1831.] The Spirit-Seeker. 609 



costly luxuries with which I was surrounded, when I perceived her 

 return, and with her a lady of most graceful shape. I softly laid myself 

 down, and closed my eyes. I heard some one advance on tip-toe, 

 and draw aside the curtains witli a gentle hand. I looked, and I beheld 

 a youthful face, of a most bewitching beauty, gazing upon me with an 

 expression of intense interest. Her features were dark, approaching to 

 a brown ; but the hue of the rose lay glowing on her cheek, and threw 

 over it a warmth and richness I had never before seen equalled. Her 

 eyes were of the blackest hue, and of a sparkling brightness that out- 

 shone the sunbeam. A few folds of fine muslin enveloped her head, 

 from which two or three glossy curls, as dark as the raven's plume, 

 were allowed to stray. Her dress was light and graceful, ornamented 

 with curious designs, and her slim waist was bound with a belt studded 

 with jewels, on whicli was traced figures of an Indian character. 



" She blushed slightly, as I gazed on her, inquired in the most 

 winning accents after my health, and hoped that I was better, as her 

 father would be so happy to hear of my recovery. I began asking her 

 numerous questions as to where I was, and how I came there ; but she 

 commanded silence ; for, she said that talking would be injurious to 

 my health, and that in a few days her father was expected, who would 

 tell me all. She then wished me better, and left me to my own reflec- 

 tions. 



" I afterwards learnt that I had been picked up by a ship belonging 

 to her father, Avhich had discovered the burning vessel at a distance, 

 and had crouded all sail in hopes of picking up some of the sufferers. 

 None had been found but myself, whom at first they thought dead ; 

 for I remained in a state of torpitude for several days, during which I 

 was carried into port, and taken to the merchant's country-house, where 

 I then lay. They found by some papers about me who I was, and I 

 was treated with the greatest kindness by the old gentleman as soon as 

 he heard of my situation. 



" He was an East Indian merchant, and had married the daughter of 

 a native prince. She died a few years after they had been united, 

 leaving a helpless infant to his care and protection. In that child he 

 had centred all his hopes of happiness. As she grew up his affection 

 increased, and every gratification that riches could procure were pur- 

 chased for her enjoyment. All those accomplishments which render a 

 female more fascinating and extend the circle of her influence, had been 

 taught her by the best masters that could be found. When I saw her 

 she had almost completed her fifteenth year, yet appeared in the full 

 bloom of womanhood. 



" I could have loved her, with more than earthly love, but a shadow 

 dwelt upon my heart, which shut out with a veil of darkness all that 

 was fair and bright ; and I was as desolate as the first murderer. I 

 ivnproved, and recovered ; but though I possessed haleness of body, I 

 have never since bee n blessed with health of mind. In the society of 

 my kind friends, I might have enjoyed every earthly haj)piness, but 

 though they did all that friendship could do, still I was miserable, 

 1 felt a secret consciousness of some impending evil, lianging over me 

 like an everlasting shadow, and throwing a gloom over all around me. 

 Ill my hours of gaiety, it did not leave me, and I becaiuo abstracted and 

 thoughtful on all occaaions. 1 have seen and heard sigiils and sounds. 



