the sight; and guessing, that they would repose themselves in
the alcove, stopped into it unperceived, and hid upon the stone table a
picture of myself in miniature, for which I had sat in London, purposing
to leave it with Narcissa before I should go abroad. I exposed it in
this manner, as an introduction to my own appearance, which, without
some previous intimation, I was afraid might have an unlucky effect
upon the delicate nerves of my fair enslaver; and then withdrew into
the thicket, where I could hear their discourse, and suit myself to the
circumstance of the occasion. As they advanced, I observed an air of
melancholy in the countenance of Narcissa, blended with such unspeakable
sweetness, that I could scarce refrain from flying into her arms, and
kissing away the pearly drop that stood collected in each bewitching
eye. According to my expectation, she entered the alcove, and perceiving
something on the table, took it up. No sooner did she cast her eye upon
the features, than, startled at the resemblance, she cried, "Good
God!" and the roses instantly vanished from her cheeks. Her confidante,
alarmed at this exclamation, looked at the picture; and, struck with the
likeness, exclaimed, "Jesus! the very features of Mr. Random!" Narcissa,
having recollected herself a little, said, "Whatever angel brought
it hither as a comfort to me in my affliction, I am thankful for the
benefit, and will preserve it as the dearest object of my care." So
saying, she kissed it with surprising ardour, shed a flood of tears, and
then deposited the lifeless image in her lovely bosom. Transported at
these symptoms of her unaltered affection, I was about to throw myself
at her feet, when Miss Williams, whose reflection was less engaged
than that of her mistress, observed that the picture could not transport
itself hither, and that she could not help thinking I was not far off.
The gentle Narcissa, starting at this conjecture, answered, "Heaven
forbid! for although nothing in the universe could yield me satisfaction
equal to that of his presence for one poor moment, in a proper place,
I would rather forfeit his company--almost for ever, than see him here,
where his life would be exposed to so much danger." I could no longer
restrain the impulse of my passion, but, breaking from my concealment,
stood before her, when she uttered a fearful shriek, and fainted in the
arms of her companion. I flew towards the treasure of my soul, clasped
her