Page:The amorous intrigues and adventures of Aaron Burr.pdf/14

 with an air of pride and gentleness combined, which stamped her a member of the upper classes of society.

Our hero looked more than once at this charming rider, but when she drew very near, he was about to pass with a simple bow, when her lips parted, and in musical accents, she inquired:

"Pray, sir, do I not address Mr. Aaron Burr?"

Burr started with surprise, but soon recovered his self-possession, and replied:

"My name is Aaron Burr, Miss. Can I serve you in any way?"

"I beg your pardon sir," she said checking her horse, and blushing deeply; "but you have forgotten me doubtless?"

"I must have seen you before," said Burr, "though your name has slipped my recollection; nor is it strange, for my memory is very defective in the matter of names and dates."

"Angelina Dudley," said she with a sweet smile.

"Ten thousand pardons, Miss Dudley!" cried he, with animation. "I recollect you perfectly well. It was at the house of—," he paused, for he had, in truth, no recollection of ever seeing the young lady before, and her name was entirely new to him. But the young lady helped him out; for perceiving that he hesitated, she cried:

"At the house of Lord Stirling."

"Oh! forgetful dolt that I am!" resumed Burr. "I remember it was there—I—I—I—danced with you—"

"No, sir!" interrupted Angelina, laughing merrily; "we did not dance on that occasion, and as I said little, you may have but a very indistinct recollection of me; but, sir, I observed you, and was much pleased with your remarks on the subject of the aggressions of the King and Parliament."

"I am glad to hear—"

"Oh! sir, your patriotic sentiments found an echo in my heart!"

"You do me great honor, Miss, and this certainly the happiest moment of my life."

"I am glad that you are happy," said she, in a mournful tone.

"May I not hope that Miss Dudley is also happy? Ah, were she, indeed, as happy as she is beautiful—"

"Oh, sir!"

"Nay, I do not flatter. You know that I speak the truth. I do not believe that a lady is to blame when she is beautiful for being conscious of the fact."

The emotions now betrayed by this fair interlocutor, let Burr into her secret. She was silent several moments, evidently endeavoring to commanding her feelings.

"Will not Miss Dudley descend and let her horse crop the beautiful