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looked up and saw Capt. Dey. She started
with astonishment and hastily withdrew from
his embrace. She rose, laid her child on the bed, took a
candle from the mantle-piece, lit it, placed a small table between
her and the Captain, drew out her work and sat down. This was all
done without uttering a word, and before the Captain could make
out what were her intentions. There was such simplicity in this
conduct that he could scarcely believe she was aware of his feeling's
or designs; it left him no opportunity for the arts of
persuasion, afforded him no room for violence. Such was her perfect
composure, implied such unsuspecting security, such entire confidence
that libertive as he was,
he dared not violate that confidence. Had he met with resistance,
reproaches, or tears he would have known how to act--for those
he was prepared,--but such an upbraiding sweetness, such gentle
firmness, left him no pretence, to appease fears which were
not avowed, to soothe terrors, that were not felt-to persuade