Love stories; New York (N.Y.) -- History -- 1775-1865 -- Fiction
She was dressed only in a little morning gown of Indian chintz, but in
such simple toilet had still more distinctively that air of youthful
modesty which he had found so charmingly tantalizing. He hasted to her
side. He blessed his good angel for sending him such an enchanting
surprise. He said the most extravagant things, in the most truthful
manner, as he watched the blushes of pleasure come and go on her lovely
face, and saw by glimpses, under the veiling eyelids, that tender light
that never was on sea or land, but only on a woman's face when her soul
is awakening to Love.
Cornelia was going to the "Universal Store" of Gerardus Duyckinck, and
Hyde begged to go with her. He said he was used to shopping; that he
always went with his mother, and with Lady Christina Griffin, and Mrs.
White, and many others; that he had good taste, and could tell the
value of laces, and knew how to choose a piece of silk, or match the
crewels for her embroidery; and, indeed, pleaded his case so merrily,
that there was no refusing his offer. And how it happened lovers can
tell, but after the shopping was finished they found themselves walking
towards the Battery with the fresh sea wind, and the bright sunshine
and the joy of each other's presence all around them.
"Such a miraculous piece of happiness!" the young fellow ejaculated;
and his joy was so evident that Cornelia could not bear to spoil it
with any reluctances, or with half-way graciousness. She fell into his
joyous mood, and as star to star vibrates light, so his soul touched
her soul, through some finer element than ordinary life is conscious
of. A delightsome gladness was between them, and their words had such
heart gaiety, that they seemed to dance as they spoke; while the wind
blowing Cornelia's curls, and scarf, and drapery, was like a merry
playfellow.
Now Love has always something in it of the sea; and the murmur of the
tide against the pier, the hoarse voices of the sailor men, the scent
of the salt water, and all the occult unrecognized, but keenly felt
life of the ocean, were ministers to their love, and forever and ever
blended in the heart and memory of the youth and maid who had set their
early dream of each other to its potent witchery. Time went swiftly,
and suddenly Cornelia remembered that she was subject to hours and
minutes, A little fear came into her heart, and closed it, and she
said, with a troubled air, "My mother will be anxious. I had forgotten.
I must go home." So they turned northward again, and Cornelia was
silent, and the ardour of her lover was a little chilled; but yet never
before had Cornelia heard simple conversation which seemed so eloquent,
and so full of meanings--only, now and then, a few brief words; but oh!
what long, long thoughts, they carried with them!
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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