than what
are usually seen in my apartment at this hour--with, indeed, the addition
of a lamp, left by my uncle, Alderman Van Beverout."

"Your uncle!" exclaimed the other, advancing so near Alida, as to cause
her to retire a step, his countenance expressing a deep and newly-awakened
interest--"your uncle!--This, then, is one far-famed and justly extolled;
la belle Barberie!" he added, gallantly lifting his cap, as if he had just
discovered the condition and the unusual personal attractions of his
companion.

It was not in nature for Alida to be displeased. All her fancied causes of
terror were forgotten; for, in addition to their improbable and uncertain
nature, the stranger had sufficiently given her to understand, that he was
expected by her uncle. If we add, that the singular attraction and
softness of his face and voice aided in quieting her fears, we shall
probably do no violence either to the truth or to a very natural feeling.
Profoundly ignorant of the details of commerce, and accustomed to hear its
mysteries extolled as exercising the keenest and best faculties of man,
she saw nothing extraordinary in those who were actively engaged in the
pursuit having reasons for concealing their movements from the jealousy
and rivalry of competitors. Like most of her sex, she had great dependence
on the characters of those she loved; and, though nature, education, and
habit, had created a striking difference between the guardian and his
ward, their harmony had never been interrupted by any breach of affection.

"This then is la belle Barberie!" repeated the young sailor, for such his
dress denoted him to be, studying her features with an expression of face,
in which pleasure vied with evident and touching melancholy. "Fame hath
done no injustice, for here is all that might justify the folly or madness
of man!"

"This is familiar dialogue for an utter stranger," returned Alida,
blushing, though the quick dark eye that seemed to fathom all her
thoughts, saw it was not in anger. "I do not deny that the partiality of
friends, coupled with my origin, have obtained the appellation, which is
given, however, more in playfulness than in any serious opinion of its
being merited--and now, as the hour is getting late, and this visit is at
least unusual, you will permit me to seek my uncle."

"Stay!" interrupted the stranger--"it is long--very long, since so
soothing, so gentle a pleasure has been mine! This is a life of mysteries