1

"What is there," said Capt Mirvan to himself one evening as he
was returning home. "What is there in this Julia Clifton, which thus
awes, thus restrains me, at the very moment when her own tender-
ness has elicited mine? Frank and communicative almost to a
fault, gay and volatile almost to levity, there is nevertheless a
certain air--a manner which seems to say thus far and no farther--
is it dignity? dignity is cold,--but there is no coldness in
Julia Clifton's composition."
However incomprehensible, Capt Mirvan owned
the influence of this invisible { ?} and lost in Mrs Clifton's presence,
the boldness and the freedom which characterized his manners
in his intercourse with other women. But the passion thus subdued
and restrained burnt deeper in his bosom and its violence was increased
by its concentration. How frequently has he determined during their
long and solitary rides to take advantage of the tenderness she
could not disguise, and the confidence with which she trusted herself
to him. And yet when arrived at some spot far remote
from human habitation and the new constant purpose of his
bosom, impressed him to attempt some liberty--that
very tenderness, that very confidence which seemed to trust so
implicity to his protection, when expressed by Julia's eloquent
countenance, appealed not in vain to his heart; a countenance
which while it seemed to intreat, betrayed its
power to command. It was the bright intelligence, the emanation
of mind, which while they heightened the glow, seemed
to purify the feelings which burned upon her cheek, or sparkled
in her eye. In conversation with Capt Mirvan, she had never
displayed the strength or niches of her mind. His aim had
been her heart, and he had sought to reach it through
her fancy and her feelings,
never calculating on a connection that would require more
enduring materials. But mind will be felt--mind will command,
even without those who do not value, or do not comprehend its powers.
A thousand times had Capt Mirvan resolved to shake off
the influence of this secret and inexplicable power; his pride and love
equally stimulated him to complete his triumph--he felt
that he had touched the heart of Julia--the melting tender-
ness of her voice--her looks--her manners, convinced him