Page:Stubbs's Calendar or The Fatal Boots.djvu/49

Rh was next door to Doctor Bates's; but I had no business there.

I found Magdalen in the garden. "Heavens, Mr. Stubbs!" said she, as in my new uniform I appeared before her, "I really did never—such a handsome officer—expect to see you." And she made as if she would blush, and began to tremble violently. I led her to a garden-seat. I seized her hand—it was not withdrawn. I pressed it;—I thought the pressure was returned. I flung myself on my knees, and then I poured into her ear a little speech which I had made on the top of the coach. "Divine Miss Crutty," said I; "idol of my soul! It was but to catch one glimpse of you that I passed through this garden. I never intended to breathe the secret passion (oh, no! of course not) which was wearing my life away. You know my unfortunate pre-engagement—it is broken, and for ever! I am free;—free, but to be your slave,—your humblest, fondest, truest slave!" and so on.

"Oh, Mr. Stubbs," said she, as I imprinted a kiss