Page:Records of the Life of the Rev. John Murray.djvu/93

Rh difficulty I could take my eyes from her! I was confounded, I changed my seat, that I might not behold her, and, when thus addressed by Mr. Neale, I responded by asking where his sister was seated, when he pointed to the fascinating figure, who had so imposingly attracted my attention. "That young lady, sir, is Miss Neale—my sister; she has long wished for an opportunity of seeing you; I am happy that she is now gratified." An introduction was in course; I had much to say through the evening, and my friend declared I had never spoken better. I addressed the throne of grace; my own heart was softened, and the hearts of my audience were softened also. I returned home, but the beauteous image of the sister of my friend accompanied me! I could not for a moment exclude the lovely intruder from my imagination. I was alarmed; I wept, I prayed, but every effort was fruitless; the more I strove to forget her, the more she was remembered. I was impatient to behold her again, yet I most devoutly wished we had never met. I was convinced my peace, my happiness were forever fled! This was truly astonishing; I had recently been so positive, that the combined sex did not possess the power to engage my attention for a single moment. Some time elapsed, during which the captivating engrosser of my heart never relinquished, no, not for a single instant, that entire possession, which she had taken of my imagination; when, after an evening lecture, while the congregation were quitting the meeting-house, a lady, who kept a boarding-school for young ladies, requested I would pass the next evening at her house, as her young people were to collect their friends, and she wished some one to introduce religious conversation. I had no inclination to accept this invitation, and I accordingly made my excuses; but the good lady continued to press me, and added, I expect Miss Neale will be of the party. Of this imposing article of intelligence, I experienced the full force; but I endeavoured to disguise my emotions; and, the request being once more repeated, I consented, and returned home, notwithstanding all my resolutions, transported with the prospect of once more beholding the dear object of my admiration. That I was now become a real lover, there could be no doubt. I was early at the place appointed, and my enraptured heart danced with joy, when I once more beheld the triumphant fair one; I was happy to observe, that she regarded me with marked attention, but her predilection was rather for the Christian, than the man. I was, however, beyond expression elated, and my conversation partook of the elevation of my soul. The evening was nothing; it was gone, ere I was sensible it had well commenced. Eliza,