2

he was believed. "It is only my own silly timidity and cowardice
he would exclaim, that hinder my success, --why, Julia herself will
despise me if after such unresisting, confiding tenderness, I do not
reap the {refined?} harvest."
It was after reflection such as these, and a few extra glasses
of wine which he drank off to inspire him with courage as
he said, that he went as usual to pass his evening with
Mrs Clifton. The day had been oppressively warm, and the little
air which had relieved the heat, had died away with the setting
sun, and a breathless stillness seemed to pervade all nature.
Exhausted and languid, Julia had ordered a settee to
be placed under a thick tuft of acacias, on which she
lay down and was refreshed by the coolness
which exhaled from the moist and shaded
ground. The restlessness produced by the heat gave way to
a sweet repose and she was soon lost in a shadowy, dreamy
sort of existence, more delightful than the fullest vigor and
activity of the vital { ?}. Tho' the sun had set, a bright
glow diffused through the atmosphere a warm and mellow
light and tinged every object with a rich and golden hue.
Capt Mirvan stole to the spot, to which he was directed
by a servant. Thinking that Julia was asleep, he silently
sunk down on the grass beside her--lost in admiration of her loveliness,
he scarcely breathed, but on daring to touch with his lips
her hand which hung listlessly by her side, she started from
her reverie, in an emotion and embarrassment she had never before
betrayed in his presence. Her varying colour, her eyes cast down
to avoid the ardent gaze of his, the universal agitation of her frame,
emboldened him by the conscious weakness it betrayed in her.
"Dearest Mrs Clifton," he began while he seized her hand with a transport
he had never before dared to show--Julia felt her danger, and
attempting to rise, feebly articulated, "Let us return to the house",
but he drew her back to her seat and forcibly retained her hand.
At that moment Rosa accidentally ran across a path, near
where they sat, Julia darted forward and catching the child in her
arms, pressed her to her bosom.
She was {relieved, calmed} and taking her little girl by the hand
walked composedly back to the seat, where Capt Mirvan