20

quietude and silence. As the waves that have been lashed into
foam by the violence of the wind, gently subside when the wind
dies away, so did the swelling and tumultuous passions of Capt Dey's
breast by degrees sink into a calm when not opposed by resistance.
By degrees the quickness of his steps slackened; he still walked
the room, but it was slowly and thoughtfully, and when he again
stole a glance at Lucy and saw the tears stealing down her
cheeks, he was entirely subdued. He drew a chair opposite
to her, and after a pause of a moment looked up and said,
"You are a strange girl Lucy." Lucy did not answer.
"Very strange indeed," he continued. "I cannot understand you:
"There," said he pointing to her child, "there is the proof
of your frailty and can a woman who has once fallen ever
rise again?"
"Never!" said Lucy mournfully--but I would feign try
to fall no lower."
"But if you can never hope to enjoy the advantages of
virtue--to what end would you still be virtuous? If you must
suffer the now punishment of your weakness, why not enjoy
its pleasures then