Page:The amorous intrigues and adventures of Aaron Burr.pdf/66

 eral Putnam places upon the services of Major Burr, and the curiosity of a girl like myself should not be permitted to—"

"Nay, I was only gratifying my own curiosity at present; and the curiosity of a lady is legitimate, and has claims upon us for its gratification."

"Still, sir, I shall be best satisfied to retire," said she, casting down her eyes, and turning to descend the steps.

"If my request will avail nothing," returned Burr, "I can give you Scripture for pursuing a contrary course to that which you propose."

"Indeed, sir!" cried she all alive to hear how Scripture could apply to her movements.

"We are admonished," said Burr, "in this wise: 'Let him that is on the house-top not come down.'"

"Well, we are upon the house-top, certainly," said Miss Moncrieffe, with a light, ringing laugh, and looking at Burr with some attention; "but, sir, I can think of another Scripture, that two shall be together, and that 'one shall be taken and the other left.' I fear that yon, sir, must be the party that is left, especially as your text says, 'Let HIM(not HER) that is upon the house-top not come down."

Burr replied:

"I am unhappy that in a Scripture controversy Miss Moncrieffe should have the advantage of me, since it deprives me of her company, but I am about to retire, and since you insist that, 'one shall be left,' let it be yourself, since I know that you would not have come here if you did not wish to remain awhile, and the slightest wish of Miss Moncrieffe will always have the force, with me, of an order from head-quarters."

Burr then descended so quickly that Miss Moncrieffe found herself alone ere she was aware of it.

When Burr went to his military duties, after the above-mentioned interview with the charming English girl, he first asked himself whether Miss Moncrieffe had really wished to avoid being alone with him. What would have been more natural, thought he, than for a young lady to accept of the attentions of one of the opposite sex, who could prepare the telescope for her, point out and name the various locations and objects at which she desired to look; and, in short, pay those ordinary attentions which common gallantry requires?

"Why, then," said he, to himself, "should she be so fastidious? Why not remain with me a few moments? Certainly she is not bashful; she can be free enough when the rest of the family are present. Indeed, perhaps, the attentions of the general have turned her little head, and she thinks that any thing below a general officer ought not to meddle with her. Nay, she has seen Washington; perhaps that he has said something in her presence, that was calculated to lower me in her estimation. If I thought so—but pshaw! Why indulge suspicion,