James Fenimore Cooper The Water witch, Volume 2

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that were rather enriched than discolored by the warm touches of the sun. The
dark glossy ringlets, that were no longer artfully converted to the purposes
of the masquerade, fell naturally in curls about the temples and brows,
shading a countenance which in general was playfully arch, though at that
moment it was shadowed by reflection and feeling. It is seldom that two such
beings are seen together, as those who now knelt at the feet of the merchant.
In the breast of the latter, the accustomed and lasting love of the uncle and
protector appeared, for an instant, to struggle with the new-born affection of
a parent. Nature was too strong for even his blunted and perverted sentiments;
and, calling his child aloud by name, the selfish and calculating Alderman
sunk upon the neck of Eudora, and wept. It would have been difficult to trace
the emotions of the stern but observant free-trader, as he watched the
progress of this scene. Distrust, uneasiness, and finally melancholy, were in
his eye. With the latter expression predominant, he quitted the room, like one
who felt a stranger had no right to witness emotions so sacred.
Two hours later, and the principal personages of the narrative were assembled
on the margin of the Cove, beneath the shade of an oak that seemed coeval with
the continent. The brigantine was aweigh; and, under a light show of canvas,
she was making easy stretches in the little basin, resembling, by the ease and
grace of her movements, some beautiful swan sailing up and down in the
enjoyment of its instinct. A boat had just touched the shore, and the Skimmer
of the Seas stood near, stretching out a hand to aid the boy Zephyr to land.
We subjects of the elements are slaves to superstition; he said, when the
light foot of the child touched the ground. It is the consequence of lives
which ceaselessly present dangers superior to our powers. For many years have
I believed that some great good, or some greater evil, would accompany the
first visit of this boy to the land. For the first time, his foot now stands
on solid earth. I await the fulfilment of the augury!
It will be happy; returned Ludlow-- Alida and Eudora will instruct him in
the opinions of this simple and fortunate country, and he seemeth one likely
to do early credit to his schooling.
I fear the boy will regret the lessons of the sea-green lady!--Captain
Ludlow, there is yet a duty to perform, which, as a man of more feeling than
you may be disposed to acknowledge, I cannot neglect. I have understood that
you are accepted by la belle Barb�rie?
Such is my happiness.
Sir, in dispensing with explanation of the past, you have shown a noble
confidence, that merits a return. When I came upon this coast, it was with a
determination of establishing the claims of Eudora to the protection and
fortune of her father. If I distrusted the influence and hostility of one so
placed, and so gifted to persuade, as this lady, you will remember it was
before acquaintance had enabled me to estimate more than her beauty. She was
seized in her pavilion by my agency, and transported as a captive to the
brigantine.
I had believed her acquainted with the history of her cousin, and willing to
aid in some fantasy which was to lead to the present happy restoration of the
latter to her natural friends.
You did her disinterestedness no more than justice. As some atonement for
the personal wrong, and as the speediest and surest means of appeasing her
alarm, I made my captive acquainted with the facts. Eudora then heard, also
for the first time, the history of her origin. The evidence was irresistible,
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and we found a generous and devoted friend where we had expected a rival.
I knew that Alida could not prove less generous! cried the admiring Ludlow,
raising the hand of the blushing girl to his lips. The loss of fortune is a
gain, by showing her true character!
Hist--hist-- interrupted the Alderman-- there is little need to proclaim a
loss of any kind. What must be done in the way of natural justice, will
doubtless be submitted to; but why let all in the colony know how much, or how
little, is given with a bride?
The loss of fortune will be amply met; returned the free-trader. These
bags contain gold. The dowry of my charge is ready at a moment s warning,
whenever she shall make known her choice.
Success and prudence! exclaimed the burgher. There is no less than a most
commendable forethought in thy provision, Master Skimmer; and whatever may be
the opinion of the Exchequer Judges of thy punctuality and credit, it is mine [ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ]

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