The old sea-dog, his father, was absent at
the time; but returned before the infant was four weeks old. The
nurse described the meeting of husband and wife as very lover-like
and tender on his part, but with scarcely a sign of feeling on hers.
She did not repel him, nor turn from him; but received his caresses
with the manner of one in whom all quick emotion had died. And so it
continued between them--he thoughtful and assiduous, and she cold,
and for the most part silent. But, to her babe, the young mother was
passionate at times in her loving demonstrations. The pent up waters
of feeling gave way in this direction, and poured themselves out,
often, in a rushing flood. Towards all others she bore herself with
a calm, sweet dignity of manner, that captivated the heart, and made
it sigh for a better acquaintance with one around whom mystery had
hung a veil that no hand but her own could push aside--and that hand
was never lifted.
The next event in the Allen House, noted by the people, was the
birth of a daughter. The same nurse was called in, who remained the
usual time, and then retired; bearing with her a history of the
period, which she related, very confidentially, at tea-tables, and
in familiar gossip with choice spirits of her own.
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