Page:Records of the Life of the Rev. John Murray.djvu/59

and amiable young woman; and she certainly gave me every reason, which a modest, delicate, and sensible female could give, to believe she was not absolutely disinclined to listen to a tale of love. My apathy can only be accounted for, by a recurrence to an unquestionable fact; my heart was wholly engrossed by my religious connexions. I passed this memorable night in my chamber, without entering my bed. I descended the stairs in the morning, with the feelings of a malefactor; I dreaded the sight of every one in the house. Mr. Little saw me, but spake not to me; Mrs. Little addressed me in the language of kindness; their daughter was not present, and I am persuaded she was not reduced to the necessity of feigning indisposition, as a pretence for absence. After breakfast Mrs. Little, in a whisper, directed me to retire into the back parlour, where she would speedily join me. With trembling dread I obeyed; she soon appeared, the shutters were closed, just light enough to see her, and be seen by her; I saw she had been in tears; she was a most kind-hearted lady. I could not speak, she commanded me to be seated: I drew a chair for her, and another for myself; she sat down, and I seated myself by her. After a pause, she began: "Tell me, I conjure you, tell me, what I ought to understand by the appearances of this morning? answer honestly the questions I shall put to you; but I know your answers will be literally true. My poor girl is very much distressed; her father is very reserved, and very sad, he will make no reply to my inquiries, and my child is also silent. Tell me, I repeat, what is the matter?" I came home late last night, madam; no one was up but Miss Little, who, like an affectionate sister, informed me she had something to communicate to me, with which I ought to be acquainted: I listened to her, till I became greatly affected with what I heard, and deeply sensible of her goodness; we were mingling our tears, when thus thrown off my guard, I regret to say, that I am apprehensive I committed an unpardonable offence; I am mortified, while I confess to you, my dear madam, that I had the boldness to press to my lips the dear hand, which seemed extended to rescue me from indiscretion; but indeed, my dear lady, it was the first time I ever dared to take so great a liberty, and I would give the world I had not then been guilty of so much temerity. At the moment Mr. Little entered, I felt as if I should have sunk under his indignant glance; Miss Little was greatly discomposed, while her father, with a voice rendered tremulous by anger, significantly said—"So, sir"—and conducted his daughter out of the room.