Beyond them was the attraction that fascinated my gaze--that thing of roseate golden hue, whose shining presence seemed to light up the dark interior of the cabin--gleaming meteor-like through the interstices of the logs--now softly moving from side to side, and now, thank Heaven! gliding towards the door! Only for a moment stood she silently on the stoop--one smiling moment, and she was gone. Her fair face was once more hidden, behind the rude _jalousie_ of the logs; but the smile remained. It was mine; and lingered long within the trembling temple of my heart. CHAPTER TWENTY SEVEN. YES--YES! Towards the interior of the hut, hallowed by such lovely presence, I continued to direct my glances--with an occasional side-look, noting the movements of the two men. Whatever had been the exciting topic of discourse but the moment before, I saw that it was now changed; and that I was myself the subject of their conversation. This I could tell by their looks and gestures--evidently bearing upon me and my business. Conscious that I was observing them--and as if desirous of conferring more privately--they passed round to the rear of the cabin; where for the time they were out of my sight, as well as hearing. So far from regretting this movement, it was just what I desired: it left me free to continue the pleasant espionage in which I had become engaged. New more boldly my eyes explored the dark interior of the hut--more freely roamed my glance along the interstices of the logs. Gladly should I have gone up to the doorway--fain would I have been to enter--had I not been restrained; but delicacy, and something more stood in the way; and I was forced to keep my ground. Again I saw the bright form flitting within. Gliding gently across the floor--as if on tiptoe, and by stealth--the young girl stood for a while near the back-wall of the cabin. Close behind this, the two men were conversing. Did she go there to listen? She might easily hear what was said: I could myself distinguish the voices, and almost the words. She remained motionless; and, as well as I could judge, in an attitude of attention--her head lowered, and her body bent slightly forward. I was forming conjectures as to her motive, when I saw her moving away from the spot. In another instant, she appeared in the doorway--this time evidently with some design, as her manner clearly betokened. For a moment she stood upon the stoop, fronting towards me--but with her face averted, and her eyes by a side-glance directed towards the rear of the hut. She appeared to look and listens--as if noting the position of the men; and then, seemingly satisfied that she was not herself observed, she suddenly faced round, and came running towards me!