CHAPTER XII. Ah! si vous pouviez comprendre Loin de vous, mon cœur soupire, Helas! peut-etre, ai je trop dit !? On the ensuing week, Major Atherton was an almost daily visitant at the house of Mr. Grey. Every morning he found some excuse for going to Plymouth; and Captain Standish, who was at that time particularly occupied with some affairs of his own, was pleased to hear of his kinsman's frequent engagements at the Governor's, or Mr. Bradford's; though not always aware that these engagements were concluded in the society of Miriam Grey. He was received by every member of the family with the utmost cordiality; and the eloquent blushes of Miriam, the engaging confidence and graceful timidity which alternately marked her manner towards him, encouraged his hopes, and increased the attachment he cherished for her; which became deeper and stronger, as every interview disclosed to him some new charm in her mind and character. There was, also, enough of variety, uncertainty and doubt, to create perplexity and induce him to conceal his sentiments, till more fully convinced that they would meet with a favourable reception. The conduct of Mr. Calvert was well calculated to render Atherton mistrustful of Miriam's affection; he was continually near her; and Atherton often sighed as he observed her, with apparent pleasure, enter into conversation with him, and listen to his descriptions of foreign countries, and the adventures of other days, which he had always at command, and possessed the pleasing art of relating with a spirit and humour that could not fail to amuse. Atherton, like other lovers, was ingenious in tormenting himself with visionary fears, and too little skilled in the female heart, to detect the subtle. evasions, to which it has recourse to conceal an acknowledged prepossession: his hopes were constantly fluctuating; and often depressed by circumstances, from which, with more experience, he would have drawn the most flattering inferences. Calvert always assumed the aspect of a favoured lover: conscious of his advantages, he seemed secure of conquest; or, if at any time uncertain, he artfully concealed it, and wore an air of presumption, from which the more delicate and honourable mind of Atherton revolted. He was evidently no stranger to the views and feelings of his rival; but he appeared totally to disregard them, and resolved not to admit the possibility, that he could become a successful candidate for the favour of his mistress. VOL. I. 18* His manners were frank and careless; but Atherton, as his visits became more frequent, remarked an occasional caprice and coldness; he also fancied that Mr. Grey began to regard the attentions, which both himself and Calvert directed to his daughter, with a suspicious eye. He had no wish to conceal his sentiments, and only waited for a favourable opportunity to disclose them, both to Miriam and her father. Atherton called at the house one evening, and was not displeased, on entering the parlour, to find it occupied by Miriam alone. She was carelessly reclining in a huge elbow chair, with her eyes fixed on the blazing fire, which glanced brightly on her figure and countenance, and revealed an expression of unusual pensiveness. Without raising her eyes, as he entered, she continued to hum the air of a tune which Atherton had himself taught her, and of which he was particularly fond, because it had been a favourite with his mother. It was a beautiful sacred melody, that even Mr. Grey approved ; and, though the flageolet on which Atherton played with uncommon skill, was not of puritanical invention, he had frequently listened with pleasure as its soft melody mingled with the sweet and rich tones of his daughter's voice. Miriam however perceived Atherton even sooner than he wished; and, hastily rising, she offered him a seat, saying with a smile, "Excuse my inattention, sir, but I thought it was Lois who entered.' And you, I hope,' said Atherton, will forgive my interrupting the reverie which you seemed to be enjoying.' 6 The interruption is quite fortunate,' returned Miriam; for I was at that moment attempting your favourite air, and need your assistance to go through with it. I fear my ear must be growing dull, for I never made so much discord in a simple tune.' 6 Mine must be dull, indeed, if you did,' said Atherton, for I was admiring the ease and correctness with which you sung it. But you must allow me to hear you again, in order to judge which of us is mistaken.' 'If you will accompany me,' replied Miriam and in the mean time, some lights will look more cheerful than this fitful blaze.' "They will spoil this pleasant twilight, which is the most delightful season of the day,' said Atherton. He took the flageolet from his pocket as he spoke, and Miriam, who had nearly reached the door, returned; and, after stiring the fire into a brighter glow, commenced the song, which she executed without a single false note; though the sound of the instrument often died away, as Atherton, in listening to her, seemed fearful that the softest breath might interrupt the harmony which she created. Major Atherton was at all times strongly alive to the charms of music; but the voice of Miriam Grey had acquired an influence over his feelings, at which he was often surprised, yet seldom endeavoured to resist. As soon as she had finished, he rose abruptly from his chair, and for several moments paced the room in silence. Miriam perplexed at his conduct, regarded him almost with alarm; but she at length ventured to say, in a timid accent, 'I fear I have done wrong, Major Atherton, and again, unfortunately awakened some painful remembrances.' Atherton suddenly stopped, and advancing towards her, took her hand, and looking earnestly in her face, replied, 'You do wrong Miriam? you awaken painful remembrance? no; believe me ;-when with you, the past is forgotten, and my presumptuous hopes dare to image scenes of future happiness, which your smiles have encouraged, and your lips alone can sanction.' Miriam, in silent confusion, averted her blushing face from his ardent gaze; but, as he eagerly watched the variations of her countenance, the brilliant glow faded into a deadly paleness, and with a look of alarm, she hastily withdrew her hand, which he still retained within his own. Atherton followed the direction of her eyes, and with a start of surprise, beheld Mr. Grey, who had entered unperceived, standing with folded arms, and regarding them with severe and fixed attention. Atherton instantly recovered his self-posses |