Page:The amorous intrigues and adventures of Aaron Burr.pdf/16

 beyond a projection of the road, beheld his worthy friend, the Rev. Dr. Bellamy, riding towards the spot, with saddle-bags, umbrella, and the other accutrements for a journey.

The reverend gentleman was close upon the enamored pair, and there was not a moment to lose; Burr raised the young lady to her feet, smoothed down her dress, and taking a book from his pocket, began walking along by the side of the girl, as if discanting upon the contents of the volume, in conjunction with the beauties of nature.

Angelina understood this manœuvre, and acted her part as well as she could, but her countenance was very pale when Dr. Bellamy came up. The latter recognized the youth immediately, and reined in his steed.

"You here, doctor!" exclaimed Burr. "I am right glad to see you!"

He then seized the doctor's extended hand, and pressed it cordially. The doctor expressed himself highly pleased at the encounter.

"All in good time," said he. "I was on my way to the house of your uncle, my friend Edwards, and you can point me out the exact spot, for I must confess that this region is entirely new to me."

At the same time, the reverend doctor glanced at Angelina, who had sunk down upon a rock, and at her horse, who was enjoying the largest liberty among the long grass and wild flowers.

"This is Miss Brown," said Burr, quickly; "she has experienced a fright: her horse ran away with her—"

"Indeed!" cried the doctor, innocently. "He seems quiet enough now. Are you not afraid to trust him alone?"

"Oh, no sir, he sometimes gets frightened, and runs, after which he is quite docile. I fear that the effects of Miss Brown's alarm will be serious; if you will permit me to get some water—"

The doctor eyed the young man closely.

"You were reading a volume to her—"

"Oh, yes, sir!" cried Burr, who perceived that he was caught. "I was telling her to be composed, and read some thing to her which was calculated to confirm her trust in the protecting care of Divine Providence."

"I am glad to find that the hours you spent in my library have not been without their good fruits," said Bellamy. "You have then become a sincere believer, at least, in an over-ruling Providence?"

"I think it good policy to refer those to the 'good book,' who have been educated in its precepts, like Miss Brown," said Burr, "as I would refer a Mahometan to the Koran—"

"But, pray, get the water you spoke of for the young lady, who may be suffering while we discuss theological questions," said the doctor.

"The devil! What sent the old curse here just at the critical mo-