Page:Narrative of a captivity and adventures in France and Flanders between the years 1803 and 1809.djvu/229

 advanced, and modestly led me up to her cousin, who, with a graceful affability, presented her hand, faltering something quite unintelligible; nor could I divine the mystery of this scene, until she wished me a safe arrival in the bosom of my family. It being evident, by this observation, that she had been entrusted with the secret of my disguise, we drew very cosily round the fire, and I amused them with my history,

"Wherein I spoke of most disastrous chances, Of moving accidents, by flood and field:"

which seemed to excite so lively an interest, that Julie entered into the spirit of the plot, with as much warmth and ardour as her cousin, and determined upon asking her mother's permission to return with us to Bruges; but it was not granted. The next day, Neirinks not appearing, I strutted about the town, with the ladies under my arm; visited all the fashionable promenades, and, in the evening, went to the theatre: towards the close of the performance, Neirinks came in; we escorted the