[ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ]

character of the party then in the valley was known, it would be premature.
Page 116
ABC Amber Palm Converter, http://www.processtext.com/abcpalm.html
Nothing was easier than to conceal himself until it was dark, when he might
approach the Hut, and be admitted without his presence being known to any but
those on whom the family could certainly rely. The major urged the
impossibility of his quitting Maud, until she was joined by the two men sent
in quest of her, and then it would be too late, as he must be seen. Although
he might escape immediate recognition in his present dress, the presence of a
stranger would excite suspicions, and compel an explanation. To this Maud
replied in the following manner: Her customary places of resort, when in the
woods, were well known; more especially to Michael, who was frequently
employed in their vicinity. These were a little water-fall, that was situated
a hundred rods up the rivulet, to which a path had been made expressly, and
where an arbour, seat, and little table had been arranged, for the purposes of
working, reading, or taking refreshments. To this spot the men would
unquestionably proceed first. Then, there was a deep ravine, some distance
farther, that was often visited for its savage beauty, and whither she more
frequently went, perhaps, than to any other place. Thither Michael would be
certain to lead his companion. These two places visited, they might infallibly
expect to see the men at the rock, where the two were then seated, as the last
spot in which Maud might naturally be expected to be found. It would require
an hour to visit the two places first named, and to examine the surrounding
woods; and by that time, not only would the sun be set, but the twilight would
be disappearing. Until that moment, then, the major might remain at her side,
and on the sound of the approaching footsteps of the messengers, he had only
to retire behind a projection of the rocks, and afterwards follow towards the
Knoll, at a safe distance.
This plan was too plausible to be rejected; and giving Robert an hour of
uninterrupted discourse with his companion, it struck him as having more
advantages than any other mentioned. The party near the mills, too, remaining
perfectly quiet, there was less occasion for any change of their own, than
might otherwise have been the case. So far, indeed, from appearing to
entertain any hostile intention, not a cabin had been injured, if approached,
and the smoke of the conflagration which had been expected to rise from the
mills and the habitations in the glen, did not make its appearance. If any
such ruthless acts as applying the brand and assaulting the people were in
contemplation, they were at least delayed until night should veil them in a
fitting darkness.
It is always a great relief to the mind, in moments of trial, to have decided
on a course of future action. So the major and Maud now found; for, taking his
seat by her side, he began to converse with his companion more connectedly,
and with greater calmness than either had yet been able to achieve. Many
questions were asked, and answers given, concerning the state of the family,
that of his father and mother, and dear Beulah and her infant, the latter
being as yet quite a stranger to the young soldier.
 Is he like his rebel of a father? asked the royal officer, smiling, but as
his companion fancied, painfully;  or has he more of the look of the
Willoughbys. Beekman is a good-looking Dutchman; yet, I would rather have the
boy resemble the good old English stock, after all.
 The sweet little fellow resembles both father and mother; though the first
the most, to Beulah s great delight. Papa says he is true  Holland s come of,
as they call it, though neither mamma nor I will allow of any such thing.
Colonel Beekman is a very worthy man, Bob, and a most affectionate and
attentive, husband. Beulah, but for this war, could not be happier.
 Then I forgive him one-half of his treason--for the remainder let him take
his luck. Now I am an uncle, my heart begins to melt a little towards the
rebel. And you, Maud, how do the honours of an aunt sit upon your feelings?
Page 117
ABC Amber Palm Converter, http://www.processtext.com/abcpalm.html
But women are all heart, and would love a rat.
Maud smiled, but she answered not. Though Beulah s child were almost as dear
to her as one of her own could have been, she remembered that she wasnot its
aunt, in fact; and, though she knew not why, in that company, and even at that
grave moment, the obtrusive thought summoned a bright flush to her cheeks. The
major probably did not notice this change of countenance, since, after a short
pause, he continued the conversation naturally.
 The child is called Evert, is it not,aunt Maud? he asked, laying an
emphasis on  aunt.
Maud wished this word had not been used; and yet Robert Willoughby, could the
truth have been known, had adverted to it with an association in his own mind,
that would have distressed her, just then, still more.Aunt Maud was the name
that others, however, were most fond of adopting, since the birth of the
child; and remembering this, our heroine smiled.
 That is what Beulah has called me, these six months, she said-- or ever [ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ]