Where, whispered I, where has this miracle been concealed, that my eyes were never blessed with the sight of her before? These words, though I uttered them softly, and with the utmost caution; yet by the murmuring noise they made, caused an emotion in the beauteous sleeper, that she started, and presently after opened her eyes: but what words shall I find to express the wonder, the astonishment, and rapture, which the sight of those bright stars inspired me with? The flames which darted from those glorious orbs cast such a dazzling splendor upon a sight too weak to bear a radiance so unusual, that stepping back a few paces, I contemplated at a distance, that brightness which began already to kindle a consuming fire in my soul.
Bless me! interrupted Sir Charles, confounded at so pompous a description; who could this be?
The pretty milk-maid, Dolly Acorn, replied Mr. Glanville gravely: did you never see her, sir, when you was at your seat, at ——? She used often to bring cream to my lady.
Aye, aye, replied Sir Charles, I remember her: she was a very pretty girl. And so it was from her eyes that all those splendors and flames came, that had like to have burnt you up, Sir George? Well, well, I guess how the story will end: pray let us hear it out.
I have already told you, madam, resumed Sir George, the marvellous effects the sight of those bright eyes produced upon my spirit. I remained fixed in a posture of astonishment and delight; and all the faculties of my soul were so absorbed in the contemplation of the miracles before me, that I believe, had she still continued before my eyes, I should never have moved from the place where I then stood: but the fair virgin, who had spied me at the small distance to which I was retired, turned hastily about, and flew away with extraordinary swiftness.
When love, now lending me wings, whom admiration had before made motionless, I pursued her so eagerly, that at last I overtook her; and, throwing myself upon my knees before her,—
Stay, I conjure you, cried I; and if you be a divinity, as your celestial beauty makes me believe, do not refuse the adoration I offer you: but if, as I most ardently wish, you are a mortal, though sure the fairest that ever graced the earth; stop a moment to look upon a man, whose respects for you as a mortal fall little short of those adorations he offers you as a goddess.
I can't but think, cried Sir Charles, laughing, how poor Dolly must be surprised at such a rhodomontade speech!
Oh, sir! replied Mr. Glanville, you will find she will make as good a one.
Will she, by my troth? said Sir Charles: I don't know how to believe it.