would be well, if he had no other trouble with you,' said the Captain. Master Peregrine,' he added to Atherton, is like a king's jester, privileged to say aught that pleases him, without giving offence; and if he is rude at times, we don't mind him; for the lad means well and is kind at heart, though he has come near being spoiled by indulgence. His father died soon after his birth, and I suppose the Governor does not care to meddle much with his mother's management.' 3. 'It is natural, that he should not,' said Atherton who answered almost mechanically; for his eyes were following the boat, as it shot rapidly across the Bay; and he was perhaps admiring the deep blue of the heavens, the glassy smoothness of the waters, dimpled by the dipping oars, and slightly furrowed by the track of the light vessel, which soon dwindled to a fairy skiff. The figure of Miriam Grey was no longer distinguishable, and Atherton, whistling carelessly to his dog, returned to the house. CHAPTER X. What is fanatic frenzy, scorn'd so much, COWPER. As Captain Standish was reviewing the labour of his fields after dinner with Major Atherton, they observed Hobamock approaching towards them, on the road from Plymouth. 6 'There comes my trusty messenger,' said the Captain; I wonder what brings him back here to-day.' He seems swift-footed,' returned Atherton ; and you must find him very serviceable in your colony.' Yes,' replied the Captain, and he is shrewd and faithful, and moreover exceedingly brave, being what the Indians call a Paniese, which means a chief of great courage who, they think, has had intercourse with the devil, to render him invincible.' "Has he resided long with you?" asked Atherton. 'He came to us, within a year after we landed and we have since employed him in our service. He has been our interpre tr and guide, amongst the savage tribes, and a go soldier too, after his ་ |